17 Comments
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Cindy Maddera's avatar

Thank you! I needed to read this first thing on a Monday morning when this world feels real bleak.

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Chris's avatar

My mind went everywhere while reading this so full of love piece, thank you 💕

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Charlene Lutz's avatar

“Because the truth is that despite all of our differences, when the borders of our countries melt away, we find what connects us. My friend Mira Jacob once told me that curiosity is the antidote to fear: that by getting curious about people and places who are different from us, we’re able to discover points of resonance and connection.”

Beautiful reflection. Thank you. 🫶🏼

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Karen Walrond's avatar

❤️❤️❤️

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Kerry Clare's avatar

I love this so much!

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Sarah Reichert's avatar

Love this. Thank you for such a well thought out and well written piece

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Janet Ferguson's avatar

Beyond beautiful, thank you!

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Tracey Kenard's avatar

Beautiful!!!

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Benthall Adventures's avatar

I have so many memories of things you mentioned. That moment with the Nigerian woman and her steups? Gave me goosebumps. I’ve felt that exact mix of surprise, recognition, and grounding in places that were meant to feel unfamiliar.

Exploring other cultures makes me feel both expanded and aligned — like I’m cracking open while also somehow coming home.

Your story reminded me of something I wrote about rooting ourselves in motion. Travel can tether us in the least expected ways. Stop by if you’re curious.

Thank you for this beautiful reflection. Resonance, indeed.

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Kara Mae's avatar

What a lovely story, thank you 💜. I too enjoy finding the similarities across the world while honoring the differences. This gives so much perspective and understanding in a consumable way.

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Sean Berry's avatar

Such a lovely message—and it shows what a good, powerful steups can do! My background is Bajan and Grenadian. We sometimes call it kissing your teeth! I actually forgot there was an actual word for it. I haven’t heard the word steups in a long time. Thank you for sharing 😊

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Jenny Lawson  (thebloggess)'s avatar

I love this and I love these pictures. So comforting.

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Yvonne Ator's avatar

Steups!!!! You have not lived until you have experienced a long, extremely drawn out steups (some nigerians call it a hiss) from a Nigerian mom. lolol I love how much we have in common amongst the diaspora!

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Karen Walrond's avatar

RIGHT?!?! ❤️

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Yvonne Ator's avatar

Lovely lovely article. Thank you for the reminder that we are all connected. These days, we really really need to remember what affects one, affects all -even those in denial. I Love and appreciate you so much! 💖🙏

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Katya Armistead's avatar

Sitting at a Starbucks waiting for new tires after discovering a flat this morning - not what I had time for! But this post was just what I needed as I sat and enjoyed my coffee and muffins. I was in Sweden last month and learned about fika. So, thank you for reminding me to slow down and enjoy my moment. I don't need to be anywhere but where I need to be now - getting needed maintenance on my car and enjoying my fika in a new spot, smiling and watching people do their day.

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Karen Walrond's avatar

I love this!

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