Returning home a month later I could not agree more with the bold acquisitions of the ladder statement. Through my travels I met some amazing new friends, been in the presence of some breathtaking scenery, and indulged in some delicious local food. Speaking of food, I believe I had Greek salad for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Greece everyday. Croatia has the best sea food. Travelling allowed me to get outside of my comfort zone. You often hear people sharing this notion of getting outside of your comfort zone in all those popular inspirational quotes but what does that truly mean. In our everyday lives we get into a routine allowing us to have happiness, diminished anxiety and limited stress. However, once we introduce something new our mind is thrown for a loop, it doesn't like this at first but bare with me, it gets better for you. There is actually an area known as the optimal anxiety zone, the area outside of your comfort zone; performance, creativity and problem solving skills are increased here. Travelling, especially backpacking pushes you into this zone as you are forced out of your mental and physical safe zones. Living off only what you can carry, being submersed in areas where no one speaks your language, or rushing through a foreign city looking for your train that's currently boarding are certainly ways to stress your body in an attempt to get into optimal physical and mental clarity.
While visiting six countries it was effortless to see the fact that everyone in this world is so similar. Skin colour, languages, religion, geography and cultural traditions may be different, however, people are all on the same pursuit of happiness just like me and you. Travel frees you of any existing labels you are associated with in everyday life (job, social network) in an effort to truly find out who you are as a person. You will experience generosity from many locals, who in the beginning have not much to give at all. I think Bob Marley had it right with his song "One Love". Europe is such an amazing and historical place making you respect previous generations hardships and accomplishments. In grade ten history class I really wasn't interested in World War II dates and facts, however, after being in the Netherlands and learning what it was like, its hard not submerse yourself in the history and wonder.
Hopefully I didn't get all of my existing readers who already consider themselves travellers to excited with this post and I hope I may have convinced those who have never travelled to give it a try. Remember life is not about existing, it is about engaging.
To end the post I thought it would be good to share a few of my favourite photos from my trip and a few of my favourite travel movies.
Cheers,
Mason
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| Post Running of the Bulls Picture in Pamplona, Spain for the San Fermin Festival. If this doesn't get you out of your comfort zone, I don't know what will |
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| Hey, you need to have a crazy raft party on every trip right? The photographer climbed the mast of a sailboat in order to capture this unforgettable moment. I took a week to sail the Greek Islands apart of the famous Yacht Week tours. Our week consisted of 27 yachts with people from all over the world |
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| The Swiss Alps at their finest. Switzerland was an amazing part of my journey as I was able to meet up with distant family members in an attempt to discover my Swiss roots. |
My Favourite Travel Movies
Into the Wild
180 Degrees South
The Beach
The Motorcycle Diaries
Dumb and Dumber
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