I remember traveling to the United Kingdom for one of my first true tech sales jobs.

It was my first Account Executive role at Rivo Software.

My first time out of the country for work.

My first time in Europe.

I kept pinching myself.

Wow. I can’t believe I’m getting paid to go to another country.

Growing up, we didn’t come from a lot of money.

We didn’t travel much.

A few weddings here and there. And honestly, I was grateful for that.

But somewhere along the way, I picked up a quiet belief.

That travel was for “rich” people.

For other families.

For other lives.

So maybe it sounds strange, but I love airports.

They still feel special to me.

You meet interesting people.

You overhear stories you wouldn’t anywhere else.

You feel movement. Possibility. Perspective.

Whether it’s a Sales Kickoff at TriNet or LinkedIn,

a work trip to Berlin,

or any opportunity to experience another culture,

I feel deeply grateful every single time.

I don’t take it for granted.

What once made me envious as a kid now fills me with perspective.

And gratitude runs deep because I remember what it was like before this was normal.

Sometimes all it takes is sitting down, pausing, and taking a breath.

Thanking God for the memories.

For the access.

For the journey.

Because when you remember where you started,

even an airport gate can feel like a blessing.

Curious.

Does anyone else feel this way about travel or is it just me?