10 Reasons Why CHANGE is Always a GOOD Thing

Choosing to live a life on the road requires embracing change and uncertainties, and everything that comes along your way. I’ve only spent 14 months on the road but the experiences I gained, people I met and lessons I learned contributed to who I am today.

Here are 10 reasons why embracing CHANGE is always a good thing:

1. Comfort (and a bottle of wine and Japanese food) is a luxury when you’re away from home but everything is temporary so just go with flow.
2. Life on the road does not always go the way you planned it. People and things will come the least you expect it or without you even noticing, but rather than resisting, open your heart and mind to the possibilities they bring. Should you find yourself doing things for the first time and not sure whether to feel good or bad about it, let it pass and enjoy the moment and remember that you’re living this crazy, beautiful life that would create stories, stories that you’d be proud to tell your children and grandchildren.
3. Talking (and actually listening) to people and their stories will inspire you beyond comprehension. A constant reminder of making the right decision and an instant motivation to do more and be more.
4. Always be mindful of your surroundings and being a street-smart goes a long way. Do what the locals do — travel by buses or metro to go to places, be an experimental and efficient cook to save money, don’t bring too much money or any valuables when you go out at night, and know that Google maps is a good friend to have.
5. One of the common differences I see between a tourist and a traveler is that a tourist would always spend all his/her time going to tourist destinations, whereas a traveler would rather go to places not frequented by tourists. Travelers believe that time is on their side so there’s really no need to rush in going to places.
6. Loneliness will always be a part of living a life on the road but always remember that life has so much more to offer from the other side of the world, away from your comfort zone.
7. Cultural differences will come into play so don’t take offense when someone told you “it’s an Asian thing” because almost always, it’s a fact and you have to keep an open mind about these things to understand where they’re coming from. Just bear in mind that we live in a culturally diverse world and it does not revolve in this place we call home where our values and beliefs were molded.
8. Learning the local language is a sign of respect. It’s not enough to know the English language (even if it’s the universal language) and besides, wouldn’t it be cool to add a language or two in your skill set?
9. In this particular city (Rio de Janeiro), you get to party almost every night and it’s always your choice whether to go or not, but believe me when I say that you won’t be missing out on anything if you choose to stay in because in Rio, parties are happening everywhere, every night.
10. Treat each day as a learning experience, whether from a new person you just met, a local food you just ate, or a new word from the local language that you just encountered. And never pass up an opportunity to meet and talk to someone new because with it comes a chance to ask, “so, what’s your story?”

Change is a really scary thing to face and it may not be what you want at that moment, but it’s definitely something you need to help you grow and be this better version of yourself.

“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” ― Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky