The world is a cruel, scary, and cold place; that’s what I’ve learned from the news networks, social media articles, and from violent videos. When I first stepped out on the edge of my comfort zone—okay more like free fell out of my comfort zone—it was my first time overseas in Southeast Asia. As most of my circle knows, I am a very ambitious, confident, and outspoken person, but of course, I was nervous and anxious, to a healthy level. There were a lot of voices of concern, way too many, as a matter of fact—more wishes of “stay safe” or “be safe out there,” than “make the most of it” and “enjoy such an incredible opportunity.” And to this day when someone wishes me a “safe trip” it makes my blood boil and brings me to tears. It’s such a naïve way of saying that the world only wants to do me harm. I will never forget the worse piece of advice passed down to me about traveling; it went something similar to “stay safe when you’re out there,” and I quote “someone gave me a good piece of advice, don’t be a naïve woman.”
I personally know quite a lot of people who have never set foot outside of their little hamlets that they call home and then have confidently talked fear into those that have ambitions to leave. I remember about a year ago I was in the middle of a cross-country road trip from New York to Washington with a friend, one of my favorite adventures to date. We had stopped by to visit a relative of mine. We were catching up and describing our road trip thus far and where we intend to go next, which was the Mall of America in Minnesota, quite a large attraction. Their faces grew a little grim and uncomfortable. They explained how they have never been because it’s such a famous attraction and can be a huge target for a terrorist attack. What am I to say to that? That the chances of being in a terrorist attack is so slim that it isn’t even worth the thought? Well, I went anyway to the Mall of America; ended up locking the keys in the car, it was a fun time…
What I am trying to say is that the world isn’t out to get you. The evil, the bad in this world, are so limited to certain places and people. People’s irrational fear is built on ignorance. How to solve that? The answer is simple; research. Research that particular country’s history, learn about which areas tend to be conflict areas, gather tips and tricks to guard yourself against being exploited as a tourist. It’s all about your perception, keenness, and common sense. Only once did I ever feel uncomfortable and threatened and that was only because there was a drunk Spanish man whore sleeping in my hostel dorm room. And do you know how that was handled? The hostel employee switched beds with me in another room for the night. That wasn’t the only time I have asked for help. I learned that more people are willing to help you than harm you.
No, I am not denying that people aren’t exploited or harmed while traveling, but what I am saying is don’t let that fear keep you from seeing the most incredible places, and meeting the most unique and interesting people. I have seen far more good in humanity during my travels than bad.
I refuse to live my life in fear. I will not pass up an extraordinary opportunity because of uncertainty. The world can be cruel, but what happens, happens. You can only do so much to protect yourself until you realize that you have built your wall too high up and you are just existing in your shell, not living, not experiencing.
I have hitchhiked on the back of a diesel truck through the Philippines. I made close friends with complete strangers. I have road tripped out west all by myself. I have picked up a hitchhiker who was backpacking the Colorado Trail. I have climbed the steep steps to the top of Angkor Wat and Bagan. I have climbed the mountains of Sapa. I have ventured out in the heart of Denver, Seattle, and Hong Kong on my own. I have danced until dawn in Bangkok, and I have backpacked the awe-inspiring countries of Southeast Asia.
I have stories.
Mark Twain couldn’t have said it any better — “Twenty years from now you’ll be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.”
Go make some stories for yourself.
