ALEXIS BALINOFF
4MN READ
OCTOBRE 2024
This kind of trip isn't even something I dreamed of, yet it happened.
Being able to spend a week with two of the persons that have influenced you the most in your life isn't
We experienced the wild and vast landscapes of Ireland, rich of it's people, traditions, and culture. We met artists dedicated to their crafts,
Our guides, Owen Ó Súilleabháin and his brother Micheál, shared stories and poetry that breathed life into the land and its history.
Ireland allowed me to stand on the edge of my world. Giving me the space for my mind to wander. Free from distractions, connections were deeper.
Here are a few thoughts and insights I brought back from this special journey.
Roll With the Flow
Life has a way of unfolding unexpectedly, often throwing us off even the most well-crafted plans. For a long time, I’ve been trying to create a clear vision of who I want to become. While that clarity has helped me, I realized on this trip that you can’t plan for everything.
Walking through the misty Irish hills, the winding paths weren’t always clear, and the weather seemed to change on a whim. Being open to whatever life throws at you might be the key to not be disappointed of going off track what you had in mind.
What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
The relationships, mindset, plans, or successes that brought you to where you are today won’t necessarily take you to the next chapter of your life. I’ve experienced times where I found myself resting on past accomplishments, feeling comfortable in what I had achieved.
While it’s important to pause and acknowledge how far you’ve come, it’s equally important to recognize that growth requires forward momentum. Success isn’t a finish line—it’s a stepping stone. Staying curious, flexible, and always ready to open to change my mind is my definition of success.
Speak Their Language
In any interaction, the most effective way to connect with someone is to meet them where they are. Owen and Micheál Ó Súilleabháin embodied this during our trip, blending poetry, music, and storytelling to bridge centuries of Irish tradition with our modern, creative group.
Whether you’re speaking with a scientist, an artist, or a friend, adapting your language—not just your words, but your tone and approach—can make all the difference.
The Dragon You Need to Slay Isn’t Always the Dragon You See
Often, we rush into solving the most obvious problem without stepping back to ask ourselves: Is this the real issue*?* Taking just a moment to pause and reflect can make all the difference. Instead of pouring hours, weeks, or even years into tackling the wrong problem, a thoughtful understanding of the situation can save us time and energy—time we’ll never get back. Sometimes, the true challenge lies beneath the surface, waiting to be revealed with a bit of
The More You, You Are, the More You Are
Chris Do’s words helped me reconcile with myself. In a group of creatives like ours, not everyone can be the loud, extroverted voice. And that’s okay. Every group needs balance—people who complement each other.
Ireland showed me that I don’t need to change who I am to fit in. The more I embrace my true self, the more authentic my contributions become.