Volunteer Travel Life
FEBRUARY 27,2020:) BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
Another Birthday. Better than ever.
This one is a throwback to where I was this time last year, with much appreciation for then and now. Thank you for being a part of this life.
Returning to Pisco, Peru: Part 1 Returning to Pisco, Peru: Part 2 Returning to Pisco, Peru: Part 3 Returning to Pisco, Peru: Part 4 Returning to Pisco, Peru: The Conclusion
FEBRUARY 23, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
Becoming a free agent is going to be quite the trip, adding to some other personal parallel journeys.
Adding in gratefulness for all past and present paths, I’m ready – as far as I know.
All-nighters or rather, perhaps quasi all-nighters, here I come. It’s time to increase the work-at-home gigs and freestyle-freelance gigs on my way to even more of this volunteer travel life. I’m referring to this, personally, as my volunteer life challenge (keeping me ever closer to who I suspect myself to be).
At past and first glance, I thought about looking forward to what weekends are supposed to be and especially to those extended weekends and random PTO days, here and there. Then, I had a moment. Something different occurred to me, with the help of some hardworking YouTubers, writers and other creative people. Maybe I’d much rather capitalize on these times and power through, in an effort to have my future consist of what feels more like endless Saturdays, commencing and ending with volunteering, writing, translating, traveling, family, friends, discovery and soaking up forever suns and restful nights. Not a bad challenge that leads to that finish line.
I’m fortunate to have a birthday that ends in my favorite month, February. Reflecting on everything, every person I’ve met, knowledge of every ancestor paving the way and all my personal experiences, painful or dear – knowledge of what got me here is padding my steps.
I’ve worked hard before but for some different errant objectives. These were not regretful. Many were quite commendable, but rather for another time and another me not as ready as this one (probably even less developed for the me to come).
Being altogether better at meditating, resting up, working and chilling in between… I’m curiously excited about what and who I get to meet and of course, revisit. More to be shared. More to be seen.
Image Credits: Images by geralt on PixabayContinue reading “Another February”
NOVEMBER 29, 2019 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
I turned up in San Juan on a Sunday afternoon when there was no running water. Pure coincidence and it made me oddly nostalgic for the days we ran out of water in Pisco, Peru. There I would have helped get a few buckets from the ocean for temporary-around-the-house-use… maybe… well okay I did that once – but after a long day of toiling away on other projects, I may have simply been thankful to the ones who did gather our water together on those various other days (while I was quite focused on dinner. (By the way, the water in San Juan was back the next day.)
The driver, from my organization, IVHQ (International Volunteer Headquarters), met me at San Juan International airport on November 10th and he was quite interesting to chat with, giving me a rundown on the neighborhood in which I’d be staying. You may have read my post, Organize Me, in which I was very grateful to IVHQ for getting my details squared away. I helped – but mostly when it came to volunteer placement, lodging, sight-seeing options and intel, they took care of it – at a time when I was inundated with my daytime job, my side hustle and non-side hustle activities. For this reason, however, I did not exactly research where I would be living.
I was in for a pleasant surprise, opening me up to more spontaneity, hence my reference in a Time to Think about being more aware of when you’re in alignment, when you’re not necessarily forcing but rather flowing forward. As Oprah and others tell me in The Path Made Clear, things become serendipitous and synchronistic when you move towards what is calling or (or let’s be real, when you do what the hell you want in the most positive way, doing right by others and yourself and following the mutually inclusive golden rule) That was what was so nice about being in Puerto Rico in November, returning to Pisco this past February, and being in Pisco for the first time almost 10 years ago. It’s impossible to get everything right, but so worth the effort and God love the imperfections.
Unlike the communal lodging in PSF that housed about 40 to 110 volunteers at a time (which was perfectly holistic for then), my driver was escorting me into a hostel with a mix of travelers, volunteers and visitors that would enhance my week-long volunteer getaway. I didn’t realize how much I would be getting back as well. The hostel was high level (I’ve stayed in many hostels before and Nomada (pictured above) was precious, cozy and at the same time spacious. They thought of everything. I was on my top bunk one night, realizing I didn’t have to want for anything. There was the personal lighting, charging stations, there was the rooftop, with a view of the ocean we visited several times, there was the so cute eclectic communal areas, respectively equipped with bars and ultimately there was the staff who ensured we were in the know when it came to which places we should venture to on any particular day or night. Well organized and beyond nice.
I’m happy IVHQ partnered with them in this way for PR and I was there at just the right time to add the right people to my list of kindred spirits. Like Peru, I had the pleasure of meeting travelers who I suspect rep their respective homelands the best and though we differ in cultures, we always find we have so many cool things in common – that’s especially for Canada, Holland, France and Germany. Good times. I was gifted once again on my last day when my very good friend from DC joined me there. Having home when you’re away is always nice, especially when he is helping you paint the town as red as it can get before your 2:01 a.m. flight. Thanks to him so much, for spending some of my accidental vacation time with me. (The week away was a coincidentally welcome needed adventure, rest and chance to help out).
Thus far, I wouldn’t trade any of my experiences for the world. I’m dazzled by the thought there may be more to come. I’m kinda extremely fortunate, whether I’m around the world with good folks with good vibes, here in DC with local friends, in Ohio with hilarious loving brothers más my nephew or in all the cities I hope to see next.
Extremely fortunate. I’ll remember that.
NOVEMBER 28, 2019 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
Now that I’m pretend caught up with my work (salaried, that is), I’m noting just how long overdue my post here is. I appreciate your visit and the chance to share again and most notably I am realizing I have some actual time to think.
Puerto Rico was exactly where I needed to be a couple weeks ago and a sure sign of the difference in being in alignment with your purpose and being where I am now. I’ve touched on when I’ve been most in harmony and though I know enough to get by in not so congruent circumstances, I am most assuredly leaning towards my new newness. I have some purpose and I don’t want to keep you or me waiting.
OCTOBER 19, 2019 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
I don’t really get crushes often though I see guys I definitely find very attractive in the DMV area (my current home that is the DC, Maryland, Virginia area ) but there was something about this guy I met a week ago that has my interest more than piqued. It’s cliché to say but again, clichés can be true to say or write so I’m going to go with it: There was just something about him.
He pulled up in his Mercedez Benz (and that’s not why – this is purely for description purposes) and he seemed so purposeful, self-assured, gentle and present, though it would turn out he had a lot going on. Yet, that added another nice dimension. His life reminded me of … well, mine right now. I’m learning my way into a new job at the same company and stepping fully into the overwhelm while eating my feelings as well I felt it exactly last week during this work travel when my really good friend and I made the most out of those dessert portions of our meals. The difference between he and I, or so it seems, is that he was without the stress level. I have my job and other outside interests to which I am committed and I am fluctuating between the good type of surrender and feeling sometimes buried. (Still, I’m convinced it will all come together or apart in a good way.) I’m most right when I’m writing, translating, reading, volunteering and trading and I know it means gravitating towards what fuels me the best. The advice I’m getting is to let go of so-called everyday obligations and I will actually get more and more done.
The work trip ended, and I was waiting for this Uber comfort ride back to the airport from my hotel. Turns out this is a seasonal side job for my crush, and I noticed how well he listened and how deliberate his words were. We chatted and when he asked what I do, there was a space there that really took in my answers. It’s not that there is this negative thought that others are not listening nor that they don’t care, but there was a notable feeling of acceptance and acknowledgement in this moment that sometimes may get lost in conversations when we are anxious to share stories. I do it to others as well. It’s not intentional, but I believe, very human, in our efforts to express who we are and be heard. In this instance however, the wide space of being noticed was quite evident and with natural reciprocity, my focus was outward too. Nothing to prove. No room for misinterpretation. Rather just a willingness to share a more-than-surface conversation.
He may happen to visit this post along with other ones. I don’t
mind. He asked if he could see the site and I welcome it too.
Image by David Mark on Pixabay.com
SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
I highly recommend Judith Orloff’s thoughts and insights courtesy of the below pictured, The Power of Surrender. Any aspect of life you can think of is covered here and how we can embrace more ideas of moving into or away from so many parts of our life that serve or don’t serve us. Doing so without resistance is really key. Not squashing our dreams, not overdoing certain actions and understanding intuitively what is really playing out for us. How should we proceed or perhaps when should we just be?
I was pretty much savoring this book as one of my last reads during the partial metro shut down and even had my additional type of surrender letting it go, yet it now does and can serve as my guideposts, a kind of bible to go back to, to reference, at times to simply enjoy and get to understanding that every light and shadow is an integral part of life. No spoiler alerts but there are some enticing portions on health, happiness, love, soul mates, soul friends, embracing your calling, embracing your sexuality… accepting the surrender of death (your own and others and understanding interesting elements of letting go and holding space in respect for the last in a particularly special way).
Embrace illness, sadness, solutions and give into joy…the list goes on.
Incidentally, it was also understandably entitled the Ecstasy of Surrender: 12 Surprising Ways Letting Go Can Empower Your Life. I have moved on or rather immersed myself in more teachings/thoughts on evolving mindsets (in addition to my preceding years of similar studying). Moving on from this one is not really an accurate description, however. Only literally. There are so many lessons, complementing one another, ideally continuing to intertwine along the way.
Orloff, Dr. Judith (2014). Power of Surrender: Let Go and Energize Your Relationships, Success and Well-Being. New York, NY: HAY House UK LTD.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2019 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
Thank you IVHQ for outlining this volunteer trip for me. From step to step, this is exactly what I need right now. While in the past, I have had time to research every option from what to bring, the most ideal place to stay and what to expect, you have exactly spelled out the overview for me. This is what I need in the best way because my time here seems limited between my main job (which is currently two and a half jobs), my freelance translating, trying to stay fit, dating, constantly educating myself intellectually and spiritually, and spending much desired time with friends and family. I’ve added a lot to the list. I don’t plan on looking back with any regrets.
While I still need to organize my own schedule around my week-long stay in Puerto Rico, it is comforting to know my latest volunteer organization has built in steps and reminders along the way. I feel reassured knowing I will land in San Juan with a ride and a co-volunteer housing destination. In this way, the final step will be like Pisco Sin Fronteras (PSF)and I will know right away whether I have landed with the right group, something I knew right away when I stepped into the Pisco volunteer yard enclosure and something I felt right away when I read the background mission of PSF as well, something that unfolded more with the few pictures I saw and a single video stating we would be learning from local people and learning from and with other volunteers who after all, were some of the most bad ass representatives from their respective countries. That description of the respective volunteers was not my own while at the same time, it turned out to be very true.
I have my eyes on another group in Puerto Rico that I am considering connecting with at a later date. For now, we will see how everything hopefully comes together between working several jobs and keeping myself loved, loving, happy and sane. I appreciate you here. Thank you for another chance to share.
SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
Returning home in late August/early September put me back with the comforting feelings of being surrounded by brothers, being chill and thoughtful, now acting as hosts within their own families. There was Voyager playing on Netflix (personally, my favorite installment of Star Trek – for my brothers it’s Deep Space Nine). I enjoy that hum of our commentary as we appreciate and make fun of certain elements of shows and life from almost a purely silly, appreciative, and intellectual standpoint. There is now a mix of nostalgia. What I am reminded of is the sound in the background throughout all our growing up. There is nothing like having my 3 brothers, with our unique interests bouncing off one another with our various creative talents being played out in each other’s company or in solitude. This gift of life includes built-in friendships, not getting along and the unique bond of being raised together by the exact same 2 people with all the parenting/familial lessons they know well and maybe not so well. I’m reminded during that time (now my beloved parents are sadly gone from this world) that my parents wrote out an interesting world for our Midwestern upbringing by way of their respective southern ones. Daddy was from Alabama. Mama was from Georgia. They ended up in Middletown, Ohio, were introduced to one another there and the rest is history. That small city was where we children were born and raised. (My brothers live in surrounding cities now). I could live in DC, where I am now until the end of time and I have been told my tenure could give me the ability to claim DC similarly. Yet, the very idea of that is still laughable to me, a bit absurd, especially when I think of the roots and energy and foundation implanted in me in the swing state. I can’t not claim it, despite its also racist painful, alienating spaces and experiences and, in fact, the pain aka the dirt is also a part of my roots – what makes me thoughtful, inclusive and empathetic today.
One of the new Ohio Johnson arrivals is my vibrant 3-year-old nephew and I decided right away that he is a rough and tumble, sweet, affectionate, rambunctious, boy. He, in turn decided early on that my name is also “Mommmy”. Truly, it is as if I made him up. This is how I would have invented every detail from the long lashes surrounded by an adorable, adoring face. Even the naughtiness and respectfulness are something I would have conjured up with just the right mixtures. This is not to mention the little actions and reactions that are very unique to who he is. Playing with him, reading to him and teaching him is at times akin to a meditative level as one gets lost in the world of youth, feeling tired but uplifted, while seeing the world through their eyes – seeing what brings them joy or disappointment. Children are great teachers, magically expending our energy, while at the same time giving us life! I understand again how natural it would be to flow into being a parent, developing with children as their needs change and they grow.
On being “Mommmy”: Despite the fact of my sister-in-law and I not looking alike, I can see he has endearingly decided that we are different versions of each other. Quite the compliment! He would call to me as he was being carted off to bed very reluctantly or wanting to eat or play with something he shouldn’t have. He was quite the explorer, like many children curious about everything around them. (We can learn so much from them).
I spent a very formative and special amount of time in Columbus, Ohio as well. I am also an alumni of The Ohio State University (yes “The” is an official part of the title which I rarely include but it is fun to know and people love to tease us about our official stance). A lot of people were impressed I chose this school as others were starting closer to southwest Ohio and I had the later knowledge of realizing just how renowned a school it is as I was enrolled there. My reasons for attending were the desire of a large campus with nice programs, of which there were many. I had quite a lot of choices. The campus was a mecca of opportunities, experiences and places nearby to explore. I learned a lot in and outside of the classroom and I also chose this academic venue for its amazing diversity-both locally and internationally represented. College life was not all glorious, not without its challenges but it led to many triumphs, fun meaningful and funny experiences, cute and painful dating experiences, included. There was some soccer – more played than watched, there was eating without gaining weight, there was dancing, there was late night studying and all-nighters, there were friends from every area of the world and so much more. Every moment, I realized early on, was one that I absolutely did not regret. I’m glad I chose to live, play and work at this school. (It also didn’t hurt that it happens to be a Big Ten Champion football school with a rivalry (vs Michigan) like no other! I play around with this with friends and even my girl boss who are fans of wrong schools. It can be fun. My COO – who is actually a Virginia Tech fan and alumni, even pretended to accidentally throw away my plushie Ohio state bobble-like head yesterday. He looked at it closer, saying he had mistakenly taken it for trash. I had joked with him long ago when I brought it in how I knew he was tempted to own it and not to steal it when I wasn’t in the office. I ain’t mad at him. I actually erupted into giggles. I have absolutely got to give folks credit for expertly delivered trash talk. Incidentally, later today, I may take in the game.
Bye for now, readers. I wanted to bring you this lighthearted yet deep (lol) follow up post today. You may recall You May Go Home Again. I will deliver 2 more September installments to you as well. Feel free to like below and share. I look forward to sharing more travel, volunteer and random stories and thank you again for sharing your time with me!!
Atentamente,
Cassandra Johnson
Continue reading “O-H-I-O”JULY 30, 2019 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
As I saw my life growing beyond a shy little girl, I mirrored her, signing the notes I passed to my best friend in junior high by the name Janet J. My best friend responded to those notes with her own but with the signature of Paula Abdul. We looked up to them and this is during a life stage when you really really dream. You feel all the possibilities in the world are yours because you see your role models rocking this world.
I had not actually thought I could see Janet in concert (just memorize a lot of her songs and dance and sing along) until I traveled to Vegas for work this past week. When my friend and coworker and I suggested it to one another, I still wasn’t sure if we would have the time.
Another limiting thought for me, personally, was how much it may cost! I lastly questioned if the dates had already passed. All of the above were exactly not the thoughts of the little girl (now inner child) that Janet had helped raise and mold while instilling so many moments of dazzling self-assurance. I knew I needed to get on with it and finally turned to Google, as the reliable friend it had become. My friend was doing the same from her computer at her workstation.
Right away, the description read that this was Janet’s Metamorphosis Performance in which she would be playing out her life, via her albums, via the life changes, including all her growth and transitions. She spoke to us several times, mentioning how funny that your life can become full circle. She was recalling having her debut in Vegas at 7 with her brother Randy and the many shows the children had put on. Her description was on point. She was actually playing a part in my now full circle. This included who I was, who I have become, and where I will be going.
There will indeed be some changes. I won’t be doing everything as usual. Rather, as I settle into my passion of helping others reach their potential, I will evolve. As I hopefully encourage others to honor their dreams, I will pay attention to where I am needed. I will listen to the whispers (as Oprah calls them) of what I need to be doing and how I must be.
As my face, mind and body light up, I will lean in more – write, translate, read, volunteer and lean in more. As I feel the strength of what wakes me early, keeps me up late, never drains me and gives me peace, I will lean in. I will rejuvenate myself with my efforts, seeing how I can continually take care of others and myself.
This past Friday night was unexpected. The MGM Park stage lit up the memories of what seemed boundless possibilities for a little girl like me. A multitude of thanks goes to Janet for radiating a warm inspirational energy while being a symbol of abundant opportunities to come.
Cassandra Johnson
I kept my promise to myself about two things I said I would do this week, one being to attend the stock trader meetup and the other to attend the eCommerce event that focuses on financial freedom. You can visit my blog from last week that talks about the fear that comes with embarking on a path that’s more about your passions. More than a rant, the piece turned into more of a motivation to me (and hopefully to anyone that can identify with it). I called it a rant, but I think that was in response to momentarily being a little put off that I’m not fully immersed into my translating and community organizing lifestyle. The truth is; however, I have never not had my passions somehow incorporated into my life. I still believe in so many things that mean people being good to each other and my connections for volunteering both here and abroad continue to be revisited through my network of friends and second families. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget when you get distracted by the supposed everyday obligations.
So, as I continue down this road of truer meanings, I find that it’s a drive not just for me but also for anybody that can identify with me on my journey. It won’t just be about my growth. It will mean even more of me expanding my reach and assisting others (however long or short distance my actions may go). Accordingly, I am going to keep putting one foot outside the box, a bit at a time.
I just finished up another freelance translating assignment. It was quite interesting. It was easier than some of my previous ones. I find that I really do enjoy the tourism and travel related ones. There were four short pieces I did for a client that spoke to the beauty of Mexico’s beaches, family-friendly hotels and even a piece about the skin and hair health benefits of coconut extract. I can already tell how being my own boss and setting my own varied work and community outreach schedule is going to be exhilarating. (I have an opportunity to be a linguist with an organization – but it wouldn’t exactly be freelancing – perhaps I can also work with them).
My experience at the day/swing trader meetup was quite empowering as well. It turns out that I am sufficiently learning the market and that I have a swing trade strategy that is similar to a few guys in the group. Some of the them trade equities. Some trade options. One does Forex (foreign exchange) and there were others. I have more to study. I give myself about a 70% understanding of what was going on that night. For some reason, I was the only lady within the group that attended this particular meeting. I’m pretty certain I saw some in the group on meetup.com. I guess they just couldn’t make it that night. I wasn’t intimidated at all and the guys were very cool. Still, I would love to meet the other ladies as well. Maybe next time.
There was another meetup happening at the restaurant that same night, helping to create some momentary misdirection. (By the way, the other meetups I belong to are related to embassy events, history and culture, one for English-Spanish conversation language exchange, and one known as Networking after Work). As I chatted a bit more with the incorrect contacts, it was revealed that they were not the investor group. I heard poly and want to guess a polyamorous group. I very sweetly dismissed myself. The guy that had previously been behind me in the checkout line was a part of this group and was motioning for me to keep my seat (not realizing that I wasn’t supposed to be there at all). They were all nice, but I had stock guidance to get to.
The guys in the area of the restaurant that was closed off
and reserved made more sense. Seeing them with their laptops and the premiere
slide of the organizer’s presentation up on the wall made it clear this is
where I belonged
though it was the first time I’d joined such an event.
I opened my laptop to the stock spreadsheet that is my watch list and I will say I felt extremely comfortable outside of my comfort zone for the rest of that evening. Everyone was informed and informative on various levels and I participated sporadically. Paying close attention, taking a few notes, networking for some tips and finishing off my mini lemon tart, I made a mental note to continue trading equities that represent my values and that I understand. I’m good with learning a bit more about this day by day.
My intention leans towards financial freedom while I focus on my passions. I have my lifetime investments but am open to trying new things. I’m fascinated with how others have created ideal lifestyles as I’m married to the possibilities of spending more time on creating, volunteering and sharing more time with family and friends.
As I briefly mentioned earlier, regarding my second act of stepping outside the box, I was intrigued by this eCommerce event that my friend and I attended. This was just a day after the meetup and both events caused me to think that there is something to be said for steadily challenging your mind in the proper ways.
I did agree with my friend on how the presentation of this event had a very sales pitchy feel to it. However, since we both know the results behind it are possible, I decided to sign up for the company’s upcoming 3-day workshop. I’m interested in what they say could be a potential side business, allowing me to focus more fully on writing, translation, volunteering and travel.
Following my previously posted “rant”, this is my latest update. That was a “rant” that may have incidentally coincided with reminding myself to explore and then explore some more. My heart seemed to take over my writing for a while back there. I gratefully embrace that because I don’t ever want to forget what means the most to me and to everyone with whom I have had the pleasure of connecting. Thank you again for sharing your time with me. Always appreciated!
Share and like, if you like this. I hope to have you here again soon!
Cassandra Johnson