A Change Creator podcast with Drew Dudley caught my attention. He was talking about Lollipop Moments.
According to Drew a lollipop moment is a point in time when connecting with someone has mattered, does matter or will matter. More importantly, he believes in the power of engaging, acknowledging and appreciating those moments.
Lollipop Moments
Curious about what else Drew had to say, I searched for him on YouTube. And there he was. Talking more about Lollipop Moments.
In “Recognizing the Power of Lollipop Moments,” Drew talks about how many people rely on leadership to change the world. Drew believes there is no world but rather there are 7 billion understandings of it. He suggests change comes when a person’s understanding of the world changes. A change brought about by Lollipop Moments. Moments when an individual realizes others care; moments when an individual’s capabilities are recognized; moments when an individual’s power to be an agent of change in the world or in their own life are celebrated.
Some Sweet Examples
Eureka! Global illustrations of Drew’s ‘simple but not small idea’ began dancing in my head. A fortunate traveler, my sojourns have taken me to many parts of the world. Along the way, I have met many incredible women and girls.
Catalina. One of my earliest encounters involved Catalina, a World Vision sponsor child. She and I met years ago while I was in Guatemala. She was about 8 years old at the time. Excited to demonstrate our family’s affection for Catalina, I brought several presents to share with her. Grateful, she smiled and shyly uttered “Gracias.” She then leaned over and said something in her mother’s ear. As her volume was beyond a whisper, I asked the translator to share what Catalina said.
“She was hoping her madrina (godmother) would bring a bike.”
Ouch! A disappointed child and someone who had the power to change that! Looking back, I realize this was a Lollipop Moment. An opportunity for me to let Catalina know her wishes mattered. An opportunity for me to make a dream come true. The potential to change someone’s world. The potential for that change to create yet to be discovered ripples of change.
Epifania. More recently I met a young woman in Peru. She was attending a leadership training event to which I had been invited. Throughout the morning, I found myself captivated by her radiant smile. During one of the breaks, I approached her and complimented that beautiful smile.
A couple of years later, I had the opportunity to meet Epifania again. At that time, she told me my compliment provided her the motivation she needed.
“You gave me the certainty when you told me something nice and you also smiled with me.”
She went on to say, “I had a little problem inside. That day I wanted to cry. But you gave me security and I could smile more and forget the problem.”
That exchange was over six years ago. Thanks to social media, Epifania and I remain in touch. We share a Lollipop Moment, one created and one appreciated.
Travel + Sisterhood + Lollipop Moments = Power for Change
Several years have passed since the inauguration of Ripple Effect Journeys. The principle of “Leading with Lollipop Moments” adds greater depth to this travel vision.
The world offers so many amazing destinations. New discoveries await us at each stop. Historical perspectives along with contemporary insights provide texture to what our eyes can see. Art, culture, architecture, and food illustrate what’s valued in the places we visit. And of course, the people we meet enrich our experiences. (More about this later.)
Good travel does not occur in isolation. Solo travel has become increasingly popular. But most solo travelers will tell you they are not alone. Along the way paths cross and connections are made.
The opposite of solo travel is group travel. In my experience, a group has the potential to become a community. And when this happens, when you move from group travel to community travel, magic happens! A community has something (or in some cases a multitude of things) in common.
Sisterhoods are powerful communities. So much so they deserve their own blog post! (Or, more accurately their own Ripple Effect Journeys blog post.) Sisterhoods bring the following words to mind.
Fun! Support. Feedback. Accountability. Fun!
Fun! Inspiration. Motivation. Transformation! Fun!
Imagine when a sisterhood of travelers meets a sisterhood of women or girls striving to improve their lives. The possibilities for learning, understanding, and empowerment are endless!
Traveling Lollipop Moments change lives. Spontaneous interactions with local people are memorable. Waiting for these to happen, leaves something to chance. Intentional authentic exchanges are possible. But, facilitating these is challenging.
Enter the concept of traveling with impact. What if intentional authentic exchanges were facilitated between female travelers and women / girls associated with non-profit organizations focused on empowerment? And what if Lollipop Moments were involved? Moments when an individual realizes others care. Moments when an individual’s capabilities are recognized. Moments when an individual’s power to be an agent of change in the world or in their own life are celebrated.
A power for change!
‘A Simple But Not A Small One’
Drew Dudley’s recent “Recognizing the Power of Lollipop Moments” recognizes Lollipop Moments are a simple idea. But they are not small ones.
So true.
It’s not small when our actions embrace, encourage, and empower others. Travel, like Ripple Effect Journeys – Vietnam, provides a platform to do so. Join a community of women and become a powerful source for change.
