Thank you … there are times I appreciate hearing “thank you”. Other times it is appropriate to send a written, through snail mail, thank you card to another who deserves a thoughtful thank you. In my opinion, I feel it is worse when discovering some people never acknowledge anyone with thanks. I believe this tells you something about a person. I am just saying it matters to me.

Trail etiquette … when hiking a trail and another hiker is coming toward you. Whoever is hiking uphill has the right of way and the other person steps aside. It does happen, at times, when the uphill hiker wants to take a breather and waves you on; it is their choice. Trail etiquette is simple courtesy and that matters to me!

Traffic signs exist for a reason. I get it; many people drive 5-7 miles per hour above a speed limit sign. But why does one drive in a lane clearly marked with a red “X” on a bridge? The driver I saw doing this was speeding also! I prayed no construction person was working further down the lane with their little work sign up. I think this mattered to others on the highway as we saw that vehicle in a closed lane.

Honesty, truth, science, telling it like it is really … do not lie, embellish, or make something up. I am most happy to talk with anyone, even if our beliefs are not aligned, as long as he/she can be respectfully honest to have a productive conversation. We may part still not on the same page; however, each of us had been heard as we shared our thoughts/points of view. This matters to me especially as this nation is polarized. We, all as Americans, can work to solve issues so our country moves forward in the 21st century … that matters to me.

Respect… you are you, I am me. What makes anyone think we should all be the same? We are not. Don’t dictate the cookie cutter of your choice. The reason I travel the world is to view the differences around the world. Culture, religion, politics, environment, music, food, art, personalities, beliefs … with no expectation of others being like me or thinking like me. Respect for another’s choice for their life within the government they live. The USA is not the only country in the world. We must all learn how to work and play together so as not to destroy our planet and ways of life. This matters a whole bunch to me, especially as I travel the world. I wish everyone good health, safety and joy.