26 and Shitting Bricks
About two weeks ago I put my things into storage, packed up a few things into a backpack and hopped on a one-way flight overseas to start an adventure I've only ever dreamed of being possible. I'd always talk about how much I wanted to go out and travel the world and experience new things, but when asked why I haven't done so, some sort of excuse would impulsively leap out of my mouth: "I'm too busy," "I can't afford it," "I don't have anyone to go with." So on and so forth. I'm pretty sure every possible excuse had spilt out of my mouth and they have been playing on repeat for the last several years of my life— all but the real reasons I hadn't stepped out into the world: I was too scared to fail, too scared of what others would think and too scared to step out of my comfort zone, but mostly scared of letting myself and those around me down.
There came a day when I got tired of having my life run by fear. I was nearing 26 years old and felt like I had gone my whole life surrounded by towering walls separating me from the rest of the world claiming to be a safe haven when in reality it was my own personal prison cell. I've spent so many years trapped within that cell wondering what my place was in the world and how other people on the same planet lived. That curiosity and desire to explore felt much stronger than the fear restricting me from freely living life. To be honest, I was so unhappy that I felt like part of me was dead inside. When I decided to go out into the world and get to know the world I live in, its the first thing in so long that made me feel alive and truly excited for the future.
I tend to have very outlandish ideas of things I want to do and say I will, but often end up abandoning the idea half way or not even pursuing it at all. I was afraid I would fail and what others would think of me, but I didn't want to let that hold me back anymore. I had lots of setbacks leading up to this trip; I encountered unexpected expenses, I didn't save up enough money, I couldn't sell all my things in time, I had trouble getting my passport and to top it all off, I was about to give up all my plans for some boy (Danni, when will you leeeeearn???)— it seemed like the odds were against me and had doubt as to whether this type of trip was for me, but regardless of the outcome I wanted to go after this to prove to myself that I was capable of doing it and that if I fail, it's OK!
I am two weeks into this adventure and it has already been filled with obstacles and emotional rollercoasters, some of which I didn't expect from a trip like this. This trip has always been about much more than just travelling from place to place to get pictures that are Instagram worthy, although I'll admit, its a perk. Its been about exploring my existence on this planet, how I fit in (or don't fit in) and what contributions I could make to this world. Travelling solo allows you to really rely on yourself and put all your life learnings and character to the test. What kind of person are you at your core? As cliché as it sounds, travelling solo is a great way to "find yourself." Now, I'm not saying its the only way and that everyone should put everything on the line to do this, but I do think one should explore every possibility to be able to pursue something that makes them happy with the person they are and are becoming.
There have been a lot of things that have come as a surprise to me through the planning process and the actual trip. What has surprised me the most though, is the amount of support and encouragement I have received about my travels, from some of the most unexpected people. Since before I left the US I have had quite a few people reach out to me to say that they admire what I'm doing and it has inspired them to pursue their own dreams they had once set aside. 'Me? Inspiring? When have I ever been inspiring?' I've always been inspired by what others do with their travels but never did I think I would be in a place to be that for others. I've had others reach out to ask how they can be part of my journey and what they could do to help me along the way and when I asked why they felt they wanted to do that, they responded: "because I'm now living my 20-something-year-old self's dreams through you." That really put a lot of things into perspective for me and calmed many of my fears going into this. Never do I want to say to someone "I wish I could've done that when I was younger, but ____." The feeling of being able to motivate others by going after the things I want, regardless of setbacks made me feel like I'm doing exactly what I'm supposed to and that's a feeling I've never had before. That's when I knew I had to go. If I can touch peoples lives before I've even done anything, how many more lives can I touch while I'm actually on the road?
If there's any piece of advice I can give anyone trying to find time to pursue something they're passionate about, it would be... Don't wait. The time will never be just right. And time won't stop for you.
I'm currently in Paris and have only been on this trip for about two weeks and still have a long way to go. Thank you to everyone who has reached out for words of encouragement, support and to provide contacts for people to connect with while on my travels. You guys are amazing and I hope I get to speak with many of you soon. I have started filming vlogs about my adventures that I hope to be able to put out soon. I'm more of a photographer than a videographer and am used to being behind the lens. Needless to say, this is new to me, so bear with me while I get the hang of it all and can put some cool stuff out there for you guys to follow along on my adventures!
***For those who have asked for a way to contribute or if you would like to be part of/help me along my journey, below is a link to where you can contribute. It's not a requirement by any means, but for those of you who are kind enough to do so, I will be sending you a personalized postcard from wherever I am in the world to show my love and appreciation. So make sure if you do contribute, to leave a note with your name and address! I promise I'll send you the coolest postcard I can find!***
If you have any comments, questions, concerns, helpful contacts or suggestions, please don't hesitate to leave them in the comments. I would love to hear what you have to say.
Stay positive. Stay Motivated.
—D
Ways to Contribute:
Venmo (best way):@Danni-Calderon
Paypal: danni.jay@me.com
GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/world-travel-contribution
or click the button below!
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