We've all heard it said that traveling is good for the soul.
I've been so blessed to have traveled to various parts of the world in the past few years of my life. Whether it's to the most magical cities in Europe or to the next State over, traveling has taught me a few things along the way.
The More I See of the World, the More Beauty I'm Able to See in the Every Day.
Having eyes like a tourist, as if seeing things for the first time, encourages a new perspective -- even after coming home. We all know, "There's no place like home," but having a mindset of wonder has helped me appreciate the beauty in the places I visit & walk by every day. Being a tourist in your own city or community is so fun! Try it! Take the tours you swore you'd never take, go for dinner to the dive you've always wanted to try or take that cheesy pic by that one tacky mural in town you've driven by 100 times.
Traveling Reconnects Me with Myself - and Others.
Whether I'm alone or traveling with the person(s) I love, I enter a state of reliance on said person(s). It's no secret to LK (my go-to travel partner) that I need a little help getting around in new places. He always masters the maps, the talking (especially if it's in any language other than English) and the transportation to and from where we are wanting to go. Traveling is certainly humbling for people like myself -- who work very well in places I'm comfortable & well conditioned in. New places, experiences and distractions build stories that only you and your person(s) can share together. Unfamiliar spaces force us to rely on our own abilities or the abilities of others. Traveling reconnects me with the places inside my Soul that I don't exercise enough -- and the places I've yet to see in Others.
The More I See Beauty in Others, The More I See Beauty in Myself.
It's no secret that beautiful places can be found on nearly every corner of the earth, and that can be said for beautiful people as well. New cultures, new faces, new smiles -- we have such a creative Maker. Every unique part of me was built solely to become the person I am today. For someone who questions their purpose or value, that thought alone brings so much value in of itself. I am who I am, where I am, what I am because of the Who that made all of the faces, places and spaces in all of Time and Creation. The Hands that formed the most remarkable places on Earth, made you and me too.
The More I Revel in Creation, the More Aware I am of My Purpose.
Traveling opens my eyes to new ideas, new jobs, new purposes. I love to think about the lifestyle of someone living in the places I travel: What do they do? Who do they hang out with? Who do they live with? Where did they get their dinner? How do they find joy? In even the most remote places, their lives hold purpose. In my places, I am purposeful too -- whether I see/feel it or not. The little moments that make up my day are meaningful to the culture and places I call my own. Traveling inspires me to consider new paths, new lifestyles, new jobs and new ways of living -- while becoming very aware of my own.
Traveling Brings Me Gratitude.
It's so easy to find gratitude while traveling the world: gratitude for the things, resources, family, routine (etc) I have. It's easy to want more of life when seeing more of life. We have all lived in times of "The grass is always greener." It's refreshing to spin that outlook into one of thanksgiving and appreciation for the life I already live. Whether it's a slum in Africa to the decadent halls of Harrods in London, I have found joy in the things I have rather than the things I haven't.
Traveling makes coming home so sweet.
Traveling Cleanses My Soul.
Recently, I've made it a goal to take time away from my social media while I'm traveling. Disconnecting had been a vital part in allowing me to be fully present wherever I am. Instagram will always be waiting for me at the end of the day/trip. Cleansing what I'm feeding myself (via constant media/entertainment) allows me to heal emotionally, physically and spiritually when traveling. Though it is tempting to be posting all of the exciting things I am doing, eating and seeing on my trips, I often wait until I am in the hotel/Airbnb room to share my day. LK is really great at holding me accountable to this goal (even when I don't always appreciate it). Make a pact with your friends, your family or whoever you're traveling with to hold you to this challenge! I promise you'll be #glad you did!
Being Immersed in Culture - Encourages Growth & Humility.
I love being in places I'm uncomfortable -- okay so maybe not initially, but eventually. It is no secret that change is uncomfortable. Change and unfamiliarity forces us to think, act and respond differently than we're used to. I love being immersed in cultures that are not like my own when I'm traveling. I believe this is so vital in our growth as individuals -- and so necessary in our role as global citizens. Whether it's a different language, religion, community, culture (etc.), it is so important to be immersed in NEW. Thankfully, we don't always have to travel across the globe to find that new. This can be done in our own communities! Traveling has opened my eyes to so many ideas, lifestyles and cultures that are unlike my own. I am so thankful for the people and places I've found around the world that have been vital to my emotional and spiritual growth.
Traveling is an insatiable hobby. There will always be more places to see, more people to meet and more adventure to be had. I will never get tired of being jet-lagged, doing laundry after a long, messy trip or responding to the endless work emails I missed while I was away.
Nor will I ever get tired of coming home.
XX
Laney
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