WRITTEN BY: Terri Rogers
I know you're probably tired of reading the "benefits" of traveling and how amazing your life will be once you take that exotic trip to Bora Bora or Tokyo. However, it really cannot be denied that traveling opens your eyes and challenges you in ways you may have never thought possible. For this very reason, we felt it only necessary to offer our perspective on traveling and what we've learned! LET'S GO!
1. Forces you out of your Comfort Zone
Now, I think we know how lovely comfort zones can be - no pressure, no expectation and you can move at your own pace, doing exactly what you want to do, exactly HOW you want to do it. However, if you find yourself always longing for more - be it excitement, change, wealth, success, maybe even deep meaningful love - a comfort zone is definitely not the place to find it!
By traveling and exploring new countries, cultures and languages, you are certainly going to feel intimidated and out of control sometimes. And that's the beauty of it. Traveling forces you to be comfortable with being UNcomfortable and that's great. You can't grow without being tested and challenged. Whether it's fumbling your way through asking for directions in French or by breaking a major cultural code - enjoy the learning experience!
By traveling and exploring new countries, cultures and languages, you are certainly going to feel intimidated and out of control sometimes. And that's the beauty of it. Traveling forces you to be comfortable with being UNcomfortable and that's great. You can't grow without being tested and challenged. Whether it's fumbling your way through asking for directions in French or by breaking a major cultural code - enjoy the learning experience!
2. Frees you
Sure, you might embarrass yourself in front of that cute waiter, but.... who CARES?!* You're on vacation! You don't know anyone in this foreign land - it's your playground. People often describe traveling as the best time to discover yourself and it's so true. You're out of your regular routine and can use this time to experiment. Nothing freaky, I just mean get to know yourself on a deeper level with all these new "firsts".
The older we get the harder it is to have these "first" feelings. Remember the first time you rode a bike, tried a coffee, jumped into the sea? These experiences, whether we acknowledge their importance now as adults or not, added a unique flavour to our lives growing up and that excitement are part of what made being a kid so amazing. Especially if you're traveling with friends - cherish every precious and seemingly insignificant moment - life is short and beautiful!
"Never lose your childish enthusiasm." - Under The Tuscan Sun, 2005.
The older we get the harder it is to have these "first" feelings. Remember the first time you rode a bike, tried a coffee, jumped into the sea? These experiences, whether we acknowledge their importance now as adults or not, added a unique flavour to our lives growing up and that excitement are part of what made being a kid so amazing. Especially if you're traveling with friends - cherish every precious and seemingly insignificant moment - life is short and beautiful!
"Never lose your childish enthusiasm." - Under The Tuscan Sun, 2005.
3. Teaches you.. a LOT
By engaging your curious, carefree childish spirit, in the most adult way possible ;-) , you're able to view the world in a completely different way. Not only does traveling teach you about yourself - your dislikes, likes, your true desires and goals in life - but it also allows you to view things from the perspective of another person, i.e. a local of the country you're visiting.
The preconceived notions about a particular culture, language or people may be put to the test and often times, when the results come back - you've failed. You realize that "they" are no different from you, as you are to them.
It can be very enlightening to put yourself in the shoes of another just for the heck of it and see what it may be like and that in itself is an adventure. The lessons you take away from these experiences will always be left up to you but know that they do occur - just make sure you're open to seeing them ;)
Everything is not as it seems and nothing ever stays the same, not even YOU! ;)
The preconceived notions about a particular culture, language or people may be put to the test and often times, when the results come back - you've failed. You realize that "they" are no different from you, as you are to them.
It can be very enlightening to put yourself in the shoes of another just for the heck of it and see what it may be like and that in itself is an adventure. The lessons you take away from these experiences will always be left up to you but know that they do occur - just make sure you're open to seeing them ;)
Everything is not as it seems and nothing ever stays the same, not even YOU! ;)
4. Inspires your Travel-Bug
After breaking out of your "protective comfort zone cocoon" you'll be wondering why you've been holding back from experiencing all life has to offer this whole time! You'll soon be thirsty to discover more - and by discovering more, you'll inevitably learn more and become more! The effects of traveling can truly only be described as life-changing, even if they're "bad" or unfavourable experiences, you learn how to deal with them and recognize them as an inevitable and admittedly sh*tty part of a little something called LIFE!
You'll learn to take the good with the bad, which will ultimately make you a better player at this said game called life and every little lesson you've picked up along the way, will come full circle and the fuzzy dots of your experience will form the memories of your beautiful life some day! Get started, today!
You'll learn to take the good with the bad, which will ultimately make you a better player at this said game called life and every little lesson you've picked up along the way, will come full circle and the fuzzy dots of your experience will form the memories of your beautiful life some day! Get started, today!
5. The World Is Yours
You've embarrassed yourself, you've met countless people, you've gotten lost using the wrong map but you made it! This mini-obstacle course called Traveling shows you what is possible if you just step out of your comfort zone and tackle life head on. It's not going to always be smooth sailing but it will be worth it. Anything fears you previously had, can be crushed during this period of exploration and self-discovery.
Any pervious hurt and disappointment you've had in your life can be slowly replaced by the empowering new experiences you've had (but only if you're willing to let them go). Once you realize that you are indeed in control of how you handle a situation at its best as well as at its worst, you realize you can basically do and be anything you wish to be. And soon, you'll be yearning for more adventures and challenges to further your potential and will-power!
Any pervious hurt and disappointment you've had in your life can be slowly replaced by the empowering new experiences you've had (but only if you're willing to let them go). Once you realize that you are indeed in control of how you handle a situation at its best as well as at its worst, you realize you can basically do and be anything you wish to be. And soon, you'll be yearning for more adventures and challenges to further your potential and will-power!