I am learning how to fly

Well I got pushed out of the nest and actually I love it. I’m not flying yet but I am flapping my wings very hard and I haven’t hit the ground yet. I still have a lot of anxiety but the confidence is building.  I am learning all the little ins and outs of the travel business, a lot of rules and regulations but I’m sure they will become second nature as time goes on.  I think I have decided to specialize in Europe and the Mediterranean.   I am going on a trip to France in October, when I finished my France Expert and South of France Expert classes they gave me the opportunity to go over and see firsthand what I was learning about.  So now I am brushing up on my French, it’s been a long time since I use the French I learned in high school.  I am going to be taking classes on river cruising through Europe and classes on the different cultures and countries, so that I will someday be able to answer questions to any travel in Europe.  

Being my own boss has also allowed me time to start exercising and concentrate more on my health.  It’s amazing how those things get passed over when you are working 9 to 5 or longer.  So all in all I think this has been a very good move for me.

I am also becoming more educated in social marketing. So you will be seeing a lot more writing on my blog and info for you to follow on Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin and twitter.  If you haven’t received my newsletter let me know so that I can get you on my mailing list, it provides a lot of destination information, promotions and travel tips that I am learning. 

I have to thank my family and friends for giving me the strength to make this move, as it is helping me grow in so many ways.  They have empowered me to pursue this dream I never thought I could reach. I hope that I can motivate everyone, no matter where you are in your life, whatever your age, whatever your economic situation is to fly. Find your passion, follow your heart and have faith in the good Lord.   

Thank you for following me, and don’t forget to comment.  I will try not to disappoint you all.

Happy and Safe Travels

God Bless

Fear and a new way of thinking

I have been facing a fear over the last couple of weeks and wasn’t sure how to address it.  Since I am now a full-fledged Independent contractor and within a month will have to rely on this career to help pay the bills, I have been in a slight panic.  I now feel like a bird that has been pushed out of the nest and it’s either learning to fly or face the many dangers below.  Well, I want to fly, I want to soar, but deep inside I am so afraid, I am stuck on the edge of the nest.  Should I or Shouldn’t I, and the big one Can I or Can’t I.  Failure is not an option since at 52 this will probably be my last shot at a career and an income that will help me and my husband reach our dreams.  I have a great community of support around me and a wonderful mentor to advise me.  It’s this little voice in me that I wasn’t able shake.   I received some advice from my son Anthony this last week and for only 22 years old he has a pretty good insight.  First, he told me not to procrastinate, (it has always been a bad habit of mine and apparently he could see it) then he said Mom you will only get out of it what you put into it.  After discussing this with him, a few other people, my husband and the Lord, I’ve realized one thing I have to do is change my frame of mind.  I am a business owner, I am not an employee and I have to start thinking like a business owner.  This is very unusual for me and one hurdle I have to get over.  I am on my own to succeed.  Self-confidence, although a lot of people think I have it, is something I lack.  So my new mantra is, “I am a strong, intelligent, competent women”  I have the ability, (physically and mentally), I have the skills,(and what I am lacking in I am taking the steps to acquire), and I have the passion.  So with a lot of faith and a little luck and help from friends and family I am stepping out of the nest.  I may bump into a few branches but I am not going to hit the ground.  I HAVE TO DO THIS, I CAN DO THIS.  Thank you all for your support, referring me to your friends, and for listening.  I look forward to being the best travel agent possible.  Please write your comments and let me know how you overcome your fears, or found a way to motivate yourself into a change.  Watch for notification on my website, glkdreamtravel.com, I am going to update it and make it more useful.  Email me at gina.kemper@frosch.com for any travel questions/quotes.  Keep following my blog and see if I reach the clouds. 

God Bless and Happy and Safe Travels

The road to change.

So much has been happening in my mid-life change of career.  I received my first commission check yeah!!!!  It helped me to realize I can do this. I went to a seminar for travel consultants and when I told people that I was just entering the travel business they looked at me like I was crazy, (which is nothing new, I have put that expression on many peoples’ faces), but I said yes.  I decided that even if I wasn’t able to  become a successful travel agent, I might be an inspiration to someone else in their 50’s (or at any age as far as that goes) that has a desire to go for something different.  I mean if you’re not feeling like your accomplishing anything in your life, or starting to feel stagnant and unhappy then maybe you need to make change.  Most of you know that I’m not very adventurous, and I have a tendency to get set in my ways, this only shows you that if I can step out of the box anyone can.  You just have to find your passion.  This last week I have enhanced my French specialist certification, by becoming Languedoc-Roussillon Certified a beautiful region of France.  I am also half way through becoming a Hawaiian Specialist.  These classes are extending my bucket list immensely.  I also learned a lot in writing about the Amalfi Coast for my newsletter.  If I wasn’t adventurous before I sure am excited now to visit new places and enjoy new experiences. I pray that God blesses me with the ability and time in my life to continue to follow my dreams and share them with my husband and family.  Speaking of family, I am still working on the Family and Friends Cruise for April 2013, please call or email me so that we can get your cabin reserved. April 2013 is going to be great, and I hope I can share it with you. 

Well I will close this blog with a special thought for all the graduates out there.  Never let anyone tell you “you can’t do something” and always follow your dream.  If for some reason blockades get put in your way, medical, physical, emotional, or you fall off the path you should be on. Look deep into your heart, trust in God and you will find the right road back to where you are supposed to be.  He won’t close a door without opening another one for you, but it’s up to you.  You can stay in one place and stare at the closed door or have the strength and faith to step through the new one.  There may be something spectacular waiting for you on the other side.

Thanks to all of you who have been reading and commenting on my thoughts.  Keep reading, keep commenting and share with your family and friends. 

Happy and Safe Travel (start saving for April)

God Bless