I'm lucky enough to have been able to travel quite a bit in the last few years. I've caught the travel bug with no plans of stopping.
Here's my husband and my two friends in the airport about to head to Thailand.
However, you must know, I wasn't always a world traveler. In fact, for half of my life, I was terrified of planes, and crashing in them. I'm thankful my dad decided to take my sister and I to New York in high school. At that time I was reluctant to fly but I think about how pivotal that decision was. If I hadn't taken that first step to overcome my fear, I would've missed out on a ton of incredible experiences thenceforth.
The funny thing about traveling is that is also reminds you just how much you're probably missing out on. The more you see, the more you realize you haven't seen. And then you decide you have to see all of it.
While we were in Thailand, we explored temples galore, but we also decided to find a church to see what one would be like. I took a picture of their sermon in a sentence. I think it's very fitting, wouldn't you say?
So, without further ado, here are a few simple lessons that traveling will remind you of.
1. Sometimes, reality is what you make it.
Did I mention I'm still mildly terrified of planes? And traveling by ocean? Twice I got nervous on this trip. And it was all while commuting. This picture shows the boat that we took from one island to another before it started pounding rain. With waves crashing onto the deck periodically, I thought there was a 30% chance we might not make it. But I'd look at my friends who seemed fully engaged in their Netflix watching and thought, wow, they're being so strong. Same thing happened during some considerable turbulence on our way back to the states. While it took every ounce of my mental strength to not freak out, the rest of them were sleeping. To my surprise, both times, I was legitimately shocked to find out they weren't just being strong. They were not phased in the least. They did not feel they were in danger. This is comforting to me for next time or any time I think life or a certain situation is headed in one certain direction, a simple mind shift or chat with a friend with a different perspective can change everything.
2. The grass, er, water is greener on the other side.
There is beauty in going outside of your comfort zone. It almost always leads to something amazing. There is always something (many things) to appreciate when you visit new places and try new things. This picture is an incredible example. And that water in the Koh Phi Phi islands is that green. #NoFilter
3. Talk to strangers — We're all adults here.
When you were 4, sure, there was good reason not to. But now that we're adults, I believe strangers have a lot they can show us. If you're talking to a stranger, that most likely means you're engaging with someone who's probably different than you. That means you're going to get a different perspective. You'll learn to appreciate them for their differences. And often, you'll realize they're not really that different at all.
This picture represents one of the most moving parts of my trip. We motor biked off the beaten path and came across the entrance to some temples up on a hill. We decided to check it out. Though we thought it was an abandoned area, 20 minutes into exploring, a monk appeared and eagerly asked us if he could show us around. He was the sweetest. I was beyond thrilled that we could get to know a monk personally. We had visited a bunch of touristy temples without getting to actually meet any of the men in orange. Anyway, I was just overwhelmed with joy by his kindness. It was a pleasure to meet him.
4. Get cozy with the elephant in the room
Playing with elephants is the coolest. We also cozied up to tigers. Which, for most, seems initially intimidating. I personally wasn't scared, but it does mess with your mind. I'm hanging out with tigers. Bathing in waterfalls with elephants. No big deal. Throughout life, we are told to avoid certain people, certain situations, certain objects for that matter...sharp scissors, anyone? You know, sharp scissors help me cut with precision. And giant, powerful animals are now my pals. So, maybe it’s actually more harmful to blow out of proportion what you’re up against.….just sayin’.
5. It's a big-small world after all.
I'm continually being reminded of this. These photos are of people we met at the church we visited. I love how we felt an instant connection to these people and this place in a country across the world. We showed up to the church right from a shuttle bus and the pastors so generously offered to take us to breakfast even though church would soon start. They drove us there themselves. And then I took a picture with the worship team because I also sing on a worship band. I thought it was so neat that in this teeny little church, they were singing the exact same songs we'd choose to sing at our edgy, metropolis church. Instant connection.
6. The road less traveled has stunning views
We motor biked a lot. Just did our own thing. Rode where we wanted to ride. And that led us to the top of the temple pictured earlier where we met the kind monk. Because he eagerly offered to show us around, he told us that we were standing on ground and saw a view that only one other group of Americans has ever seen (at least in the past 20 years he’s lived there). Ahh!!! Amazingness. Touristy stuff is fun. But discovering your own treasures is even better.
I hope for anyone reading this that you'll go out and travel. Whether it's a small town a few hours away or a city across the world. They all have something to offer. Traveling is one of the most rewarding things I've come to be a fan of.
Also, if anyone needs the perfect itinerary for Thailand, you know where to find one!