Traveling to Ecuador solo was scary — especially with my low vision and history of mental illness. To prepare myself properly, I wrote down some of my favorite quotes before my departure. Let’s use the power of words to prime our brains for taking bold actions!
1️⃣ Having Courage is not the Same as Being Fearless 🙅🏽♀️
I believe that having true courage means that you are willing to befriend whatever anxiety you have, not take it out entirely.
In fact, I don’t believe in the concept of ‘fearlessness’ nor aspire to ‘be fearless’.
Fear is a natural human emotion that should be invited in, just as much as joy.
It is okay to be afraid. Acknowledge it, respect it and take small steps (I tell this myself, as much as you now).
Inside Out taught us this much, right?
2️⃣ Prepare for the Worst, Hope for the Best 🙏🏽
I think being hopeful and thinking positively is smart.
But not if it means you are relying on solely good outcomes.
The harsh reality is — unexpected things often happen while traveling. Whether it’s e.g. a change of itinerary, sickness or theft.
Check your insurance. Take medications with you. If you go volunteering, line up a plan B. Create a list of emergency contacts. And so forth.
These preparations are mostly practical, but I think it is also important to be emotionally prepared.
Practice soothing techniques, download mindfulness apps, create a relaxation list on Spotify, and try to work on a flexible mindset.
(And yes, I have done all of these practical and emotional preparations for my current South-America trip and have already had to use a couple!).
Trust me — when difficult travel times come, you are going to be very relieved you did your homework.
3️⃣You Never Fail. You Only Learn and Change Course 💨
My dad spoke these words to me the night before my flight.
Truth is, I was very nervous. Nervous about flying so many hours solo again, about what could happen in Ecuador, to my health, both physically and mentally.
That night he said: “if you truly start to feel unwell there, you can be on the next flight out. And that would not be a failure’.
He was right.
Sometimes giving up is the right thing to do.
Sometimes, a certain step turns out to be too big after all.
Sometimes, you try something and it doesn’t go as you had hoped or planned.
That’s life, not failure.
Having that carved into your brain gives a lot of peace and boosts self-love; both of which you are going to need on your adventures!
4️⃣If You Do Something With Your Whole Heart, It is Never Without Meaning 🌙
I read this sentence in a book titled ‘Following the Moon’ by James Norbury.
It has stuck with me ever since and I apply it both in my personal and professional life.
Professionally, because I started a travel platform that requires energy and time, without knowing whether it will truly ‘thrive’ economically.
Personally, because I am currently on a several months trip that does not serve a specific career or educational goal.
It doesn’t matter, because I know that what I am doing gives me soul and connects me to my passions.
This makes the insecurity much lighter to carry.
5️⃣If You’re Acting Like a Sheep, Don’t Blame the Shepherd, You Cannot Herd Lions 🦁
This quote for me is very much about creating your own path in life and following your heart’s song.
Society can make it seem like it has everything planned out for us.
Study, find work, fall in love, have children…
As a single 32-year old woman without my own property, I feel this societal pressure sometimes.
But being here in Ecuador, surrounded by lush cloud forest and amazing wildlife, I am reminded again of the importance of this quote.
There’s no proper age at which to reach a ‘certain milestone’.
The only ‘milestone’ we should be truly worried about, is making sure we utilize our lives to leave a positive impact on our beautiful earth and to fill our bodies with life energy!
👇🏽 Okay — enough wise words from me! What one-liner would you add, or what is your favorite travel motto?
Warmly,
Marie Elise
