My time in Warsaw, Poland

I’ve always loved learning about history. I’m sure that is one of the reasons I’ve enjoyed our time in Europe so much…the never-ending museums, castles, and cultural experiences.
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Since we moved, we decided I'd get away a few days each year for a personal retreat to reflect, pray, plan and do some of my best thinking.

I just got back from my time in Warsaw, Poland and I am full of energy, ideas, creativity, and inspiration (why I find these times so valuable).

Warsaw is a city that includes history of great destruction and pain. This destruction is to the tune of 85% of the city being completely demolished during WWII.

However, they did not sit in that defeat, but came back even stronger. Poland rebuilt their city (which is absolutely beautiful) with the exact replicas of former day, down to specific colors and other notable factors.

This city has been given the nickname “The Pheonix”, as they literally have risen from the ashes. You can visit now and enjoy a stunning, clean, and high-tech city, with all of the charm from the good times in the past.

My biggest take away from this special visit was – no matter how hard, how hopeless, how devastating a situation may be…. we all have a choice to make.  We can rise like a Phoenix or give up in defeat.

As I toured the Warsaw castle, former Jewish Getto, the Christmas markets, the lovely Old Town, and the list goes on…I felt a sense of pride and excitement from the people. I even had the chance to speak with an older man from Warsaw who went on about the beautiful surroundings. He told me that I had to come back with the family to continue the adventure!

I took this experience to heart.  Though it is very exciting, rewarding, and skill-building to move your family to a new country…these moves still come with challenges.  Especially early on, at times it is easy to feel out of sorts and like you are skidding by on an icy slope!

I will never forget my experience in Warsaw and the impact these resilient people had on me.  If we ever feel stuck (or on an icy slope)…I’ve learned the best thing to do is don't stay there in destruction. Instead, choose to put one foot in front of the other and keep taking those baby steps. If we do, there is no doubt that amazing things will happen!

Five Years ago, I did not know if starting a company would be possible! Here we are 5 years later, and we feel the sky is the limit.  Based on the amazing examples I’ve seen of what it looks like to overcome; I feel more resilient/courageous/hopeful than ever!

Here’s to our motto – "Go Higher"! In all hardships – keep going – be resilient – the goals on our heart are possible!

Author: Erika Butler, CEO