What I've Learned From My First Month Traveling
Wander Diaries
I had always wanted to backpack Europe ever since I was little. When I decided to take this time to travel, I knew my wish was to grow. I wanted to experience something different than I ever had. I wanted to learn more about myself and the world, to better serve those around me. My wish came true- but in a much different way than I thought it would. My greatest lessons didn't come from the ecstasy of freedom and exploration. They came from the challenges of unmet expectations and unplanned discomfort. It is a metaphor for all of life. They say to be careful what you wish for. I say wish anyway.
1. Introspection is inevitable.
When our external world changes, it takes us on an inward journey. Through traveling, we experience a loss of the familiar. Routines, comforts, and our sense of "being in control" changes. We get a flashlight beamed on parts of us that were previously unseen. We begin to experience ourselves in ways that we hadn't before.
2. Presence takes practice.
Having your attention dwell on worrisome thoughts is especially frustrating while traveling. Here you are, in a picture perfect setting- and BAM, your mind is spouting out something crazy and completely unrelated. Being in a place that you know you may never see again forces you to really practice being in the moment. You soak in every bit of the environment- the sights, smells, and sounds. It's one thing to have a wandering mind while performing monotonous tasks- but among epic new environments it's straight up unacceptable. Rather than thinking about the past or future, my new mantra has been "day by day." By focusing on the current, we help ourselves let go and just enjoy what's right in front of us.
3. Insight Into Personal Preference.
Things you thought you would like- maybe you don't like. Things that you thought you wouldn't like- maybe you do. We are constantly discovering new parts of ourselves.
4. Rest + Reflection Is Essential.
In order to learn from our experiences, down time is so important. When we are on auto-pilot, it is difficult to process what we are going through. This is why so many people prefer to stay busy- in order to avoid going within and feeling our emotions. However, stillness and solitude is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. While traveling, it is so hard to have down-time, because you feel pressure to do everything and see everything. It's important to recognize that if you hit the sight-seeing game too hard, you risk not being energized enough to appreciate them fully.
5. Physical activity is just part of life in Europe.
The funniest thing I packed was a pair of athletic shorts. I thought I would perhaps need them in case I wanted to go for a run. Turns out, every day I was so active that there was no way in hell I wanted or needed to go for a run. Cities are all so walkable and the public transportation here is absolutely incredible. I am in the best shape of my life from walking so many flights of metro steps and miles a day, just naturally. It is refreshing to be so involved with the outside world rather than spending time in a car commuting to different locations.
6. Be Humble.
Every country does things differently. Language is completely different. Money is completely different. Power outlets are completely different. You will have to take a moment to figure out how the toilet flushes and how the sink or shower works. Coffee is served different. A/C is a privilege. You can be judged by one person, and cheek kissed a million times by another. Everyone is entitled to their own way. You learn that yours is not the only way to live. Beyond your politics, lifestyle, and beliefs, there are so many other people doing life completely different than you. And that is amazingly humbling and beautiful to not understand, but to experience.
