Dash of Courage: One Tux, Two Travelers

"When things don't go right, go left."- Lemony Snicket

I'm writing this...wearing a tuxedo.

Not for a wedding.
Not for a gala.
But because this tuxedo changed my life. 

Years ago, I packed it as a joke—for a trip to Antarctica.
A friend said, "Bring it and take one photo to look like the penguins."
I laughed, tossed it in my carry-on backpack, and forgot about it. 

When I landed in Antarctica...my luggage did not.

The only thing I had for 10 days on the voyage to the frozen continent, was my tuxedo.

So I wore it. On glaciers. With confused penguins. And even more confused passengers. 
The entire time. 

And something shifted.
What started as a joke...became a Key.

A reminder that bold choices unlock unexpected doors. 

So I made a promise: I'd wear the tuxedo to every country in the world. 

Fast forward: Country after country. One bold outfit. A lot of stares. 
And one day while wearing the tuxedo in the tiny country of Palau, I met a Spaniard named Alvaro. 

He was also on a mission to evisit all 197 countries. He did.

We bonded instantly and made a pact to do the hardest countries on Earth together—
Libya, Yemen, Afghanistan. 20 countries in total. 2 near-death experiences, and countless one-in-a-lifetime memories.

And when I finally reached my 197th country—it was Alvaro who drove me across the border into San Marino.

Now I'm in Malta
Because Alvaro's done it again. 
Every country—twice.

I'm wearing the same tuxedo, speaking on opening night of Alvaro's global celebration—
Proof that one bold decision and a little courage can open doors you never imagined.

The tuxedo was simply a key.
A key to friendship.
A key to meaning.

A key to places I never even knew existed—in the world, and in myself

Dash of Courage: Carry the Key

The thing that makes you different?
Don't hide it.
Own it. 

Wear the thing.
Say the thing.
Start the thing. 

Even if it feels weird, bold, or "too much."

Because when you dare to carry your key—whatever it may be—life has a bold way of unlocking the right doors.

The tuxedo was never just a tuxedo.
It was a decision to be different

And different is where the magic lives.

Courage over Comfort,
Garrett