While I now appreciate my international lifestyle, I didn’t always. I envied the people who were born and raised in one place, had a house they lived in their whole life and had friends they’d known since they were 3. I never had any of that. As a child, I didn't see traveling the world as a privilege, but instead a consistent and integral part of my life. My first passport picture was taken at 2 days old and my first flight was at 5 weeks. Together, my family and I lived in Asia for 10 years. A flight from Tokyo to Beijing is about the same travel time as from Atlanta to San Diego. There is a photo of me being breastfed while riding on an elephant in Bali, Indonesia. I have been traveling for as long as I know, but I never realized it's impact until I settled down for university and began to notice my different perspective.
I recently stumbled upon a quote that sums up my personal outlook: “Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.” I interpret this as an understanding of myself in the context of the world and the cultures of people that I learn about. I’ve seen a lot in my short lifetime, but most importantly I have learned a lot from what I encounter. Each place carries a different emotional impact, but I always leave feeling changed.
In Cambodia, I learned of spirituality through intricate and ancient holy temples. In Thailand I grew to appreciate long strolls on the beach, fresh fruit, and Buddhist culture. In Iceland, I saw the most beautiful creations of Mother Nature, the earth’s splendor in its purest form. In Vietnam, I heard the stories of survival and recovery. In Qatar, I experienced a unique perspective on modesty. In Spain I learned to appreciate late nights outdoors and late morning coffees. In China, I saw flashy bright lights only a river cross away from traditional neighborhoods, and I learned how much culture one city can hold. I could go on but I would run out of space. Not only does the list of the countries I've visited expand, as does the many reasons why they are special. I am the product of my experiences, and I know that each revelation I’ve made by learning about cultures and people have shaped me to become a better person overall.
The most general knowledge I have gained by being a world traveler is that there is much more there beyond my own sphere of influence. I realize how minuscule my own worries are compared to all the complexity of the bigger picture. Because of this, I try not to stress out over the small things in my life. Many people who haven’t experienced what I have fail to realize this, but you don’t have to go to these places to have these revelations. By simply becoming educated about the world, you can grow the same way. Whether it’s through a book, the Internet, or an interaction with a person listening to the stories and learning about cultures can really enrich how you view the world and your place in it.
In fact, personal experiences are merely a starting place, but research will get you to a more complete point of understanding. I urge you to go beyond the comfortable view that is limited to your own eyes and begin to see it through others. Let them and their experiences become a part of how you define yourself. This will help you realize that the small things that you let consume you are nothing but a speck in the beautiful and multifaceted world that hosts you.
