Faith, one of the elements that in my list is top right priority along with my Family, notice we talk about Faith, not a specific religion, that will be your choice. My Faith is stronger as I get older, a younger mind is… well, you know that. I am catholic, first because my parents baptized me but as an adult, it is the religion that gives me comfort, I feel God in my heart, not in a place, but I love hearing more people, like Dalai Lama, I love hearing other church messages, Buddhists, Jewish, they all touched me, and amaze me in their efforts to reach out to people’s hearts and share the Gospel.
I want to share this Young priest message in regards to the moment we are living, where abuse of power and racism have been uncovered once more for the world to see, but this time finally I believe the voices are heard.
You don’t have to be catholic or agree with anything of the church, I am sharing because his message is very clear and universal.
Always grateful for giving me your time;
Cessy F Meacham
A Vanguard Travel Entrepreneur-Senior Contributor TripAdvisor
“Life is about growing, making a difference and collecting moments of happiness”
*F8 is my Journey and my Lifestyle, the key to happiness is being mindful of these 8 life elements: Family-Faith-Friends-Fitness/Health-Fund/GiveBack-Food-Fun-Fulfillment
Have you ever wonder who write the messages on the churches billboards?
I am not sure how is in your town but i find them fun and inspirational.
(it would make a nice tattoo)
In our F8 Lifestyle, we have Faith as one of the elements, in my case Family and Faith are both in first priority. The idea is to embrace your Faith, in whichever religion God speaks to you, I develop a habit to start my day acknowledging God for a new day, for the great opportunity to serve others through him. Next, I get my phone….. Yes, because I love the Bible App, it prompts the verse of the day and other cool stuff to watch and track your consistency. After listening to what God wants me to hear that day, I move onto walking or riding my bike, moving onto the next F8, Fitness, and wellness.
The video I will share (don’t judge me) is taken in my hometown in Indian Harbor Beach Fl. at the end of a 6-mile bike ride, sweaty and tired, but hustling! and it records all the messages the church display, don’t mind the chipmunk voice I had because I had to speed the video so you won’t fall asleep on me.
How do you practice your faith??
One of my favorites quotes and mantra
F8 JOURNEYS
“Life is about growing, making a difference and collecting moments of happiness”
*F8 is my Journey and my Lifestyle, the key to happiness is being mindful of these 8 life elements: Family-Faith-Friends-Fitness/Health-Fund/GiveBack-Food-Fun-Fulfillment
Cessy Meacham is a Travel Professional offering travel packages. Each year special tours hosted by Travel with Cessy share her love of each destination. Cessy is a charismatic person with a flare for fun. To find out more of her coming tours check
On Friday , I followed the Via Crucis, all 14 the stations, with Pope Francis , the prayers and the messages of a convict, a mother, a daughter, a wrongly convicted, a judge, testimonials of people living their own calvary.
I was Impressed and deeply emotional following the message, especially the moment of Jesus death, my heart skip a beat, and I was breathless for a moment, I dropped on my knees, crying, perhaps for all the suffering on the cross, but also for our nation and the world.
My faith grows as I get older, even knowing is an imperfect church, I profess my Faith to the Catholic Church.
My religion is an inheritance from the Spanish conquistadores, Peru my country is mostly catholic by tradition, I heard that my mother who I barely met, because she die when I was 4, was very strict to the old traditions, praying rosaries, fasting, Holy Week was days and days of mourn in the house.
I am catholic because it feels right, As a kid, the kids on my neighborhood all joined the local church chorus , it was called “dust angels” nothing I wanted most than Sundays, when we could get into this beautiful hooded, like blue tunics, entering the church , side by side with the priest, to sing for our local church mass. I could not sing, actually I am a terrible singer, but that never stopped me from singing.
Miss Elsa and Professor Juan, they are the mentors I never got to thank, for including me in their project, in their passion for music and to encourage kids to believe in God, stay out of trouble, I learned to play a little accordion while participating in the chorus and Also in the “Tuna” , not the fish but a musical group, this name comes from Spain, a Tuna Studiantina, is a group from a university who plays instruments and sings as they walk, the tradition comes from the 13th century and they usually wear the traditional university emblems and capes, and is very animated. I like this video, although I encourage you to check the “Tuna de Valladolid”
If it wasn’t from them, I probably wouldn’t feel the way I feel about religion, because after my mom die, my dad didn’t practice any religion at home, never went to mass, so the conviction of having a father in heaven who watches, protects me and is waiting for me at the end of my days was mostly influenced by my friends in the neighborhood.
Later in life, when my dad was older, he joined us, in our sacraments, our kids sacraments and attended mass with us. The next video made me think of him;
My dad baptized us all
my baptism in Mexico Godmother on the left Bertha Ore de Lira , my mother on the right Teresa de Jesus Coronado back then the memo was to not smile. I guess…
I stayed in my church because I get inspired , because my relationship with God, his Son and the Holy Spirit have always being pure, and personal, I know I am loved and I am an instrument of his love. I believe in the power of the risen son of God.
F8 Journeys is a life philosophy, all these elements that I am tirelessly sharing since 2015 when I had this vision, seating in a pew in church, when I was in despair, husband was lay off, I lost 90% of my business, I was betrayed, I sat and draw a circle in the Sunday’s church paper, meaning a whole, I did not wanted to be broke, and I wrote the things that fulfill my heart and life, all these 8 hashtags in F8 living, are a simple reminder that Life, is what we make, what we believe, what we give, what we eat, with whom we spent time, what we do, who we praised, what we enjoy.
How is your F8?
Cessy Meacham
A Vanguard Travel Entrepreneur
Senior Contributor TripAdvisor
“Life is about growing, making a difference and collecting moments of happiness”
*F8 is my Journey and my Lifestyle, the key to happiness is being mindful of these 8 life elements: Family-Faith-Friends-Fitness/Health-Fund/GiveBack-Food-Fun-Fulfillment
Cessy Meacham is a Travel Professional offering travel packages. Each year special tours hosted by Travel with Cessy share her love of each destination. Cessy is a charismatic person with a flare for fun. To find out more of her coming tours check
I am a firm believer, that switching focus, to the things you want, makes a big difference in the results of what you are pursuing.
Have you noticed it? when you get a new car, or any other article, all of a sudden you spot many of the same cars you have or many of the articles you just got? When we shift our focus we find more of it!!
there are lots of tests to prove this point,
We are now in week 7 of the Pandemic COVID19, making the entire world spin round and round, but feels like spinning in the opposite direction.
Nothing is or will be the same, the unthinkable is now a reality, from health, economy, politics, work, studies, every angle you look, has been affected and for some people affected forever.
As of today the, We, the United States tops the list of number of cases infected.
About 6.6 million people are jobless , most in the Tourism sector, as Hotels, Restaurants, flights, cruises, trains are restricted or canceled until further notice.
So what are the Good News to share?
The World’s population. approximately 7.6 BILLION
The USA Population approximately 320 MILLION
The Day by day, the heroic job of first responders, to save lives, their efforts and long hours of sacrifices made possible
279 Thousand Lives Saved !!!!
People that can return to their loved ones, thanks to them.
Focusing in the many people voluntering in street curves to feed kids missing their only meal provided in school.
Focusing in the many companies now focusing in manufacturing hand sanitizers, masks, and everything that can help protect us from getting and contaminate others.
Focusing on the many people sharing what they have, food , supplies and helping others with the infamous toilet paper shortage.
Focusing on First responders and how to bring a smile
What can I do for First responders?
When I saw these pictures, I could not stop the tears, I let it all out, I cried and prayed for the things I see and the ones I can’t even imagine.
This post encouraged me to make an offer, the biggest treasure I have, is the sunrise, sunsets, and sandy toes, and I thought I could open my humble home to nurses and first responders that might need and cannot afford a Florida Escape, this is for you the nurses and doctors who are working around the clock.
If you served as a first responder in this Pandemic, Connect with me, and I can help you to have something to look forward, my visit my little patch of heaven, when this is all over!
See, there are many Good News!!! It is easy to get sucked in the news, the Media jobs are to inform, but most importantly to keep your attention, sadly they know the more scary and controversial, the more attention they get.
Don’t allow yourself to fall in their whirlwind, they know how to captivate the “influenceable”. Don’t allow fear, block your ability to act, and put yourself at service.
The good news is that you get to choose where to stand, what to think, how to protect yourself, your family and your loved ones.
Always remember Yin Yang, nothing is absolute, even if you think everything is bad and dark, there is ALWAYS something good, something bright. and in the same balance of life, that something that looks so Good and bright ( grass is not always greener on the other side) it could always be that little something that is bad and dark. Choose to focus and stand on the bright and good side of things,
“Life is about growing, making a difference and collecting moments of happiness” – Cessy Meacham
*F8 is my Journey and my Lifestyle, the key to happiness is
being mindful of these 8 life elements: Family-Faith-Friends-Fitness/Health-Fund/GiveBack-Food-Fun-Fulfillment
Cessy Meacham is a Travel Professional offering travel packages. Each year special tours hosted by Travel with Cessy share her love of each destination. Cessy is a charismatic person with a flare for fun. To find out more of her coming tours check
It is helpful to keep a routine to achieve the things that matter, your relationships with Good, Food and your body and spirit must be nurtured, paying attention to each area, every day DO a little something about living In F8 !!! An example of a morning routine I try to practice daily is; As soon as you wake up; 1- Open your eyes as you are aware of your body movements start by thanking God for another day alive, another day you can see and move your arms open wide and close them in a small prayer a 2- I open my Bible App, and press the audio for the YouVersion Bible and hear the verse of the day. It allows you to create or save an image (shared in this post) Another App I use is called The Five-minute Journal, where you can write 3 things you are thankful each day, and track your purpose of being grateful, (key to happiness) #FAITH 3-This time is best to take care of your body. Workout, when I can walk I try 3 miles a day, or if not I try to do the 7minute workout App, something that helps with your health. Jumping Jax, squats. Any movement is crucial #FITNESS #wellness 4- because all my family is on to their days early, I don’t get to see them all so we opt for a family chat, I try to post for them a positive message, a photo memory of a nice trip or anything that makes them feel they are loved. The chat is mostly for fun and uplift #FAMILY 5- Time for showering and getting ready to work, doing our best to be productive and succeed in a job I love #FULFILLMENT 6- catch up with greetings and catch up with #FRIENDS 7- planning meals is the best way to eat right, every day, weekends are best to make some planning #FOOD
Every day we can practice philanthropy, giving doesn’t always translate into huge amounts of money, Giving your time is even most precious, be an activist in your own causes, choose one that fulfills your heart, there are many ways to help, get involved by educating yourself, being an advocate and donating what you can. #FUND #Giveback Throughout the process make sure you have #FUN choose to have fun, choose gratitude and choose to live life for what matters, Be proud of your life Journey, build your happiness #F8journeys
This decade marks an unprecedented record of highs and lows in my life,
A decade where I left my amazing 40’s, to enter my 50’s, I felt for the first time what success means in a 360 degree, feeling my best physically, mentally and financially.
A decade where I traveled around 6 continents, and more than a dozen times to my beloved Italy.
A decade where my kids were no longer kids and parenting teenagers brought as many tears of joy as of tears of pain, oh boy there is no manual or friends warnings that can prepare you, is hard to watch the flesh of your flesh making their choices, understanding and not stepping in, that they are the only ones that can create their own story. I learned so much about myself, my tolerance and my ability to change. They are my everything and being their mother is the best pride of my life.
Half into the decade, I had one of the biggest set back in business, a betrayal that hurt deeply, from an employee and from a client, Loyalty broke, and 2 previous years on their work that ultimate, cost me the lose 75% of my business, very hard lesson in Life. It wasn’t the first time I was betrayed but this time this made my life turn into a whole new vision.
In the face of such a devastating event, I did what everyone would do; sell it all and travel the world!!! ( well maybe not everyone)
The memories and bonding of traveling together for 10+ months were beyond anything I could ever dream, the tough times or exhausting days are forgotten, the legacy and spiritual fulfillment are priceless.
In this decade, I met people from all cultures, and backgrounds, and beliefs, there were people in my world that fulfill my heart over and again,
I love deeply,
Carpe diem!
Also, there were people that betray friendship, abuse my generosity, and deceive me,
I cried deeply.
After our return from the trip, without working for a year, we faced many challenges, so many I can write a couple of books about it, the two most difficult we faced, teenage parental issues, and financial difficulties, in tough times you test yours and partner’s will power and your Faith.
That’s life, in all those moments, I always had my family and friends who never fail to support and encourage me, and my hard desire to always move forward.
And they did move forward.
Turning 50 in this decade was very interesting, half-century! Dang!
I enjoyed every second of my October month celebration but make no mistake, ’50s come to make their mark. Away they go my cool sunglasses, replaced now by whatever pharmacy readers I can find, away they go the days I could get back in shape with one or two days of adjusting meals, now forget it… away they go long periods without needing to do anything to my always long, healthy and shiny hair, now handfuls of hair loss, dying gray and trims come closer and closer in the months, you look at your face in the mirror every morning, staring at the wrinkles making themselves at home, and you just wonder, so this is the 50’s
But, at the end of the day, EVERYTHING is a state of mind, yes all those things happen, mainly hurt our Ego, but putting what matters in perspective, makes aging “problems” look like a comedy.
Mentally I can’t find any darn age difference, in all honesty even in the last 3 decades, I feel the same young and free-spirited person. Although my body says otherwise.
My life is so eventful, I mean it, I never stop, never a dull moment, check my Facebook pages, I am even amazed of all the stuff I am involved with, You wouldn’t have enough hours in a year to catch up with the posts of hundreds of places, and events I attended, groups I conduct, learning and conferences I go, and the hundreds of photos and videos in Youtube and other channels, let’s don’t forget the hundreds of selfies, and my famous “Jumps” all over the world. Truth is, I love documenting the moment, it helps me to remember where I was and what was I doing.
I am so thankful for this decade!!! it gave me clarity of my purpose, (F8 Journeys) it strength my Faith and my love for God, I feel so aligned with him, and so loved by him, this decade made me more centered and wiser.
My husband, the boys and I went through many ups and downs, although these photos show the fun and excitement, you all know, we are like any other family, human with good and bad, there were many tears among these years, many arguments, resentfulness, let downs, and days you feel you can’t bear things anymore, I guess not allowing those feeling overpower the conviction that we are a family and so far we survived as such, together through any storm.
Hermanas Fiestas, Primos Cabrejos, and families
*Fiestas *Perez *Murillo *Lageaux *Meacham
The Meacham Circus
I am so excited for 2020, I know God has amazing adventures, and missions for me. I am already envisioning a more steady way to support Charity Water, in its mission to provide water to every community around the world and to stop children from dying of contaminated water. Charity water helps remote tribes from having to walk 6 hours to collect a bucket of water, I am so committed to continuing helping donating $8 dollars for each client, F8 Journeys Philosophy and plan to combined this effort with my waste reduction and climate change support.
Happy New Year!!!! I will say it again HAPPY new year, happiness is a mindset, no matter the circumstances choose to be happy, choose to smile, even better choose to laugh out loud.
I wish you clarity, Patience, Health, Love and lots of Money!!!!
Cessy Meacham is an Avant Guard Travel Advisor, offering travel packages and vacation hot spots around the world.
Travel experiences led by Cessy, sharing her love for travel and her local connections, where history, art, culinary and sustainability meet indulgence, exploration, philanthropy and lots of fun.
I am in a workshop with the awesome platform SKILLSHARE, and part of the workshop is to complete projects related to the topics we are learning with awesome marketers and influencer in their fields. The first one is identifying your True and unique style, for that, we were asked on challenge #1 to list 15 identities, If you want to know more about this class, I can give you a link with 2 months free to check it out.
below , my assignment.
For the 1st assignment I came up with about 5 of them that easily came to mind, when I got stuck, I did what everyone does, created a Facebook poll and asked my friends, so here they are all combined:
*WARNING* if you are the one that have a headache when you see typos or grammatical errors, kindly and lovingly move to the next project. I tend to make up words 🙂
1- TIRELESS EXPLORER – of the world and my inner self.
2- FUN FLAIR EXPERT – never a dull moment
3- CONFIDENT – this was the biggest identity given in the FB poll.
4- THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY MIND- Resourceful
5- GIVER – if I have I share, I know I will get double, no dummy here.
6- ENTHUSIASTIC- give me a new travel project and I am all in!
7- RADIANT – another FB voted identity- I guess always dress up, make up on and big smile make it happen.
8-OUTGOING- never fear to talk to strangers they are a source of inspiration.
9-LEADER – since 1st grade, teacher: who wants to start… ME ME ME !!!
10-DRIVEN -THE NEVER EVER EVER EVER GIVE UP GIRL – like Will Smith video, “I am not afraid to die on a treadmill”
11-PASSIONISTA- I had so many passions that i should have 10 lives in many parts of the world
12-STUBBORNIST – when you are young is great, you know because you know and you are right and is all good, you get older and you are stubborn about where you left your glasses, or your phone, and you know because you know you left them in the table, but yet you have glasses in your head and phone in your hand.
13-FRIENDLY -BFF is my religion I will put my friends over my husband, kidding -not, if you are my friend you start at the top BFF, then time will tell if you keep the rank, or downgrade to BF, F, I , (the I is the rank for people to Ignore)
14- PROCRASTINATOR- so, apparently there is a scientific explanation, see, I am not the more right brain or left brain gal, mine is equally R/L, so both fight all the time, and I can’t get anything done, ( excuses, excuses) I like more the: Perfectionists are usually procrastinators version. Therefore, Tara (Teacher) Can I be excused for my late Skillshare homework?)
15-PERUVIAMERICANA- A blend of the best of both worlds, PERU & USA equally patriotic to defend and show proudly the flags.
“Life is about growing, making a difference and collecting moments of happiness”
*F8 is a Lifestyle and a Journey, the key to happiness! #LiveinF8 -Family -Friends -Faith -Fitness -Fulfillment -Fund/Give -Fun -Food
A few years ago, I attended the New York Times Travel Show, A show that averages 25k to 30k attendees during the 3-day show. Normally I only attended the show on the Travel Trade dates, when suppliers from around the world showcase their travel destinations, hotels and activities to us the Travel Advisors, That year, in particular, I decided to stay in New York a few more days, I was at the event with one of my business partners from Italy, and attended the events over the weekend geared to travelers or as I will call them in this blog; consumers.
NY TIMES TRAVEL SHOW
As we chosen the topics of interest, we split our time into a few seminars.
Little we know that day, we were set for a big surprise.
The topics were something like “how to travel the world like the 1%” “the power of influencers” “what is trending” etc.
After the sessions at the end of the day, my Italian partner and I could not believe the amount of misleading or not fully accurate information given there, He realized then why most of the travelers he received on his end, are misinformed.
The rooms were full with eager travelers taking notes.
To give you a few examples one “expert” talking about Peru, told people to stay in Cusco first to acclimate the altitude before going to Machu Picchu. when on the contrary the altitude in Cusco is actually much higher than the altitude in Machu Picchu, Another thing we consider misinformation, is to encourage travelers to drive in Italy, we are not saying is not possible, but Driving in Italy, specially in Rome or the Amalfi Coast is quite challenging, not only for the narrow roads but also the traffic rules, and different signs, is definitely NOT recommended for first time travelers wanting to enjoy the sites , they did not make the exceptions while talking to the audience, In another full session, of “Travel experts” in the panel, consumers, were asking many questions, concerns, but mostly problems they encounter, one example, a lady was charged 3 times the same trip, and had 1 year back and forward trying to get her problem solved, she did not get any hopes or answers to her losses.
On the Travel free like the 1%, the “Travel Education network” was “educating” consumers to charge , charge and charge, so they can have the points to travel for free in first class, etc, etc, etc. Although I know utilizing loyalty points has some benefits, I found this irresponsible to make believe that this is for everyone.
At the end of one of the sessions, and thinking of that poor lady, I approached one panelist and asked, Why they couldn’t suggest this lady and others than in the future they could use a Travel Advisor to be protected, and help them all, because most of the problems these consumers could’ve been avoided just by having a Travel advisor. The answer was obvious, She said, “we are not interested in Travel agents” Duh! What was I thinking? to ask such a stupid question, the panel of experts of Yahoo Travel, Trip Advisors and others, will not be interested because they sell travel to consumers, they want them to buy with them online.
Above and below, snapshot of our business listings, “The partner does not support your business type”
The real Trip advisors are humans who work on Travel for a living, The Real Trip advisor, books a minimum average of 600 trips a year, and service hundreds of travelers to all destinations, The Real Trip Advisor spends an average $8k a year in education and Travels an average of 12 times a year. Is very hard for us to see consumers being encouraged to “DIY” their trips, missing out in custom-made vacations, just because large corporations can advertise in huge ways, and use the sales pressure tricks on them, such as “last 2 rooms left” or 60% off price, etc, to get their payments quick. Most of the time, we see plenty of inventory, but the consumers do not have the tools to know, they simply cannot, but we can.
Our biggest challenge is not the internet, Our biggest challenge is to Educate the consumer of their REAL choices when traveling.
The purpose of this blog is precisely that, to educate consumers, This show like many others do have great information, you can visit the Tourism board booth and get priceless information on a country, cities, and activities, Choose wisely when making the most likely, highest expense of the year, and the precious family memories. Choose a local professional in the field to advice on the best vacation created for you.
Make 2019 the year of Travel experiences, The year you choose your local Travel Agent to help you when a sale comes up, and all along, The year you travel to visit that relative that haven’t see you in years, The year you commit to your bucket list, The year you start bonding with a family travel reunion tradition.
Travel Professionals are the Real Trip Advisors, but we are just not listed as such, in the most popular Travel research sites.
TRAVEL ENHANCES YOUR HEALTH, KNOWLEDGE AND ADAPTABILITY
Cessy Meacham CTIE Embrace your F8 : Family, Faith, Friends, Fitness Fund/GiveBack, Food, Fun, Fulfillment www.AnytimeBookings.com Cessy Meacham is a Travel Advisor, offering travel packages and vacation hot spots around the world. Each year special tours hosted by Cessy sharing her love and local connections in each destination.
Cessy is a charismatic person with a flair for fun. To find out more on her guided Tours check : F8 JOURNEYS BY CESSY
Like every human being, I have lots of challenges, disappointments, pains, and aches, This week I choose to focus on the good things that happen in between, those tiny great things that don’t shine bright like a Diamond (ha!)
We merely focus on the bad, the “everything happens to me, poor me” why? because we are wired to avoid pain and we create habits of nagging instead of bringing up the best of the situation.
This week, I decided to look into the cracks, and pull those little things, unnoticeable that are simple but fulfilling.
Driving my son to school
I am grateful because I get to drive my son to school every day, (when I am not traveling) and even though my body wishes to stay in bed a little longer, I get to seat with him, hear his lousy and sometimes filthy lyrics songs (he gets a “latina mom” punch every time I hear a bad word), the fact that I can see and hug my children is to be grateful, how many with the crazy word we have cannot say the same? because they lost theirs to a senseless school shooting?
We overlook and take for granted.
Mea culpa, some days all I do is nagging about the undone chores, and complain.
#family #fulfillment
Friends
this week also, I appreciate the visit of a friend, I was grateful to see that although lives have changed drastically and lived in different cities, we were able to catch up and share our mind and soul in one delicious sushi lunch, I am grateful for #Friends.
Scholarship class
Today I receive a response from an online educational site that they grant me one year of membership after my essay request. I am so happy I will be able to learn some skills for my business that are so much needed. It was not a fortune, I am not talking about a college scholarship, but to me means a lot, I will need to be accountable on the classes I use, and the time I take to finish the courses. These are just 3 simples things happened this week, among the many things to deal with at work and in the family, but knowing that noticing them, the gratitude filled my heart with happiness.
#thankful #alwayslearning #growht #fulfillment
We forget to be grateful because we empower the negative things in our days, we spent time discussing peoples behavior, instead of spend time in ourselves, creating habits of seeing the bright side of things.
We forget to be grateful because being grateful takes practice, to verbalize and even write it all up, is a habit we need to patiently create, it might take years, to remember to be grateful, like remembering to brush your
teeth.
To create this habit I use an App called #5minutejournal, is a beautiful way to keep track of your day and the things you are thankful for.
I am now planting the seeds and making my boys practice this every Sunday, I ask them to show me the picture of the week and the 3 things they are thankful for. Believe me, they roll their eyes and try to find all excuses no avoid it, I have to stay consistent in requesting those 2 things because I truly believe this will help them in their future, even when I cannot longer be by their side.
I hope your days are filled with gratitude, and by recognizing those simple pleasures your days will be happier, brighter, like a sunrise in a clear sky!
I am grateful to you for reading my blog!
F8 is a Lifestyle and a Journey, the key to happiness balancing Family-Faith-Friends-Fitness-Fund/Give-Back-Food-Fun-Fulfillment)
Yesterday I returned from a two weeks amazing education trip in South Africa, Still adjusting from Zulu Time Zone, I woke up today at 3 am,
I couldn’t resist to grab my laptop and started clearing some emails and making my Monday ToDo list.
Then I catch up with the world news. Is easy to get down with some of the news, especially seeing the latest shooting in another North American School, and yet another tragic teenager taking the life of schoolmates.
Seems like more people were interested in the Royal wedding than the terrible losses of lives in Santa Fe Texas.
Besides any position you might have about gun controls, the truth is that our Youth is susceptible to fall quickly into, peer pressure, bullying, depression, or uncontrollable anger. the combination of that mental state and the easy access to drugs and guns makes it a fatal combination.
Why can’t we see Mental Health same way as Physical Health or Biological health?
How many years, How much money or How many lives need to be taken before we all realized that we are destroying ourselves by not taking action about this epidemic.
There is always hope, I admire the efforts of many people around the world seeing the way I see, Understanding that working right on the source could save lives.
That place is: In the family
I firmly believe that the values and confidence created at home is the way to stop violence and mental health issues in the future.
I am sure this can be debatable as many professionals are telling me that some of this conditions are chemical imbalances and they need to be medicated, but my heart and guts tell me differently, I believe we are created equal and in God’s image, and parents and caregivers have the moral and obligation to strengthen the values, and family bonding, to create that level of confidence that a kid shall not look for guns to terminate their pain, and kids can be kids.
I believe living in F8 as explained in previous blogs is the key to a better life of fulfillment and inner peace.
She has been passionate about teaching kids locally and abroad about their TAGS, (Talents, Abilities & Gifts)
And going back to the Royals, I didn’t mean to undermine the beautiful wedding of Prince Harry and Actress Meghan Markle, but getting to my point I also admire them for their amazing leadership, with their foundation helping awareness about Mental Health.
This hour interview with the now Princes and Princesses can give you the same feelings of hope that we need. Including Sustainable Travel.
Final words, take initiative, be the inspiration, make a rule to make 1 act of kindness a day, seek for the “loners” and bring a smile today.
22 school shootings only this year have to stop, remember the “Power of One” One CAN make a difference and change the world.
The thing is that people DO talk about Mental Health issues, the problem is the majority chooses not to listen or what is worse choose not to act on it.
To uplift our day here is a video of these awesome kids we encountered while visiting the Sky Car at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Seeing them having so much fun, made me reflect on our youth in North America and gave me hope to see
On Earth day (and every day) I want to spread awareness, to do everything possible to save mother earth, from our own harm. Doing a little part small or big, we can all do something to keep the earth clean, to protect the animals, to help the people!
Part of our F8 Lifestyle is to Fund, to be Philanthropist, giving, caring and F for Fulfillment, Wouldnt feel great to know we left the world a better place?
Sometimes it feels like only government or large corporations make a difference, but the truth is, that corporation needs us to survive if WE don’t support their practices or products. WE DO have control over the things we buy, deforestation can be reduced by using alternative products to wood, how about avoiding plastic, there are millions of people living plastic free, asking to only reduce the consumption, using cloth napkins instead of paper, eliminate the use of straws, use recycle bags when shopping, and many other ways, we CAN make a change, is just hard to do it alone, but together we can make a change.
Would you take the challenge and join a meetup group in your area or create a new one with the purpose to remember Earth more often than April 22?
I picked the Earth song from Michael Jackson, lyrics and videos are rather painful, but for the occasion, I believe is a must to see it, this song is 20+ years old, and the question keeps sounding loud;
Michael Jackson’s Earth song is rather painful, but it is a reminder of what is truly happening
What about sunrise
What about rain
What about all the things that you said
We were to gain
What about killing fields
Is there a time
What about all the things
That you said were yours and mine
Did you ever stop to notice
All the blood we’ve shed before
Did you ever stop to notice
This crying Earth, these weeping shores
Aah, ooh
What have we done to the world
Look what we’ve done
What about all the peace
That you pledge your only son
What about flowering fields
Is there a time
What about all the dreams
That you said was yours and mine
Did you ever stop to notice
All the children dead from war
Did you ever stop to notice
This crying earth, these weeping shores
Aah, ooh
Aah, ooh
I used to dream
I used to glance beyond the stars
Now I don’t know where we are
Although I know we’ve drifted far
Aah, ooh
Aah, ooh
Aah, ooh
Aah, ooh
Hey, what about yesterday
(What about us)
What about the seas
(What about us)
The heavens are falling down
(What about us)
I can’t even breathe
(What about us)
What about apathy
(What about us)
Drowning in the seas
(What about us)
What about the promised land
Preachin’ what I believe
(What about us)
What about the holy land
(What about it)
What about the greed
(What about us)
Where did we go wrong
Someone tell me why
(What about us)
What about baby boy
(What about him)
What about the days
(What about us)
What about all their joy
Do we give a damn
Aah, ooh
Aah, ooh
Songwriter: Michael Jackson
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Embrace your F8 : Family, Faith, Friends, Fitness, Fund (GiveBack), Food, Fun, Fulfillment
F8 is a Lifestyle and a Journey, the key to happiness is to balance all 8 elements
Live in F8 means to make Life meaningful and happier, Life is in motion and constant improvement is needed to maintain the path, Is not easy, is actually very hard, to keep going even when everything seems to be falling apart. Choose the best way to stay strong, I personally need to stay motivated, I find that strength and motivation in mentors, and videos of people I already identified as people that speak to my soul, to my core, when I listen I say amen!
Tony Robbins has been my “brain food” since the year 2000. I have read his books, I got his Power Talk CDs, and I also attended twice his popular event UPW Unleash the Power Within, I am a proud “Firewalker”, He is in my youtube playlists, Itunes, phone etc. the variety of topics and people he interviews is huge, I never get bored. Another one is Will Smith, His way to express his ideas and advice is very clear and visual to me, I have his videos on a youtube playlist.
I encourage you to find your way you stay focus on
creating your own
F8 Lifestyle, try to get in the habit to continuously make a mental daily checklist of your F8, ask yourself at the end of each day
F- family, have I spent quality time with my family? have I created a fun family tradition? have I called my relatives? Did I really listen to them? did I work on strengthing our family bond, was I a good role model today for my family?
F-faith/spirituality, have I talked to my creator? have I strengthened my faith? did I spare 1 hour a week to my faith? Did I pray for wisdom? for others? have I meditate? Have I written the things I am thankful?
F-fund/give– Have I did at least 1 act of kindness? have I supported any charity? Have I offered my help to others? have I volunteer lately? Have I set an automatic charity donation? what have I given to others? Did I fund any projects?
F- fitness/health– Have I exercise today? Have I take my medicine, did I park the further possible to walk more, do I use the steps instead of elevators? am I checking the walking apps to help me being on track, have I schedule a year physical
F-friends– have I told my friends I love you, I appreciate you, I am here when you need me, or Have I call them lately?
F-fulfillment – I am working on my life goals, am I happy with the money I make? am I improving myself in a new skill, how can I make my life more meaningful?
F-food Have I cut on processed foods, did I cut on sugar or sodium? Am I taking care of my nutrition? , am I planning my meals? am I making plans to enjoy dinner with friends?
F-fun Have I laugh out loud today? have I plan to do something fun for myself alone? did I have fun with my kids? my partner? my family?
have I made someone laugh?
These are my 8 F’s, and checking them all constantly, making efforts in all of them, I can feel a sense of accomplishment, I am happier knowing that all of these areas in life receive attention and are improved with time, this is making my life better, happier and would like to believe that after my days are over, I inspire someone to
Live in F8!!!
Thanks for allowing me in your Inbox
Embrace your F8 :
Family, Faith, Friends, Fitness
Fund/GiveBack, Food, Fun, Fulfillment
(*F8 is a Lifestyle and a Journey, the key to happiness is to balance all 8 elements) #LiveinF8 #F8Journeys
As much as I am passionate about roaming in airports and cruise ports and train stations, enjoying and wondering the dynamics of the travelers, there are a few things that for sure can take you out of your comfort zone.
Although I love traveling alone, mostly for my last minute change of mind, today I felt a little vulnerable being alone and the target for beggars in a European Train Station,
This lady beggar was probably between 55 or 60 years old perhaps, I could not tell her ethnicity, I was seating in front of Juice Bar restaurant, the train station was very cold, so I sat cozily under the heaters, eating a delicious and warm sandwich, after 2 bites, this lady approached begging for a piece of bread, to me and to the other group of people eating right beside me. she would not move and kept asking for a piece of bread, she kept saying “a piece of bread please, please ” needless to say I couldn’t swallow any more bites, Also due to the fact that her finger pointing my sandwich was less than an inch away from it, I decided to offer her the whole bread, Poor lady I thought, maybe she hasnt eat in days, so I lifted my delicious long sandwich and offered to her, she looked at it, and to my surprise she doesn’t accept it and say: is that fish?
I am not joking,
I go no, just take it, is not fish.
She put her fingers on it and would not take my bloody sandwich!!
A few minutes go by, sandwich in hand and lady keep begging and saying she wanted fish and not accepting it.
The girl in next table, let’s call her “kind lady” starts to talk to her, despite all her friends telling her not to,
So this kind lady tells her, there is no fish sandwich, beggar insisted, yes yes fish sandwich. Kind lady grabs her purse, stand up and say “I will buy you the sandwich” and then the moment of truth, the beggar said, no no I’ll buy it, give me one euro please, please!
By then I have already left the sandwich. Grab my bags and started walking away.
I felt deceived, angry, aggravated and what is worse hungry!
How can we read through people that reach out for help?
How do we know if they are really hungry?
Aren’t we supposed to help the needy?
My journey in the station and interaction with people wanting money did not finish there, all this while you hear loudly in the speakers “be aware of pickpockets”. I manage to continue my train journey back to my next hotel.
I totally believe that we must work to earn every euro/dollar, I gladly help someone selling flowers or water because at least they are making the effort instead of just extending a hand, and the truth is that I work and sweat every dime I earn.
I know this is not a singular story perhaps happens to you all the time, and by any means, this will stop me from keep traveling,
I just can’t stop wondering How should I react next time?
are stories like these, the reason why most people just ignored them?
What would you do?
Thanks for allowing me in your Inbox
Cessy Meacham CTIE
Embrace your F8 :
Family, Faith, Friends, Fitness
Fund/GiveBack, Food, Fun, Fulfillment
(*F8 is a Lifestyle and a Journey, the key to happiness is to balance all 8 elements: Family-Faith-Friends-Fitness-Fund/Give-Back-Food-Fun-Fulfillment)
A few years ago, I made the decision stop feeling upset or incomplete, for not being able to make huge contributions to the charities I wanted to, for not being hands-on in the construction of habitat, or for not feeding large lines of people on Thanksgiving. I realize that we are all in this planet with a different purpose, and not all charity have to look, like the selfies posted in social media of people surrounded by smiley kids in a poor community of Africa, or Peru, ( not that I don’t have done my share of those pics).
Knowing that “Giving” is fulfilling, I realized, I didn’t have to give the same way others feel it should be done. In reality, the hardest Charity starts at home, within our family and our communities. People are more likely to hide their needs, fearful to be seen weak or less than others, We tend to look into other people’s pain before we face the help needed in our life or circles. In my Gap year 2015-2016 traveling the world, I realized when visiting relatives, friends or meeting new people, there was a huge need, need to be heard, need to be understood, need to feel worthy and need to be loved. I found then the type of charity I can do, and that was helping people, listening, and doing my best to heal their broken souls.
The more people feeling emotionally complete, more chances that they can help others.
I am not denying that the entire world needs help; The Ukranian Orphans, The Syrian Refugees, Haitian kids, Burundi and other African countries, but let’s don’t forget home, each of us, in each country can do our part.
Broken souls end up lost, most lost people end up in a broken family, broken families lead to people out of focus and loss of their job, losing jobs leads to homeless, homeless people suffer from hunger, and hunger, my dear friends, is what we must avoid.
Home for me is North America, and this video is a reality check of where you can start #Giving
Watch PBS video Poor kids in America
Matthew 25:35-40New International Version (NIV)
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Thanks for allowing me to your Inbox
Cessy Meacham CTIE
*F8 is a Lifestyle and a Journey, the key to happiness!
In 2006 I received an email invitation by the Italian Government Tourist Board, it was a hosted trip to “Emilia Romagna”, I confess by that moment, I never heard of such place. I was excited to visit Italy for the first time regardless of where in Italy. Little I knew that this year and this trip would mark an unprecedented change and memory in my life.
In February of 2006, I experienced the most painful betrayal in my life, my “best friend” and partner’s greed finished with everything I worked for almost a decade, A very successful company I presided for 9 years, and built with her, A company that I gave my everything, even its name that was my former DBA, fired me !!
I cried for months, how could this happen to me? we had a silent partner and they both simply kick me out of the business. I thought I could never work and love with the same passion anything else. Numb and in pain, I picked up myself from depression and continue my journey to open my own company.
I had my doubts when the time came to go the Italy trip, I had so much to do, so much to think, how could I go, this were crazy times, every email I received from them, made me shake in terror, I was threatened and they made my life miserable, reason enough to make me decide that this trip will help my emotional state.
I fell in love with Italy, this trip lifted my hopes, my drive to continue in the Travel Industry, and my decision to specialize and focus on trips to Italy to share with other women, and the whole world.
Italy is one of the most visited places in the world, but most importantly is the one most people returns!
Below link is my 2006 first photos I took in my first trip to Italy (young me), and the above link is my 2016 pictures from my last group.
Perhaps after sharing this part of my story, you could understand why year after year my heart is full of joy and energy when I know a new trip to Italy is coming up. Italy saved my aching heart, but now I only have a heart full of gratitude.
Cessy Meacham CTIE
(*F8 is a Lifestyle and a Journey, the key to happiness is to balance all 8 elements: Family-Faith-Friends-Fitness-Fund/Give-Back-Food-Fun-Fulfillment)
Anytime Travel Solutions was. honored to be invited to a great Dubai presentation in Miami with the presence of officials from the Government of Dubai Tourism, Dubai Business events, JW Marriott, Starwood Chain. Jumeirah Group, Destination Management Company 24 degrees, Arabian Adventures among others. Our connections in Dubai are strong and ready to serve you to the 4th most visited destination in the world
Dubai is a country where hundreds of nationalities merge to create this vibrant city that keeps you in awe, for the magnificent and unique building structure, the opulence of their gold stores, the malls. the colors and varieties the old Dubai and its spice market, the amazing beaches , the tallest building in the world with 160 stories, an Aquarius that makes you feel vividly inside the ocean , an impeccable sand desert that invites you to extreme relaxation to the tunes and moves of a belly dancer or a huge rush of adrenaline to the ups and downs of your buggy In the sand dunes . Dubai is a place to experience at least once in a lifetime… or more …
*F8 is my Journey and my Lifestyle, the key to happiness is being mindful of these 8 life elements: Family-Faith-Friends-Fitness/Health-Fund/GiveBack-Food-Fun-Fulfillment
Every day we are challenged with unimaginable sort of special requests, we deal with amazing people, and no so amazing, we deal with the travelers and the suppliers, such as Hotels, tour companies, cruises, tours, activities, rail, buses and so on, the daily operations, brings so many circumstances, bookings, technology issues, cancellations, emergencies, and we have to make many (Executive) decisions a day, that could cost or save thousands of dollars.
Our job is never boring, “Is a small world” becomes a mantra for us, we virtually are travelling the world every day, around the globe a couple of times a day for our customers, sometimes we can’t even remember what day is today while are bookings travel for about 315 days ahead in our calendars.
Working in this Industry for 34 years, I can say with liberty, we are underrated , for most people we are “just a travel agent” we are cursed because there is no MBA in our Industry, and yet our customers trust their highest expense of the year in their family vacations with us, the truth is we don’t need one MBA, because we daily apply our knowledge across all boards.
A travel Agent LOVES to be a travel agent, they do Work Hard and Play Hard!
In our daily labor of Love; We seat and listen to our clients, sometimes unrelated stories to the trips they are planning, but we patiently listen and learn how to help them, (Psychologies), sometimes we call different sides of the family to clarify issues (Mediators), many times we call and arrange surprises for their loved ones, (confidants and allies), we make restaurant reservations, request non-allergenic pillows at arrival, report special needs or allergies (Concierges).
We call between 4-7 places to verify they are paying the best value for their purchase (Financial Administrators), We organize the logistics of their business events, group size, venue, meals, communications and activities (Project Managers) We track their schedules, remind them of payments due, organize final documents (Office assistant), we are checking their flights to be on time before departing following them while traveling, monitoring their next days of travel, (Quality control managers), and then we enjoy their photos, and their “look at me having fun” posts on social media, and if we are so lucky we get to “like” their pictures because with some of them, we have the honor to call them (Friends) and this part of our job is the fuel that keeps us going.
Some people think we are extinct species, we just sip our wines in a different city every month and relax!
Happy Travel Agent day to all my colleagues around the World!!
Always grateful;
Cessy F Meacham
A Vanguard Travel Entrepreneur
“Life is about growing, making a difference and collecting moments of happiness”
It is said, when you are in business that you have to write your goals, to have clarity, and that every action you make you should be asking yourself; Is this bringing me closer to my goals?
Have you applied that?
I personally like to have a business coach, not only I let it all out with a professional ; my business challenges, frustrations and goals, but also allows that this professional with a special interest that I “ feel ” the value of their advice, keep me in track towards my goals and also more than often , If you are like me going a million miles per hour and in all directions, they are the ones who helped me to stop , realize and enjoy my successes.
But things are a little different this year for me, (more than a little they are 180 degrees different) My F8 Travel year , is a year of experiences, building relationships with hotels , tour companies and organizations, is also a year of bonding, a year of gratitude , a year of memories, a year of learning, a year of togetherness, and with it there are goals to accomplished, As always it must be the financial goals, where I must make sales as I travel, I need to pay office rent, the management of it, Health, Life and Travel Insurance among others, Technology is being my savior and my nightmare at the same time. But together we must accomplish those much needed sales.
The new goals I have in addition are the core of what is F8 travel, in every experience we lived in this year in every city we visit, every family and friend we met, every restaurant, i ask myself: ” Is this bringing me closer or let me experience any of the F8 elements? Is this for Family? or Faith? or Friends? or Funding/Volunteering? or Fitness/Health? or Fun? or Food? or Fulfillment?
If what I am doing involves one or more of those elements, I feel like I am getting closer to my goals for this year.
You don’t have to be traveling to add F8 in your life, I believe it will help everyone to grow spiritually, I am overwhelmed with gratitude because these last 15 weeks, since We started this Life purpose Journey, October 09th 2015, I made possible to personally hold hands, look in the eyes of those who mean a lot to me, i had the blessing to tell them, “ I love you” “ I appreciate you “ “You made me feel especial” , and “ I am here for you”!!, and you might be my next visit 🙂
Thanks for your time,
Tio Victor & Mila Ulloa without their courage to Leave Peru in the 60’s for a better future for them and their son, I would never be an American Citizen today! Bravery runs in the family!
The Meacham’s at a dinner Show Las Brisas del Titicaca in Lima Peru, they are my biggest cheerleaders and the axel of my world!
We are on the last few hours of 2016 How was this year for you? Full of adventures, anecdotes, success and challenges I am sure. I called 2016, my “daring” year, as I read somewhere: “Life is either ADaring Adventure or nothing!!” We started the year 2016 in PERU in the middle of our amazing adventure traveling together as a family of 4, without an exact route, knowing that our energy, faith, and determination will take us far and safe. We accomplished many things, especially providing our two boys 18 and 12 years old at the time, the basics of seeing the world as one, to understand and respect different cultures, to make decisions, live on a budget and practice patience and tolerance.
Along this Journey, that I call F8 Journey, I visited a lot of friends and relatives, and make a lot of new friends as well. One of the big problems while working on your business is to never “have” enough time for friends or family even just to talk, I could do that freely in my F8Journey, to “make” time for conversations, meaningful ones, and just listen.
This year as I take a GAP from the many hours at work, I Made time to see many important family and friends in my Life. Although I have seen friends that seemed happy and to have it all together, in contrast, I came to the realization that a lot more people’s hearts were aching, a lot more that I could imagine, a whole lot fighting depression and being medicated, some fighting addictions, some lonely, some struggling to provide for their families , It was a lot to absorbed, I realized that philanthropy needs to start at home, giving ourselves and our time, reaching to close family and friends and having real conversations, I realized how much one person and one kind word or gesture could do ,if we could just try harder to ask and listen more, I have a lot to improve myself. As the year ends, I reflect on all the miles travelled, all the beautiful places we were blessed to see, all the awesome food tasted, the new friends we made, and I can visualize the smiley faces of all the family and friends we visited in 43 cities around our journey, along this journey I had my husband and my boys, watching how I made a priority to visit family and friends and have those conversations. My hopes are that they grow up to make PEOPLE a priority, to be kind, to seize the moment and to always, always have F8* I want to wish you a beautiful celebration receiving the new year and a record-breaking year of laughs and happy memories.
Cheers!!
*F8 is my Journey and my Lifestyle, the key to happiness is
being mindful of these 8 life elements: Family-Faith-Friends-Fitness/Health-Fund/GiveBack-Food-Fun-Fulfillment
Travel enhancing F8 in your life!
Always grateful;
Cessy F Meacham
A Vanguard Travel Entrepreneur
Senior Contributor Tripadvisor
“Life is about growing,making a difference and collecting moments of happiness”
Will you agree that pursuing happiness , and feeling Happy is a universal desired goal ?
I believe all of us experience the feeling and we ARE happy from time to time, some of us more than others.
In my opinion, happiness, in 90 % of the cases, is a Choice.
What if we say that being truly Thankful increases your chances to be Happier, 100% of the time and that each time the receiver of your acts of thankfulness feels empowered to do the same for others? Would you agree that this act could become the endless source of Happiness? So, what is this relationship between Happiness and Thankfulness?
A few years ago, I read about the daily 5-3-1 rule of happiness: 5 minutes of meditation, (or spiritual time), Write 3 things you are thankful and 1 act of kindness.
I took the challenge and truthfully, at first I had to force myself. Many days I stared at my page with a completely blank mind, especially with the 1 Act of kindness. On the contrary of feeling happy, it made me sad. Shouldn’t this task be the easy part? Regardless, I continued the task and started using a mobile App called “Five minute Journal” that reminded me, daily, to write down the 3 thankful things a day. After a while, I realized that I tend to overlook my acts of kindness, and only when I was forced to write those acts down and mentally “replay” my day, I found the acts of kindness I could write in the journal. But most importantly, I could experience that there is a relationship between being thankful and being happy.
My moments of Happiness have multiplied and “more is good”!
teeth.
A few years ago, I made the decision stop feeling upset or incomplete, for not being able to make huge contributions to the charities I wanted to, for not being hands-on in the construction of habitat, or for not feeding large lines of people on Thanksgiving. I realize that we are all in this planet with a different purpose, and not all charity have to look, like the selfies posted in social media of people surrounded by smiley kids in a poor community of Africa, or Peru, ( not that I don’t have done my share of those pics).
Always grateful;
, for most people we are “just a travel agent” we are cursed because there is no MBA in our Industry, and yet our customers trust their highest expense of the year in their family vacations with us, the truth is we don’t need one MBA, because we daily apply our knowledge across all boards.
In our daily labor of Love; We seat and listen to our clients, sometimes unrelated stories to the trips they are planning, but we patiently listen and learn how to help them, (Psychologies), sometimes we call different sides of the family to clarify issues (Mediators), many times we call and arrange surprises for their loved ones, (confidants and allies), we make restaurant reservations, request non-allergenic pillows at arrival, report special needs or allergies (Concierges).
