10 Life Lessons That Travelling Taught Me
“I fell in love (with travelling) the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.”
Given that I come from a defence background, it was hardly any surprise that I took to travelling, like a fish to water. I got my first taste of travel when I was quite young. But it wasn’t until a few years ago that I started travelling by myself. Since then, the list of places I have visited has grown and the desire to see more has become stronger.
Travelling has been a story of personal enrichment. The changes within me were sometimes too subtle. And at others, were too damn dramatic. Few needed to be pointed out to me, while few were noticed only by me. But one thing I knew for sure: Travelling, especially travelling alone, has changed me. And for the better.
- Unlearn Stereotypes
It was a dearly-held belief. But something changed that warm summer evening when I met a gentleman from Pakistan in Bhote Koshi, Nepal. I learnt that a smile, a wave, and a friendly attitude can break down any barrier and create friendships, even between the two most unlikely people.
2. To Adapt
Flights are not always on time. Local food might not always be palatable. Things do get lost or stolen while on the road. There are several such things that could go ‘wrong’. But somehow it always seems to work out! The more we travel the better we adapt to these situations. And find a way out where there’s none.
3. To Let Go of Control
I used to be a freak. I needed rigid itineraries, lists, plans… everything! And I needed them all written down like in the Babylonian times. But now, I am no longer a slave to my schedules. I might meet a young couple in my hotel and go hiking with them to see the stars or decide to dine with the local guide and his family. There is no ‘must-see’ or ‘must-do’ on my list anymore. I still pencil down the broad outline but I have learnt to leave some room for the unexpected.
4. To Appreciate the Smaller Things in Life
That gorgeous sunset, walking through the clouds, sitting by the beach for hours together doing nothing.. these are things I would trade my designer shoes or fancy labels for, with no second thoughts. The smile I shared with the tea vendor’s little daughter, the taste of the local beer Chang in Pelling, Sikkim, watching the sun disappear behind the mighty Khangchendzonga right before my eyes are few of the many things I keep replaying in my head. And these are things I am most grateful for.
5. To Live in “Now”
I worried myself sick over the decisions I had made in the past or the things I needed to achieve in the future to feel ‘accomplished’. But travelling taught me to live in the moment. To learn from the past and build a better future. But most importantly, to learn to “slow down to smell the roses”. Sipping tea, sitting outside the Rumtek Monestery, Gangtok with little Lamas playing catch in the background was far more fulfilling than a fat paycheck.
6. To be Grateful for What I Have
To have parents who trust me to make the right decisions in life. Two crazy, adorable siblings who’d have my back even if I were wrong. Friends, who would stand by me no matter what… Standing before the vast expanse of Pangong Tso, near Ladakh, I was grateful for them all and each of the moments I have lived that have made me the ‘story-teller’ that I am, today.
7. To Turn Strangers into Friends
I was always very social. Making new friends almost came naturally to me. But to have made friends with a Bangladeshi and travelled to lands unexplored despite knowing each other for just a few hours would sound absurd. But that’s exactly what happens when two people bond over the love for travel! Trusting a stranger becomes your second nature. And before you realise, you have found a friend for life.
8. To Never have a Dull Moment in My Life Again
Travel has shown me how much more there is to life! Read a book, talk to a stranger, learn a new language, play an instrument, go for a walk. There is just so much to do in life. I have learnt to always find something interesting to keep me occupied. I, now know how exciting and thrilling any new experience can be.
9. Abstinence from Technology
I learnt to unplug. I was never the one to be addicted to my phone or i-pod. But being on the road has taught me how I can absolutely survive without them. I have no urge to check my notifications or upload my pictures instantly on multiple social networks. Given a book, a pencil and a nice cup of tea, I am the happiest, that I’ll ever be.
10. Humility
Travelling has humbled me in ways that nothing before ever had. Lying down in the sands on Arambol beach, Goa, looking up at the infinite stars, I realised I am just a speck of dust in the Universe. And magic exists in such small moments in life.
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