The unknown can be scary, and for what it is worth at 50 years old, I am both anxious and excited. I have talked with many friends and family and all say, it is never too late to be whoever I want to be. I hope I live a life I can be proud of. If I find that I am not, I hope I have the courage to start all over again.
I will be heading to Belize, a new destination with a completely different culture and language, a new system of transportation and new etiquette in a couple days. But it will force me to face the fear of what’s-to-come head on, to be more present in the moment and to take things as they come. There’s always going to be some nervousness associated with leaving a place you are comfortable with and heading to someplace new but my anxiety is becoming more about the excitement of the journey and less about the fear of the unknown.
I have to stay open to whatever comes my way, to fill my cup and not think about what I should be doing, or where I need to be. What I need to do, is let go of my ideals, if I don't I am not present to what is happening in the moment. There is so much beauty in the world, missed because we are so focused on what we should be doing.
I have done some traveling over time, and it has many ways of teaching us, like presenting situations that require asking for help, something I have always struggled with. From small things like asking for directions to big things like rentals, and menus. Learning how to simply ask for help, and sometimes trusting/relying on someone else!
To be able to seek uniqueness, see beauty, and discover culture in the histories and people that make each place unique will change my behaviour and thinking. I will learn to be more flexible about things, and take it in stride. Travel really is the greatest classroom of life, every sense is heightened when you’re traveling and you’re on your toes like never before. I really don’t think there’s anything we can do as adults that captures the wonder of our childhood like travel does.
I will do my best to let my gut be my guide, because it will allow me to either have a great experience or avoid frustration and bad experiences. Freedom is more rewarding than security. At times it’s better to throw out your plans and just dive in head first.
I have always been resilient, there will be no doubt be at least one instance where a plan goes to s*** or something unexpected happens and I can’t let it ruin my day or your trip. I’ve missed planes and trains, showed up to museums that are closed on the only day I could attempt to visit them, been rained out, lost train tickets, but I soon realized it isn’t the end of the world. Being able to “roll with the punches” or at least be flexible with plans is a great asset when you travel, but also in life.
We should never stop challenging ourselves with new experiences, and better late than never!
Will you say, "I wish I had", or " I am glad I did"? I am going out to explore and see what the world has in store for me!
Bon Voyage
