10 Lessons I’ve Learned From Traveling And Living Alone

Sometimes you move out from your comfort zone and start off a new journey recklessly and unprepared. You realizing (too late) that it’s not as easy as you thought it would be. No one warns us that growing up doesn’t necessarily happen the same way for everyone. At sone point in life, you’ll go through a massive change. Be it the environment, or yourself — it’s unavoidable really. Accept it, it is there for a reason.

It’s in the unsuspecting moments that hits you hard when you realize how your life has changed all these years while growing up too fast you can hardly notice it. Suddenly, the weight of that reality is brought to your foresight and your life flashes before your eyes. No one really prepared us for any of this.

One great thing about accepting change while growing up though, is that it molds you as a better individual. It helps you truly realize what you are, what you want and what you are made of.

1. Outgrowing people from your past is okay.

As time passes, everything changes and no one stays the same. We are constantly growing and not everyone is growing with you. We outgrow people sometimes and that’s okay.

2. Never live your life based on other people’s judgements.

Never let anyone dictate what you need, or how you handle things. I grew up in a very conservative family that taught me what was right and what was wrong to such an extreme point that I was not allowed to think or have my own opinion. As you grow older, It’s funny to realize that what you actually thought or have been taught of what’s wrong and right, is actually the other way around.

3. Embrace the diversity.

When you travel, you meet all kinds of people around the world that have different cultural backgrounds and different upbringings. Always respect and be open minded to other’s opinion even if it contradicts to yours.

4. Never settle for less.

When you get to know yourself better you also get to know your worth as a person. Sometimes, our culture affects our morals in life. Parents traits are often being involuntarily passed on to their children. You need to know that you will always have your OWN choice to make. Only you know what is good for you.

My family practically raised me in the walls of inferiority, and big ambitions would always be discouraged. Instead of blaming them for my failures, I have managed to draw off my low spirits and made it a point to challenge myself everyday that I can do better.

5. Do not be afraid to chase your dreams.

I believe in the saying, “If your dreams don’t scare you then they are not big enough.” When we’re young, we have ambitions for a reason. They’re there to motivate us become the best of ourselves. If you fail, learn from failure again and again. Remember that one does not reach the grandeur of success without enduring struggle. It is a matter of a leap of faith that separates us from who we are and who we wanted to be.

6. Friends come and go.

You need not to worry about surrounding yourself with a huge circle of “friends” and acquaintances. When you reach your mid twenties, everyone — including yourself — pretty much slips away to what we call “life.” You get busy and eventually your time becomes very precious that if you have a spare moment, you probably just want to spend it all to yourself alone, at the gym, or in bed sleeping rather than partying or hanging out with your buddies.

It’s great to have a few friends to back us up when we need company, but it isn’t the end of the world if you find none that remains true when you need them most. This phase is mainly part of growing up as responsible adults. Be strong enough to walk on your own.

7. You are your best company.

Save yourself from all the drama. Sometimes, it’s better to spend time alone rather than be in a crowd of fools. I am at my best when I am traveling solo. No wasted time left on arguing over certain plans, and everything works smoothly out as you want it to. Although, it is always harmless and a little fun to meet other people along your way.

8. Nothing is wrong with you.

Never feel bad for being different. Everyone is unique in their own way. Not everyone will like you — but that’s okay — you probably don’t like others either. Do not try to change yourself in order to fit in. Be comfortable with who you are.

9. Learn how to listen.

We all know that other opinions don’t matter and that it is important for us alone to decide what we want to be in life, but how do we know exactly if what we truly want is the best for us?

Keep in mind that we have to be wary of the signs our destiny gives away every day. Yes, we can be anything we want, but what if our fate says we can do better? It’s always wise to listen to other’s opinions, just not their judgements. Growing old is far too complex to keep our doors shut on new ideas we once refused or failed to pay attention.

10. Do not compare your journey to anyone else’s.

When you read a book or watch a movie, do not assume that the life of the fictional characters is the same as yours. It’s not. You gotta learn to face reality. Expect the unexpected. You may find a few similarities here and there but your problems and it’s outcome will always give you a diverse result to other’s. Every life is different. Make the best out of yours.