It’s no secret – I love to travel. You could call traveling my “hobby,” if you will. Of course, seeing new places and experiencing other cultures are huge components of my traveling bug. But those remarkable elements of travel are not my favorite part.
So then, what do I enjoy so much about traveling? The journey. Yes, I know the cliché saying, “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.” For me, this cliché rings true.
What I love about the journey…
Perspective
While traveling any distance, there’s time in transit sitting in a plane, train, or car. This time allows for reflection, introspection, and even creativity. My preferred mode of travel is by plane. Looking out a plane window provides a unique view of the world, sparking inspiration and curiosity. For me, traveling, specifically the journey aspect, offers tangible reminders of the world we live in as I view it from a new vantage point. Even on a rainy day, the sun is shining above the clouds!
Possibility
Deeply interconnected with perspective, is possibility. The newfound perspective of journeying to a new place is a catalyst for opportunity. What do I dream of accomplishing? What new avenue can I try to reach a certain goal? Perspective creates a mindset of exploring possibilities from a different angle or with fresh eyes.
Challenges
Travel isn’t always sunshine, roses, and inspiration. Often there are challenges like flight delays, traffic and the like. These moments of the journey are even more valuable than the peaceful moments of introspection. What do you learn about yourself when you’re faced with a problem? How do you approach creating a new plan on the fly? How do I treat others in the heat of the moment? What do you notice about yourself in these situations? While seemingly unpleasant, these journey hiccups present beneficial scenarios to learn about yourself and grow.
The Bottom Line
The next time you’re traveling across the ocean or on your daily commute, view your journey as an opportunity to learn something new about yourself. Allow yourself to spark creativity and inspiration from the mundane moments, and you may just catch the travel bug like me.
