What I learned in Asia
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 12:14PM / Standard Entry
/ Members only
9 comments
On my vacation in Asia in February, I treated every day as special. I
put on makeup and a cute outfit every day. I went out exploring for
hours until I was sweaty and tired, and then I'd take a nap at the
hotel, shower, get ready again, and go out again. I pushed myself to
talk to strangers. I met up with old friends as often as I could. I
savored each interaction and each new experience.
It's that
feeling that I miss most, and I need to apply that to everyday life.
With each birthday I'm reminded that time flies by so fast and we have
a limited time here on earth. We should spend less time worrying about
the future and try to enjoy what we're doing NOW. We should do
everything we want to do before we get too old to be able to do them.
Before
my Asia trip, I complained often about being too shy and reserved and
therefore feeling out of place. But in Asia I travelled alone and was
forced to communicate with strangers every day, whether in English, in
broken terrible Mandarin, or in a made-up kind of sign language. I
felt really stupid and embarrassed the first few times, but then I
actually got used to it and realized that it's not bad at all. As long
as you smile and are nice, people react well to you. People aren't
going to spend their time judging you (unless they are immature, and in
that case, their opinions don't matter). They have their own issues to
worry about.
I came home and have noticed myself being more
outgoing and socially at ease. I'm more comfortable than ever with
strangers and even around my own friends. I was able to take what I
learned from my trip and use it to improve my daily life. That's why
travelling is so great - the things you learn from your experiences
have long lasting benefits.
"Just smile, and there's nothing you can't overcome." (Smiling Pasta)
Entry comments (9)