Travel & Vacation Guide, North Carolina

By Lee Wise

VISITING BEAUFORT…

If you are fortunate enough to visit a small town in
Beaufort, North Carolina, you will soon discover its
uniqueness.
Beaufort is a waterfront town, and one of those places you could term as “charming.” It is rich — both in its history and the natural beauty of a seaside atmosphere.

I would term it “nice.”

Nice in the relaxing sense.

Nice like savoring the flavor of a fresh, delicious tuna sandwich with your special someone while allowing the calming presence of a beachfront view remind you one more time of what it means to “take time to live.”

PERSONALLY YOURS BY THE SEA

You could pass it by and not see it.

The sign is not huge by any standard. A few words painted on a wooden marker: “Personally Yours By The Sea.”

The size of the sign might easily be an indicator of the size of the gift shop it is advertising. In a word: small.

An area less than the measurements of an average living room houses the contents of “Personally Yours By The Sea, Ltd.” Should you discover this somewhat hidden treasure, upon entry you would no doubt receive a warm Southern greeting from Laura Lee.
Personally Yours By The Sea is a place of transformation.

You give Laura Lee a blank picture frame, for instance, and she will transform the frame into a personalized gift.

By combining a thought or two of your own with Laura Lee’s handiwork, the frame becomes a uniquely designed souvenir or present created for the sole purpose of causing someone to experience a moment of joy each time it is viewed.

THE POINT
What was a blank picture frame becomes a *personal expression* of beauty for you or someone special to you.

It just takes…
Some time.
A personal thought or two.
And a dash of creativity.
You might say that we each own a store — not too unlike the one in Beaufort. We are the sole proprietors of our own “Personally Yours” establishments.

As storeowners, we have the power to use our resources in whatever ways we choose. We, like Laura Lee, may add our unique “signatures” to the lives of those we influence.

Day by day we can design and distribute moments of delight, encouragement and hope to people.

IT ALL ADDS UP
Laura Lee has been personalizing her gifts for about fourteen years.

Fourteen years!
Allow your mind to wander for a few brief seconds. How many individualized expressions of happiness have been crafted over the years from Laura Lee’s tiny shop in Beaufort, North Carolina?

And…
In how many different places around the United States — or even the world — do you think these unique gifts can be found? (I can name at least two states that I know of for sure!)
Fourteen years.
And no doubt multiplied hundreds of customers.
That’s a lot of smiles for a lot of people
It also reveals the value of…
COMPOUND INFLUENCE
We know the value of compound interest. Consistent investments — even of relatively small amounts of money — made over a long period of time can add up.

Consider the “compound influence” we can have in the lives of people.
Our influence can “travel” — just like the personalized gifts purchased from a small waterfront town in North Carolina have traveled to the homes, places of employment, and vacation hideaways of many people in a variety of< different locations.
WHAT'S THE SECRET?
Consistency --> That’s the secret of compound influence.

Some time

A personal thought or two

A dash of creativity
*Repeated again and again over time*

“Compound Influence”
I know this is not a new concept. It is not unique and certainly doesn’t qualify as brilliant.

But the determination to take small, consistent steps of action in order to delight the hearts of others according to the unique motivations and gifts we have been given is both *needed* and *valuable* in our world.

And with that in mind, maybe each of us should ask…

“HOW’S THE STORE?”

Do I have too much unused inventory?

Am I allowing my gifts, talents and abilities to lie
somewhat dormant in the back room of my heart?
Or…

Is my inventory being consistently used to brighten the
lives of people?
Am I utilizing the tremendous value of compound influence
by consistently adding my personal “signature of joy” to
the people in my world?
Yours for a day filled with beautiful moments in time,

Lee

P.S. Why not spend a moment or two and take an inventory–
an inventory of your strengths, gifts or abilities?
You don’t have to list all of them — just a few.
Once the list has been made, ask yourself this question:
“How can I use one or more of these gifts I have been given
to create a moment of joy for someone I care about?”
Just a thought

By Jeff Lakie

For the person who has traveled the world and wants a new adventure, or the person who likes to live by the beat of their own drum, consider alternative travel options instead of the regular site-seeing or beach resort trips. Here are some ideas to help you find a vacation that you’ll remember for years to come:

· Cruises are available that go beyond the typical cruise you’d expect to find sailing the seven seas. Some cruises offer the studious traveler much more, including a well-stocked library as well as workshops and lectures while at sea, usually specifically pertaining to the area of the world you’re exploring.

· If you are a fan of a movie you will find travel destinations that are focused around that particular film. For example, Lord of the Rings movie-lovers will enjoy exploring the sets of Peter Jackson’s take on Tolkien’s middle-earth by touring the sets of the movie.

· If humanitarianism is your thing, there are many organizations, both religious and non-religious, that allow you to help people in cultures less fortunate than us. You can build wells or homes or markets for them to use. You’ll feel great at the end of this vacation!

· For the adventure seekers, a far more exciting experience might be enjoyed by backpacking through rugged wilderness, mountain-climbing, or whitewater rafting.

· For the traveler on a budget, you will have a great holiday if you and a group of friends simply choose a place on a map and drive to it for a cup of coffee. Even if the drive takes all weekend, you will gain a lifetime of memories in just a few short days.

· For aficionados of a certain pleasure, be it wine, beer, food, or cigars, there are tours available for every taste in nearly every region. For example, you could spend weeks (well, actually months) sampling the fine wines of Italy, or touring the pubs if Ireland, or sampling the delectable foods of France. Whatever your pleasure, you’ll find a travel destination for it.

· Or for those interested other pursuits, such as archaeology, architecture, or art, you’ll find tours that are focused on your very interests.

So this year, when you’re deciding what you want to do for a holiday, why choose the same old thing? Go for something daring and different and choose a vacation that will be as unique and memorable as you are. You won’t forget it!