ILSE
HAAG

Both my parents are immigrants and taught me by example to not only embrace “new” and “different”, but to truly put myself out there, because there’s no connection or personal growth when we don’t allow for new experiences. By the age of 18, I had lived in 14 different places, and had spent every summer of my childhood living with family in Germany and Austria.

I graduated from an international high school in Brazil and vagabonded through Europe by myself after college. I met my husband and got married in Montana. Finally, I put down roots when we landed in Maine on a whim in 1996.

When I travel anywhere, I become closer to my own true essence, as traveling requires me to interact with people I don’t yet know, and it reminds me to savor each moment. When something is new—a connection, view, language, flavor, smell—it’s easy to pause and relish in the newness.

When I come home from traveling, I make a conscious effort to bring that beautiful awareness into my everyday life.

I would love to share with you the transformative magic that comes from opening yourself up to the “new” and the “different”.