What is it about travel that allows people to have life-altering transformations? I found myself asking this question during our interviews for July’s podcast episodes. Two very different types of trips yet the results - self discovery, peace, reflection, confidence - were the same.
Certainly an adventure trip or a wellness retreat are not the only ways to achieve the above results. Yet the travel element carries two very important aspects.
1. It takes us out of our comfort zone.
The concept of needing to complete a challenge for personal growth is not new and neither is traveling to unfamiliar places. However, when we put the two together, we really can face our fears head on. Acknowledging fear and still continuing the journey is where the personal expansion and transformation occurs. Our podcast guest, Anjie, took on a quest to trek to Mt. Everest base camp. She is not a climber, adventure athlete, or that much of an outdoorsy type of person. Yet she knew that this trip to Nepal and all the mental and physical strength it required would reward her with a sense of accomplishment she could not find anywhere else.
Diana, on the other hand, chose a wellness retreat in the Italian Alps - and that was extremely uncomfortable for her. Rest, quiet, unplugging were not the norm for this global executive and the thought of being still for just a week was intolerable. Diana had to travel to leave behind work, her comfort, in order to find solitude and to recharge.
The places and trips are undeniably different. Travel offers each person a unique method to achieve their personal goals. No two people or journeys are the same.
Photo credit: Anjie Coplin
2. The opportunity to reflect and change what does not serve us upon returning.
At some point, we need to return to our home (or not, but most of us do). This is where we have the choice to go back to our old way of living, which may not have been healthy, or change things based on what we have learned about ourselves on the trip. Diana realized that well-being is a practice - not something we do only after we’ve crashed and burned from exhaustion. Striving for perfection and productivity does not equal personal value or worth. She can continue to enjoy her work AND take care of herself at the same time. Feeling productive will look different for her now that she’s had this change of perspective.
Anjie found internal strength and perseverance that she carries with her everyday - that sense of knowing, of understanding who she is and her place in the world. The vastness of flying over the Himalayas gave her the wonder and awe to continue exploring. With each trip, as she learns more about the world, she learns more about herself.
Travel provides us with the opportunity to get out of our comfort zone, to learn about ourselves, and chances to reflect, all in an exciting and enjoyable package. Where will you go next? How will you change for the better?
Featured Photo by Rohit Tandon on Unsplash