Lessons I've Learned while Solo'ing It Up

Deciding to travel solo was one of the best things I could've ever done, for many many reasons. I fell so involve with it, my passion in life turned into sharing my stories with others and helping people build up the confidence to do what I've been doing (hence why I started this blog).

Throughout the few blogs I've wrote already I've touched based on why I solo but for this blog I wanted to share the lessons I've learned along the way. Each and every trip is a growing experience and it's always something new. Im currently in Italy for a third time and each time has been so dramatically different. Im so beyond grateful for each and every experience so lets get in to itttttt!

1. The world is not as scary as media or your family make it out to be. Let me say that again.. ITS NOT THAT SCARY. Ok, now we got past the most important thing. When we watch the news or read articles online, they're only telling us the negative stories. You only see the bad because thats what sells. Thats what hooks the viewers in. There might be a scary story about a girl gone missing but what about the 100 who spent a summer in Italy living their best life. We dont see that stuff so of course when you tell family or friends about a trip you want to do, the negative will always be brought up. This quite frankly pisses me off, because all of those bad things that could happen to you while abroad.. could happen in your own front yard. I live in Miami, sometimes I feel safer in a foreign country than I do walking to the gas station. There are so many amazing and wonderful things to see out there, dont let anyone or anything stop you.

2. Being uncomfortable means you're growing, embrace the fuck out of it. It's been years and I still find myself feeling intimated or scared to do things alone. However, every single time I've surpassed that feeling.. I realized how silly it was and how much I was just over thinking. You can do literally anything you want and you can do it by yourself. Confidence is truly life changing. Even if you aren't confident, fake it till you make it. Also let me add a side note.. guys freaking love confidence. Once a guy told me he noticed me by the way I walked into the building with confidence. I was probably scared af and faking it but hey.. it worked.

3. We are so lucky and take a lot for granted. Im not speaking for everyone but majority of us never really stop and think about how fortunate we are. Eventually as you travel to enough countries, you start seeing some of the bad sides. Especially if you're visiting third world countries. (I always say everyone should visit one at least once in their life)

Fresh water, health care access, and a roof over our head.. Its the little things we take for granted because we grow up used to it. This makes it difficult coming home from trips sometimes because there are many places where I have to brush my teeth with a water bottle and hospitals I've been in that scared the fuck out of me. When I come back home and talk to some people, they are so privileged and have no idea what others struggle with. Nothing will open your eyes more than driving through a village where people are starving on the streets.

4. Its the little things in life. Well, unless we are talking about my ex than no (had to do it).

If you're like me, you have a fast paced life.. thats what living in Miami will do to you from partying, boats, and nice cars. Dont get me wrong I love those things still but materialistic items are so unfulfilling. Its the little things in life that really make you feel fulfilled. For example, getting a cheap beer at the local store and sitting on a beach with friends watching the sunset. Volunteering to help someone in need or putting a smile on a strangers face by giving them a compliment. Thats what life really is about, or just in my opinion.

5. There is so much more to see than just your home town. Get the fuck out of your home town. I mean that in the nicest way possible. There is sooo much of the world to see. So many amazing countries. Almost too many. There are so many cultures to embrace, people to meet, and new food to try. The list goes on and on but those are the three main things I love to do. We get so comfortable in our home towns with our high school friends. Have you ever stopped and realized you guys were maybe only friends out of convenience? Do you guys really have that much in common or are you just comfortable? This also goes with relationships and high school sweethearts. Not saying this is true for everyone but its something to think about and something I've seen over the years.

This world is such a big and beautiful place, why wouldn't you want to see it. Why would you let the opinions of others affect yours. Go out there and see it while you still can. Life is short but damn is it good.

Pura Vida always baby!