It seems like a strange thing to say, but living out of a suitcase and being in new places is when I feel most like myself. I know for many, daily routine and familiarities are what makes them feel safe and in control, but for me it seems to be the opposite. Don't get me wrong, I love my home. I love my things and I love my dogs, but the 'at home' me is someone very different to the 'in a new country' me.
(My happy place: Paris)
Firstly, travelling feeds my soul. It opens me up to new ideas, thoughts and feelings and surrounds me in a new or different cultures, which brings me immense joy that is unrivalled by anything else. Travelling, for me, increases my self-awareness, creating new versions of myself with every trip that I take. I'm more aware of my surroundings because I am in awe of new sights and new landscapes.
Because of this I am more awake than normal. I don't mean awake as in hey I'm super caffeinated today. I mean spiritually awake and totally connected to my environment.
If you're a keen explorer, like me and Debs, I'm sure this is something you can relate to. Not only does traveling broaden my mind, but it allows me to realise my likes and dislikes. Travelling refines my tastes and allows me to learn about myself in ways that my regular routine will not allow. Over the years, my likes, dislikes, thoughts, feelings and even opinions have changed so vastly that have turned me into an extremely open minded person. A better person year after year.
Not only do I learn more about myself whilst on holiday, but travelling has allowed me to connect with people from other types of cultures and communities, showing me that ultimately people are just people. I feel like those who have not seen a lot of the world, are programmed to believe certain things about certain places or cultures. For example, before going to Saint Lucia, I had been told to be careful as LGBTQ+ laws are extremely different to the laws we have in the UK. I was told that same-sex couples aren't particularly welcome and that Debs and I wouldn't be safe in that kind of environment.
Whilst we were careful about exposing our relationship in public, we came to learn that actually, same sex relationships are pretty common in this beautiful country, and whilst yes it is illegal and yes some people are against it, not everyone who lives there agrees with their laws. Aren't their laws in the UK that you don't agree with? If your answer to that is yes then allow that to be a reminder that you can't judge a person or presume their opinions based on where they live.
(Us with our friend Katy from Canada and Sherma from Saint Lucia)
Another way that travelling has changed me as a person, is how much more relaxed I am when away from my daily routine. As a life path number 9*, doing the same thing day in day out drives me insane. Being in a new place lifts my creativity and allows me to find inspiration that I wouldn't have found at home. I suddenly seem to have more time to focus on myself, my well-being practices and my work - even though the hours in the day haven't changed, my perception of time has, all thanks to simply being in a new environment.
*I recently worked with an incredible numerologist on finding my own number charts, and it was one of the most eye opening revelations I've had in life. If you're interested in learning more about your own life path number, get in touch with Jo Soley here.
In recent years, gratitude has become a big part of my daily routine. I try my best to find ways to be grateful in every situation life throws at me, including the hardest of times. When I am away, my gratitude levels are at an all time high, because there's so much to be grateful for after all. How can you be sitting on a beautiful beach, with the warmth of the sun pressed up against your skin and not feel thankful to be there? In contrast, travelling can open your eyes to a world of poverty that you might not see in your home town. Being somewhere with a high homeless community can make me deeply grateful for my life at home, and everything that I have.
(Flora and Fauna in other lands are just magical)
Travel has a huge impact on my physical and mental health. For me, the holiday blues at home are intense, as when I am away, my mental health improves by at least half. I am happiest when I am exploring, and whilst I love my day to day life, there's just nothing quite like submerging myself in a new environment.
And it seems I'm not the only one. Marshfield Clinic created an interesting study which revealed that women who travel twice a year are less likely to suffer from depression.
Another study performed back in 2017, proved that women who travel at least twice per year show a much lower risk of having a heart attack than those who only travel every 5+ years. The same was found in men. Men who do don't take a yearly holiday have a 20% higher chance of death and 30% greater risk of heart disease. Wild!
Overall, I know that travelling is continuously changing my personality. I love how travel has changed my life and I couldn't imagine my life without it. I know that for some, travel isn't at all important but I believe that it is what life on earth is all about, and I can't wait to discover more of the world in my remaining years of this life.
Becca x
(Me and Debs having the time of our lives in Saint Lucia)
Comments