The world is a book, and those that do not travel read only a page — St. Agustin
It’s been a little over a year since my RTWT (Round The World Trip) ended and decided to reflect the learnings of a trip around the world.
A year ago I had just returned from one of the best experiences of my life: a 10-month trip around the world visiting 20 countries with my partner in crime, Sara. Upon our return, Sara re-started her residency at Stanford Hospital and I made my hobby (lam-network.com) an “official” business and decided to put my PhD on hold.
The change from hiking glaciers in New Zealand to “everyday” life in the Bay Area happened in less than 2 weeks. As soon as we returned we attended a wedding, found an apartment, bought a car, and started to work. It was go-go-go for a few weeks and we quickly got accustomed to our old life (prior to RTWT) … or was it our new life? Did life change?
I recently read the last post I wrote on my blog about the RTWT, it was titled: The benefits of long-term travel and what I hope to take with me. I then started reading some of the 106 posts I wrote and relived my trip in one sleepless night. After I read it, I knew it would be very difficult to relive those experiences but quickly realized that there is no need to create “those” specific experiences, but the important thing is to create new ones and learn from those that already happened.
I love to travel, and a part of me wishes I was on the road 24/7 exploring every corner of the world. But there is also a part of me that enjoys being surrounded by people we love, to visit familiar places, and to build some “roots” in a place we can call home.
Live life to the fullest regardless of where you are and what you’re doing. The secret to happiness is to control it yourself.
Travel more, love more, be accepting more, try new things, “don’t sweat the small stuff”, get lost … on purpose, experiment in the kitchen, meet new people, don’t be afraid to say yes to uncomfortable situations, help people, allow people to help you, laugh a lot, …
I could continue but nothing explains it better than the Holstee Manifesto … check out the video:
“This is your life. Do what you want and do it often.
If you don’t like something, change it.
If you don’t like your job, quit.
If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV.
If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love.
Stop over-analysing, life is simple.
All emotions are beautiful.
When you eat, appreciate every last bite.
Life is simple.
Open your heart, mind and arms to new things and people, we are united in our differences.
Ask the next person you see what their passion is and share your inspiring dream with them.
Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself.
Some opportunities only come once, seize them.
Life is about the people you meet and the things you create with them, so go out and start creating.
Life is short, live your dream and wear your passion.”
Learn more about Holstee Manifesto.
Most importantly realize that you can do all of the above right now without the need to travel the world.