35 Life Lessons from My Backpacking Journey

35 lessons from my backpacking journey that I can apply for the rest of my life:

It doesn't take a lot to be happy! (no. 1 for a reason)
- Music, movement, good company, views & food.
I can go into any jungle and walk out with a fur coat.
- Any and every situation I go into is one I can handle and only grow from.
Not speaking the local language makes you more considerate and easy going.
- You don't know what's going on half the time so when you speak it's usually short phases and goes with the flow of energy ~
Every place in the world has something to offer.
- The good, the bad, the good in the bad, & the bad in the good.
Humor is everything.
Whatever I truly need the universe will bring it to me, no force or stress.
- Money, friends, protection, love, solitude.
No matter how many people shit on the United States, we have a few things going for us.
- The banter, red solo cups, salad bars, hydroflasks, & iced coffees.
I know when something is meant for me.
- There is no "I don't know." I do it without question and it flows easily in terms of navigating, booking, moving, readjusting, etc.
It's not just a solo trip, it's a "solo life."
- It'll always feel one square off if you aren't your best friend. Be on top of your well-being.
The Roman Empires: Onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Any dish will be solid with those ingredients.
There is ONE of me.
- I can't apologize, dim my light, or change my boldness for anybody.
There is beauty in being around people and a community who don't know you.
- There are no pre-established labels about you or them. You can show up whoever you want, whenever you want, with no questions asked. You can try on new identities. You can learn from the newness and foreignness around you. You can discern what's not meant for you.
There is no such thing as wrong, it's simply just not meant for you.
If you're happy with it, it doesn't matter what anyone says. The same goes for disappointing people. It doesn't matter what anyone says as long as you're happy.
We are constantly changing. It's okay to like something one week and not the next!
You will most likely be uncomfortable at the beginning of a new place but by the time you leave, you are showing someone else the ropes.
- The power of time.
There is no timeline for life.
- The 20s and 30s don't need to be what people say they are. Follow your own agenda
Traveling erases racism.
- We are one. The more you travel the more you realize we are human, expressions of the same energy, all trying to make it through.
Your senses are information.
- Listen, observe, feel, let it go, or let it grow with you. You don't need to judge or label everything.
"I don't know" is a VALID response.
Knowing who you are is the greatest gift you can give yourself.
- Slow it down, unwind, re-define, learn, grow, transcend.
FAFO - Fuck around and find out.
- Shoot your shot always.
Showing emotion is strength and power.
- Being emotional, bold, and "too much" is authenticity. Hiding emotions, holding back, and forcing yourself to fit in with the trend stem from a fear of being seen.
Always give yourself space and time before responding to a question or invitation.
- Do you actually want to do it?
Saying "good morning" and "good night" to the ones physically around you is important.
- It's loving energy and sets a good tone for the day and/or night.
Presence is simply breathing with your breath.
- BREATHE.
I can find a home anywhere.
- Home is in the heart. Home is inside me. Always.
Every single day you can start over.
- If you did something the day before and don't like it, it doesn't need to be carried forward. Drop it and move forward.
It literally doesn't matter what ANYBODY thinks.
- Free yourself from that cage and get out of your own way!
Never be afraid to ask questions or ask for help.
- The majority of us can use a hand and asking for help will give you the information you need PLUS more!
People aren't talking about you like you think they are.
- But hey, any talk is good talk.
When you believe miracles will come, they come.
- Same as: If you love life, life will love you back.
Everybody is going through shit.
- Don't be a victim, be your own savior.
Transitioning does not mean loss, it's simply re-aligning for the next great chapter.
- There is no such thing as loss when speaking your truth and following your heart.
Believing in yourself is the new religion.

Trust yourself; I promise you can do this.

Xoxo,

Chelsey