Can I be honest? As I write this, I’m preparing to go on a three week long trip to the U.K. I’ve never traveled by myself before. I’ve never been out of the country before. I have been nothing but excited the last few weeks. But now a few days from my departure… I’m nervous. I’m thinking about curling into a ball under my bed and pretending I didn’t book this trip. That’s where I am, debating on going on my graduation trip.
I nearly smacked myself in the face when I calmed down enough to think. I realized how ridiculous I’m being. Here I am preaching about being brave and trying new things, yet find myself trying to chicken out at the last minute. I really had to sit myself down and reflect on my thoughts!
I pulled out my journal and wrote down everything I was thinking. The list looked something like this:
Excited
Terrified
Anxious
Anticipation
Adventurous
I took this list and circled the positive thoughts, and scratched out the negative words. It let me take a deep breath and separate my travel anxiety from my positive thoughts. Focusing on those words allowed me to envision the aspects of my trip I’m looking forward to. Such as the food, the views, the experience of traveling to cities I’ve dreamed of, and more. That travel anxiety is still snuggled in my gut, but it is firmly overshadowed by my impending excitement, and that’s okay.
What I am trying to say is that we all doubt ourselves. We finally reach out for the thing we’ve always wanted, and once it’s in our grasp- we balk. Despite wanting it, those doubts and fears rise to the surface. This is when we really have to look at ourselves and choose what we want and is best for us. And I know for me, this trip will be the best experience ever for me!
Have you been in a similar situation? Or felt similarly? Let us know in the comments! Or better yet, submit your own guest post!
Every time, I’m a stress ball. I’m always glad I went though.