Today is the last day of my South American adventure. One might expect that I would be feeling sadness in this situation but actually, I am feeling rather excited.
Where it all begins
If you have ever traveled for an extended period of time, you surely know the feeling that arises when your trip is coming to an end. A dread of returning home, to responsibilities, the real world, to the things you were so eager to leave behind. We have all been there… but it doesn’t have to be this way. Why do we have to leave the adventurous spirit behind just because our trip is coming to an end?? I’m here to tell you that you don’t and this is how you do it.
What is it that makes travel so exciting, so stimulating, so rewarding? While there is absolutely some mysterious force that brings out the best, and the worst in us, there are also some aspects that are quantifiable and therefore repeatable.
Let’s begin with the physical.
When you are traveling you are exposed to a variety of novel stimuli on a regular basis. This is challenging to the body and mind and results in a release of neurochemicals that help us to cope with and process all of the novel stimuli.
How can I replicate this? Try taking a different route to and from work each day. A small change like this will expose you to experiences that you wouldn’t normally experience.
Pushing past our boundaries
When we are traveling, especially when alone, we are forced to go out of our comfort zone to meet and connect with new people. This internal tension, in addition to meeting new people from different backgrounds, is also incredibly valuable.
How can I replicate this? Create more opportunities in your life to meet new people. Go to a new cafe every week. Take up a new hobby. Talk to random people throughout your day (oh the horrors!). Just because we are not traveling and do not need to meet new people, doesn’t mean that we can not continue to practice this important skill.
Experiencing gratitude and awe
Often when traveling (if you are doing it right) we experience moments of serenity and awe. Whether it is from discovering a beautiful waterfall, watching a hummingbird flap its wings or seeing something like the aurora borealis, being exposed to these things can leave us feeling awestruck, grateful and in a harmonious connection with the earth.
How can I replicate this? Make a conscious effort to connect with nature on a regular basis. If you can’t go big (think grand canyon), go small. Even the tiniest drop of dew houses magical universe. Normally we disregard these experiences, yet we can find awe and beauty in the mundane if we are willing to look for it.
Walking the walk
These are just a few examples of things that we can do to continue on our adventure when our trips have finished. The important thing to remember is that all of these experiences stem from an open mind and the courage to try something new. We can recreate all of these in our home environments if, and only if, we are willing to put in the effort. I challenge you to continue your adventure wherever you are. You may be surprised by how you respond.