When I initially considered the idea of writing this post, I was excited to share my experience with others but was feeling incredibly vulnerable. I had never written a blog post before, nor am I the most seasoned traveler in this community.
But I had an experience that changed me. An experience that continues to move, transform, and excite me. And for these reasons, I am thrilled to share it with all of you.
An Ordinary Life
in
April 2016, I was content. I led a very 'typical' life in that I enjoyed my
career and spending time with friends and family.
I had traveled internationally before, but
nothing could have prepared me for the adventure I was about to embark on with
U30X.
Adventure Awaits
There is something strangely exhilarating yet unnerving about
meeting up with a group of 11 strangers in a country you are unfamiliar
with.
From zip-lining through the jungle, to hiking and kayaking
at the base of a volcano, to dancing with the locals and telling stories
underneath a starlit sky, to eating clean and learning about how to live a more
sustainable life – I was in awe. This was a totally new experience for me.
And I became transformed in more ways than one.
Let me explain.
Costa Rica & Pura Vida
Life in Costa Rica is simple and pure. The local mantra, 'Pura Vida' rings true in every aspect of their culture.
I have never felt so moved by a place. I felt
fulfilled...even at peace. And through meditation, yoga, & lessons in
sustainability, I connected to the earth in a way that was almost spiritual in
nature.
I had never seen a night sky so bright or breathed in such
fresh air. The landscape was strikingly beautiful, and from the sheer magnitude
of the Arenal volcano to the bustling, lush, jungle canopy, I was hooked.
There is a slowness and a kindness to their way of life that
is nothing short of refreshing, and I found the locals to be incredibly compassionate
and welcoming.
New Friends For Life
But it was more than the absolute and undeniable beauty of
Costa Rica that moved me. It was the conversations and relationships I made
along the way that warmed my heart and continue to inspire me.
Our group of 11 strangers--who soon became friends-- connected
in such a meaningful way, opening up to the experience and giving each other
permission to be honest, authentic, and unapologetically ourselves. To
have a group of people see you and validate your passions, fears, and dreams,
is such an incredible and unforgettable experience.
The relationships I made with those 11 individuals are some
of the most meaningful relationships in my life, and I am grateful for what
they taught me about life, love, friendship, resilience, and the importance of
following your dreams.
Back to 'Normal'
I came back from my week in Costa Rica an
emotional wreck. Seriously, I cried the entire way home. Seven hours. Constant
tears.
On one hand, I felt refreshed, inspired, and ready to take
on the world. On the other hand, it felt like my life in Normal, Illinois (yes,
I actually live in a town called Normal) wasn’t enough for me anymore. I had
changed. I had grown. I had experienced something that few people could
understand.
It seemed the only words I could use to describe my emotions
were that I was “made for more.” Unbeknownst to me at the time, I had heard
these same words almost 6 months earlier at a
But they were the only words I could formulate to make sense
of what I was feeling. I soon came to realize I had more to learn, more to
give, and room to grow.
The Transformation
Stepping out of my comfort zone has empowered me to seek out
new and exciting opportunities
The restlessness I felt slowly gave way to an
acknowledgement of my need for exploration, the importance of a creative
outlet, and the value of connecting more deeply with other people and cultures through
travel.
It took me a long time to make sense of exactly what I was
feeling, and heck, I’m still trying to make sense of it. But I have learned to
open myself up to the opportunities that present themselves to me, and I know
that I am destined for a life beyond “Normal.”
So, here I sit writing this post -- trying to articulate an
experience beyond words.
What I had intended as an adventure or vacation became so
much more. A spark within me has been ignited and is kindling the fire of
what it is I am truly meant to do. I know that there is a more purposeful and
meaningful life waiting to be discovered, and I am well on my way to uncovering
it.
Turning Lessons Learned Into Practice
I am now trying to have the courage to allow myself to be
open to the opportunities and experiences that may lead me to diverge from the
path I initially had planned for myself.
For now, that means traveling as much as I can. It
means continuing to practice my Spanish even though that may mean looking
foolish at times.
It means enhancing my photography skills to be able to
capture more impactful images. It means writing this blog post, even though it
terrifies me.
It means living a healthier, more sustainable, and more
authentic life. It may even mean uprooting my life and moving where I feel
called...even if that means sacrificing a salary, job security, and
relationships that are important to me.
I have also discovered that there is a certain empowerment
(that can sometimes be disguised as guilt) in following your heart or chasing
your dreams. Not everyone is going to understand your journey or support you in
taking the risks you feel are necessary.
Take them anyway.
You cannot ignore your desire to learn, grow, and experience the gifts this world has to offer. There is immeasurable value in experiencing the world as an active participant and not simply a tourist.
Traveling is easier and more accessible than ever before. Go
explore colorful markets in Marrakesh, hike the Wicklow mountains in Ireland,
or pray in a temple in Thailand. There are lessons to be learned from meeting
people who are different than you; people who live a life you know nothing
about. There is value in sharing a meal with strangers and attempting to
communicate despite any language barrier.
There is magic in allowing yourself to be inspired by your
gifts and in letting yourself be transformed by the act of stepping outside
your comfort zone.
I encourage you to open yourself up to what, or who, or
where life is calling you to be. Break free of what no longer serves you. Chase
your dreams, wherever they may take you.
Explore. Take risks. Be vulnerable. Be brave.
And most of all, find joy in your journey, because life is
too short to be anything less than spectacular.
