83 Things I learned on my American Tour....

83 things I love even more than I loved before!

********The best way to enjoy my writing is through my voice and I’d be thrilled if you might hit the play button on this audio recording….I’ve added in extra bits in the audio so it’s best enjoyed as you walk to work, as you take a stroll down the road or maybe you’re just doing the washing up or just want a little escape in your day. Pop on your earphones and I really hope you enjoy what you hear. I’d love if you might pop a comment below as I love to hear your thoughts & I’m so grateful for you being here always xx Thanks a million, Lou x

The recording just below here:

1. I learned that being brave pays off.

2. I learned that stepping out of your comfort pays off.

3. I learned that travelling alone is hard the first time you do it but once you do it, the fear vanishes!

4. I learned that grieving someone you love makes travelling alone that bit harder.

5. I learned that the person you love who is no longer here would want you to travel to amazing places and would want you to be brave.

6. I learned the the United States of America is a fabulous place.

7. I learned that I love to travel and see new places.

8. I also learned that I love my home too.

9. I learned that New York City is not overwhelming.

   

10. I learned that if you listen to what other people say you are going to feel, a lot of the times that is not what you will feel.

11. I learned that you must feel your own way in the world and to leave your mind open and even optimistic to new experiences.

12. I learned that people’s fears will place obstacles in front of you if you allow them.

13. I learned that New York, Boston & Cape Cod are amazing and I will return many times in my future going forward.

    

    Some of the New York stars!

14. I learned that I made so many amazing new friends in New York, Boston & Cape Cod.

15. I learned that I love our national airline - Are Lingus - A very class act altogether.

16. I learned that I can actually live out of a suitcase. That was miraculous!

17. I learned that I am actually easy to live with - confirmed by all the lovely people who hosted me….this really gave me a good feeling inside ….It’s nice to know people enjoy living with you….Living and laughing with Lou on tour works! :)

18. I learned that I love people even more than I loved them before.

19. I learned that if you want to have your dreams become a reality, you must step up and chase them.

20. I learned that chasing your dreams is an amazing adventure.

21. I learned that ollie (my mam) was indeed right - I did indeed have an adventure of a lifetime.

22. I learned that the USA is an amazing place full of amazing people.

23. I learned that a lot of American’s have been carrying the weight of a lot of negative news within their country and I loved being a reminder of how amazing they are as a country and as a people! I love you all 💖

    

    Some of the legends of Boston!

24. I learned that I can drink tea without milk (not my finest moment) but I did it….I am a dairy farmers daughter after all! Go on Ollie - you good thing you!

25. I learned that I was so busy loving people that I never yawned, got grumpy, cross or ever fell into bad humour.

26. I learned that my heart is healing and I’m filling it up with love of all sorts once again.

27. I learned that old me is in there and combined with new me (post intense lockdowns, full time carer burn out and the loss of my best friend), the new me is just the old me with a shinier light shining out and I’m really excited for her & this new chapter of her life!

28. I learned that I love being me.

29. I learned that my shoulders have never been so relaxed.

30. I learned that I feel peace, serenity and contentment inside of me that nobody can take away from me.

31. I learned I have something worthwhile to say…..

32. I learned that I have something I want to share…with the world….I want to share my heart…..

33. I learned that in every talk I gave- the audiences cried, laughed, cried and then laughed again…..I learned that is a gift and it is my gift.

    

    There was a full house in Liam Maguire’s in Cape Cod and it was magical…..People sat behind me as a full audience took their seats in front of me….Thank you Melissa Weidmann, Donnie & Fran Cross!

34. I learned that I am a healer.

35. I learned that I am someone who carries hope naturally inside me.

36. I learned that I love giving my hope, my healing and my love away.

37. I learned that I am not waiting anymore…..

38. I learned that I love the US. Did I say that already? oh yes I did! It deserves a second mention…and a third and a fourth….

39. I learned that if you do not step forward and follow your heart, your life will pass you by.

40. I learned that it’s ok to ask for help and when you do, you will be blown away by the love, kindness and support you will be met with.

41. I learned that I have always struggled in my life to ask for help but the 2023 Lou has been reminded that all the love you give out, comes back in a million ways when you let people know you need them.

42. I learned that I am braver than I believe, I am stronger that I seem & smarter and I am smarter that I think. Thanks Winnie!

43. I learned that there are way more beautiful kind people in the world than there is negative, cranky people.

44. I learned that New York has so much to offer and I will be back. I learned that Boston has so much to offer and I will be back. I learned that Cape Cod has so much to offer and I will be back.

45. I learned that there is a zillion Irish people in the US of A and they are all as gorgeous as the next.

46. I learned I am a very proud Irish person.

47. I learned that Ireland is a tiny place compared to the rest of the world but my god have we made our impact. I must not forget this ever again!

48. I learned that Americans and Irish are very alike in many ways. We are in a very special way linked and connected & I’m so proud of our strong friendship.

49. I learned that I could never drive in the states…wow what serious road systems and everyone is moving very fast on the wrong side of the road haha ;)

50. I learned that Boston is a fabulous city but my favourite parts are West Roxbury, Dedham, Dorchester & Cambridge! They have the best people!

    

    LWS Legends x

51. I learned that Cape Cod is lovely and quiet in March, not like me 😂

    

52. I learned that Cape Cod is very like Ireland. When I visited the beaches, I felt very at home and was once again reminded of how lucky I am to live in Ireland.

53. I learned how gorgeous the people are in New York, Boston and Cape Cod.

    

54. I learned that with a name like ‘Swing the Teapot’ - a restaurant in New York, the owners had to be legends and they were! So lucky to call Ann McDonagh one of my very good friends now.

55. I learned that St. Patrick’s in America is nothing like Ireland haha ;) They give it absolutely socks over there & it’s an amazing experience for the whole month of March.

56. I learned in meeting a lot of my virtual friends in real life for the first time - that it was more amazing & more magical than I could ever have dreamed of…..I’ve always felt that you can feel people’s energy a million miles away because they are your people..…when you meet, it’s just a natural extension of your relationship, friendship and connection……I have met so many of people who I know I will be friends with for the rest of my life…..how lucky am I?

57. I learned that chips in America are crisps, Trader Joes is an experience by itself and we all kinda have the same type of weather…..the sky changes everywhere….

58. I learned that I can miss people after spending a week with them….and they can miss me too. The absolute magic of human connection!

59. I learned that all this bad news we hear constantly in the media is just a tiny part of the picture in this world. There are so many good people doing good things.

60. I learned that I can’t wait to go back to visit all my friends in the states.

61. I learned that I am very excited for them all to visit Ireland one day and that they might really love it here too.

62. I learned that in life if your heart is in the right place, that everything works out in the end.

63. I learned that no matter what, good people will always find good people.

64. I learned that I’m so so lucky to have so many good people in my life.

65. I learned that I hug people a lot and I love that.

66. I learned because I hug people a lot, everyone else started hugging people too.

67. I learned that I can never repay all the people who were so kind to me….because their kindness was limitless so I’ll just thank them for the rest of my life.

68. I learned that by being myself, with my shoulders back, that the most amazing things happen.

69. I learned that I’m not scared anymore.

70. I learned that I love my friends and I’m so lucky to have so many amazing people in my life.

71. I learned that you are an amazing person and you have read all the way down to here on my substack and I love you for it. Did I tell you lately that I love you?!

72. I learned that in me stepping out of my comfort zone I’ve helped others be brave too and together we can be brave together!

73. I learned that I love my LWS family in more ways than I could ever explain.

    

    

    

74. I learned I love my Facebook Family in more ways than I could ever explain.

    

    

75. I learned that I love my new found friends & american families in more ways than I could ever explain.

76. I learned that I feel like a new part of my life is beginning.

77. I learned that I don’t feel scared of being left alone in this world anymore because I’ve been reminded that I’m loved by many and I love many and love is unconditional and endless…..

78. I learned that I can’t wait to go back to the states & for the states to come to Ireland too!

79. I learned that from receiving so many calls from all my friends and family in the states since I got back asking me when am I going back over that it fills me with so much joy! I love them for this & I just love them all!

80. I learned that the sky is amazing no matter where I am in the world. I looked up so many times and felt so at peace. I love that my friends looked up with me…what magical moments…..

81. I learned that taking photos in magical moments is my thing. I’m so grateful I did that because everytime I look at these photos I feel so happy all over again and I’ll always know it wasn’t a dream what happened, but it actually happened.

82. I learned that I love you more because you are still reading this list and I didn‘t know I could love you more but I do……I love you more than I loved you at number 71.

83. I learned that being born in 1983 tells you my age and that age is but a number when it comes to chasing your dreams. It doesn’t matter what age you are to believe in yourself, to love you for who you are and life is for living in the moment. I took a leap of faith back in October self publishing my book and I haven’t looked back since. I completed a ten week Irish tour and now have completed a three week American tour and the world is my oyster! I can stand up on a stage and speak from my heart without notes, doubt or wobbles….I can make people laugh and cry in equal measure and that is my gift. Tears are therapy - that’s what I always say and laughter is the healing to all heartaches….I will continue believing in my gifts and I will continue 2023 being brave. This year I set three words to focus on: To believe, To be brave and to blossom with Balance being the overarching one making sure this year I work hard but equally I play hard too….I want fun in my life. I want my friends to know I love them. I want to continue doing my random acts of kindness and I want to help as many people as I can as I travel this path. I want to always be gracious. I want to always be humble and I want to never find myself taking anything or anyone for granted. I want the people who matter to me to know always that they matter to me. I want to spread my light and love everywhere I go until I leave this earth and I think this trip to the states has reminded me that I can be me anywhere and I will always feel at home once I stay true to who I am in the inside….I have found me and I’m really quite like me if that makes sense. I want to never stop learning and I want to always be open to making mistakes and living a life that is authentic and real…. I hope in some tiny way you feel all the love and energy that I am sending you. No matter what you are doing right this second, whether it is thinking about starting something new or if you are carrying something heavy, I hope you know I believe in you! So many people believe in YOU! And if you lean in, you will feel that bright light inside you and anything is possible. And if you lean out, so many people love you and want the best for you! “You are braver than you believe, you are stronger than you seem and you are smarter than you think!”

Love and light always from my heart to yours!

Thank you for believing in me and always encouraging me. I hope you feel the same love heading right back in your direction! I’d be so thrilled if you might leave a comment below as I love to hear from ye all. Lou xx

Happy Easter one and all and there will be lots more fun and messing to come. I’m on a mission to meet as many as you as I can so lots of good times lie ahead!

One final mention - A wonderful author by the name of Anna C Wilson just released her brand new children’s picture book. Anna is one amazing lady. I only found her in my life via the wonderful London Writer’s Salon that I’m part of and Anna leads us all with such inspirational hope, joy and she’s just brilliant at what she does! She has published over 50 books. Yep she is a star and such a lovely lovely human! I’d love if you might support her and follow her instagram page which I’ll link here; www.instagram.com/acwilsonwriter/

And her new book ‘Grandpa and the Kingfisher’ is out now.

It’s written by @acwilsonwriter and illustrated by @sarah_massini!
This is a description of her book taken from @theagencybooks: “Over the course of a year, a young child and their dog watch kingfishers by the river with Grandpa. As spring turns to summer and autumn to winter, the kingfishers raise a family, while Grandpa teaches his grandchild about the power of nature and the circle of life.
Written in memory of her father, whose favourite bird was the kingfisher, Anna Wilson takes readers on a lyrical journey though a year in the life of a kingfisher family.
A positive story about life, death, and being a part of the natural world, Grandpa and the Kingfisher is out now in hardback and paperback, published by @nosycrow.

You can purchase Anna’s book from here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/grandpa-and-the-kingfisher/anna-wilson/sarah-massini/9781839942105

I really believe in this life it’s all about helping each other, healing each other and hoping we might just be able to keep each other going. I’m also going to include the gorgeous Eimear - an Irish singer also here. I love the music and voice of Eimear so this week I’m choosing the song ‘Come as you are’ as my closing piece 💖 I really hope you enjoy 💖🫶💖