The Value I’ve Received From My Adventures So Far

What’s it all been worth so far?

As I look back at where I’ve been and what I’ve done so far, I know many of you are wondering if I’m getting any value from all this travel. I started talking about this in my video interview and since it’s a meaningful question, and some of you may want to take a plunge in your own life this year, I thought I’d go deeper into the answers. And, hey, it’s New Year’s Day! A great time to make this year the way you want it. And, Happy New Year!

New Perspectives

This is an obvious one, yet perhaps not completely what you think. Yes, there is the way international travel completely changes your understanding of the world at large. I’ve developed both an appreciation for what I have, but also am grateful to know, for sure, that I can survive with so much less and still be happy in many other parts of the world. So, I feel like “my world” is larger and so are my opportunities. But what’s really cool is that when I think about other things I might want to do that scare or worry me, I get to immediately say, “hey, I went to Nicaragua and all over Asia, by myself, so I got this!” Instead of my old “cautious/anxious/protective” voice leading my every decision, I have a new one, built on courage and strength. There is  nothing more powerful than this!

“Learning there are many different ways to survive AND be happy is invaluable.”

Self Confidence and Self Respect

One of the big reasons I set out was beause I wanted to know myself better. Not every lesson I’ve learned has been easy or happy (read my self respect post if you haven’t already...) but boy have I had a treasure of self discovery! Because of this, I notice that I’m not just more confident, but more grounded in myself. It’s hard to explain, but I used to feel like a tethered kite letting the rough wind blow me around. Now I feel like I stand straight, regardless of the wind. I just let it blow around me and I’m still there, solid. I notice myself more powerfully than I ever have, and accept my feelings, whatever they are, and despite what others may think of them. I also trust my instincts even when they seem ridiculous. A few weeks ago, at a bar with some friends, a man sat on the stool next to me. He barely said a word when I turned to my male friends and told them to keep an eye on this guy. I had a visceral reaction to ignore him and protect myself and my friends. Turns out the guy was drunk. I ignored his advances by putting my back to him so he tried to steal my friend’s coat!

Belief In Other Opportunities

It’s so refreshing to learn that other people that also are #NotAMillenial feel just like I do. And, even better, that they are leaving what they don’t want behind, and turning to international travel as a resource to create what they do want. I no longer feel like my wild ideas are crazy. The life that I thought I had to lead, I now see, is one of many potentials for me, not the only way. I am gathering resources and as I witness the problems and solutions and ways of life in each culture I see the plethora of ways I can live my life, rather than focusing only on how to make money. How refreshing!

Great People, Amazing Conversations

I still am in awe of the amazing people I have met along my journey. Some were just for a short time in my life, others will be with me for a long time. Each one has lent to the changing perspectives I’ve had, the self growth I’ve committed to, and more. I’ve shed tears leaving some and others I know I will see again. It’s amazing how space and time are so unimportant to deep connections, and have also taught me which connections were not as deep as I thought. I’ve greatly enjoyed meeting people on the same journey as me, as well as people that surprised me with kindness and connection despite any judgments I had to work through about age or lifestyle. I’m so grateful to have these great folks in my life! (Check out my Cool People page to meet them!)

The Cool Factor – Deep Exploration and Satisfaction – No Regrets

Finally, being able to say I’ve been all the places I have, and that I got to explore countries in depth instead of running around like a crazy woman to hit all the tourist sites is invaluable. As I left Asia I noticed that even though I didn’t get to go every place I want to see, and there are so many things left undone for the moment, for the first time I can remember, I left with no regret. I have begun to feel a deep satisfaction with myself and my life and my choices. I don’t think I have ever felt that way. I cannot adequately express how fulfilling this feeling is. To know that I am living my life, truly, as I want, and that each choice is made well, and brings me to another part of myself, another wonderful place, or to another amazing meeting, is simply awe-inspiring. I am so thankful to myself and that, in the end, makes the whole journey worthwhile.