Why Travel Helps You Grow
I use to be a quiet and reserved person who was only into her own beliefs and systems. I've had trouble making conversations with people. I'd sometimes say something awkward or just let the silence linger after they've had their word. Eek...just thinking about it makes me cringe.
Traveling has helped shaped me as an adult. It has made me a lot more fun and confident. I've learned a lot about myself just by being out of my element. And by just doing that, I've learned how to socialize, have fun and be me.
Here is why traveling makes you a cooler human:
I'm a self proclaimed happiness enthusiast (along with other enthusiasms). When traveling, I'm on a journey and unintentionally as a part of my journey I seek happiness; a story; a friend; a family, a place. Everywhere I look, I'm looking with new eyes, the way a baby looks when it's settled into this world. It's as though nothing can harm you. You start recognizing families who are engaged in love and familiarity, you start noticing art everywhere you turn, and start tasting the love and happiness the chefs put into their foods. Happiness can be in places you wouldn't think to look for when in your own home town. It brings it to light, so that you can bring it home.
Traveling has allowed me to be who I want to be. I've learned to trust in myself. There were times I was lost, or didn't know how to translate my food or just needed directions. And just by smiling and accepting all the kindness I received for being a tourist, it was easy for me to be open.
You're also alone in another world (other than a friend or significant other). I love trying to find common interests with other travelers and feeling like it's a family away from home. They are there to explore and grow just like you, so why not share the journey.
It's also helped me become better at conversation. To be more confident in who I am. I use to have trouble starting and ending a conversation. But it's become natural for me. I love finding a story in everyone, and it's helped me appreciate the people I meet.
If I can live out of a back pack for more than 2 weeks, I definitely do not need half the things that are in my apartment. I've cleaned out a lot of junk that I thought I needed. And now i think twice about what I buy. Do I need this? Would I have needed it if I were living out of my pack? Most likely not.
You're constantly in a budget mode, and that makes a world of a difference when living at home. You've become a minimalist as a traveler.
As I've said before in another article, "I'm more of an explorer than an adventurer, but it takes a little adventure to be an explorer..." And that can never be more true. Traveling inspires me to be more open and more trusting of fear. I've put myself in situations just for a little kick of adrenaline. I can always go for a good adventure, just a kick to ensure I'm alive. Put me on a plane, boat, or car, and I assure you, an adventure will come out of it.
You're a traveler. A traveler in another part of the world. You get lost. You can't speak the language. Your money is running low. You're hungry. You're exhausted. Sometimes, these things can take a toll on you. But then you finally start to understand that this is apart of the adventure, the journey. It's what will make for a good story. It's what helps you ask kindly to get what you need or get to where you need to be.
Who doesn't find a traveler with a sense of wonder and adventure attractive? You have stories to tell, people you want to meet, and you've embarked on a new journey and everyone wants to know who you are. You are no longer Plain Jane/Joe. You have a sense of adventure, gear, happiness and a story to tell.
You are more than you think. There's still a lot of 'Samantha' that I need to get to know. And I'll learn more about her every place I go.
It's up to you to make yourself a part of the journey. Absorb everything you can. Take in culture and traditions, take in the mystery and the adventure, and then let it consume you and spit you back out to a brighter and more confident you.
jbbartram-illu
germansingergirl
jacobvanloon
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