Explaining my decision to travel was a conversation to be had. One with my inner self, and one with my culturally rooted ethnic family. The notion of a female travelling alone is frowned upon in my culture. In fact, until recent times it was a notion that was shunned in society as a whole.
My decision to travel alone came with a lot of opposition and judgement. Many felt that I was running away from my problems back home and others thought that I was making a mistake by throwing my professional career down the drain.
In the weeks leading up to my travels abroad, I made the conscious decision to be very selective on who was aware of my travel plans. Many found out in the days prior to my departure and others did not find out until after my departure. My decision was rooted in knowing what people’s reaction would be and my mental capacity to deal with what essentially was their ‘stuff’.
Facing Opposition
When people share their thoughts and opinions in opposition to your choices, it often has more to do with their own life than it does your life. Their words are a projection of their own stuff. When people envy our decisions it is because they do not have the courage to do what we are doing. People often judge our decisions, because they are not at the level of self-awareness that we are at. When these conversations do arise, allow yourself to take a step back and recognize that other people’s opinions are rooted in their own stories.
The Reason Behind My Decision
My decision to travel was a personal decision that stemmed from following my intuition and spiritual guidance. I had been resisting the guidance that I had been receiving for some time. Stuck in my comfort zone, I was unable to find the courage to step out into the unknown. I consumed my life with avoidance techniques in order to resist the messages that were arising. The decision came when I found myself in an all too familiar downward spiral into darkness. It was in that moment that I knew it was time to answer the guidance of my spirit guides and step into personal growth.
The decision to travel to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa with the intention of staying abroad for a minimum of six months was made. I told myself that I needed space from my family and my surroundings in order to find clarity in the direction that I wanted to go in my life. My first few weeks in Australia were consumed with stress and emotional breakdowns. I was determined to make it work for I was afraid of failing and being seen as a failure. After finding a job and not being able to find a place to live, the message was clear. Australia was not where I was meant to be in that moment.
When I was able to finally step out of my ego self, I was able to see clearly. My soul was yearning for me to step into discomfort to allow for personal growth to occur. By stepping into awareness with intentionality and grace, I was able to recognize the power within to change the narrative and to be align with my highest self.
With that, the decision was made to travel to Bali, Indonesia for three weeks. Bali had been on my mind for quite some time. My soul was guiding me there for spiritual healing and personal growth. Travelling to a non-westernized country was a first for me. Aside from a family trip to India years ago, I had never travelled outside of a westernized country. Albeit a challenge, I knew that I was ready to step into the discomfort that was to come. More on that to come in future posts!
Ultimately, my decision to travel was one rooted in personal and spiritual growth. As an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and into discomfort. Travel was a way to provide myself with a safe space to work through what was to come. I chose to create space for my inner struggles, my limiting beliefs and my fears to come to the surface so I could acknowledge and work through them. My decision to travel was an opportunity for myself to step into my power and into my highest self. My decision to travel was one for myself and myself alone. And it was the best decision I could have made!
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