There are weary travelers, those who seek adventure, and many in between. If you would have asked me how I felt before I left the United States to travel to England, I would have said nervous. Not only was I going to be traveling to an entire new country, but I was going without my friends and family. I will admit that that part was the hardest part of traveling to get over, but now that my five weeks of studying and traveling abroad are over I can not wait to travel more.
While traveling abroad, you'll learn so much about yourself. That is very cheesy to say, but it is the truth. You are placed into a new environment and it's up to you to choose how you want to spend it. If you want to do the same things you do when you're at home, like watch TV and sit on your phone all day you are more than welcome to do so. However, you won't really be experiencing anything. For instance, I did not get a phone plan. I solely relied on WiFi to communicate and though it was not a reliable way of communication, it was sufficient enough. You see, technology distracts us from experiences. Instead of communicating with those around you, you rely primarily stick to talking with people you are comfortable with. It is great to keep in touch, but I would rather not miss out on experiences.
Before I left, I was very obsessively compulsive about scheduling. If you wanted to do something, I would prefer that we choose a date and make plans at least a couple days before. Exact times had to be included and if we were going to get lunch somewhere I needed to know. With traveling, there are some things that you can not control, lines at border crossings, delayed flights, late buses. These things happen. My dad has always told me "it is what it is." I always had hated that statement, but now I realize the importance of it. Instead of being so focused on my plans and not allowing any flexibility, I have learned sometimes it is better to just go with the flow. I would get so frustrated if plans changed or if I got sick when I had a busy day planned, so much so that it would ruin my day. I have had to learn to adjust and be more flexible if something changes. I can not control these things, so there is no use letting it frustrate me.
You can not please everyone. People may be concerned about your choices, your safety, and where you're going, they may even question everything you do. Not everyone is going to be supportive or as excited about all the experiences you have had or are planning to have. You know what, though? It is your life. Only yours. Do what you please and make yourself happy, because in the end what other people think of you is completely irrelevant. I have always been concerned of what other people thought of me, but it is pointless to fret over petty statements and drama. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I will listen to you if you so wish but I am no longer concerned about what people think of me. I am who I am and if you don't like that then you don't have to be a part of it. I was too focused on pleasing everyone, that I never really pleased myself.
