Traveling

 Travelling shows me again and again that 1) new experiences start off feeling a bit scary and 2) pushing past the fear enriches my relationship with myself. Through each experiences I get to know myself better.

Getting on the plane by myself always has me feeling a bit uneasy but when I arrived in Sweden greeted by friends all the unease was worth it.

Navigating the train system that was in a language I didn't understand and the only workers were the ones on large machines washing the floors, had me chanting myself, “everything will work out.” Finding comfort in complete strangers from Portgal who were just as scared and confused as me but we each got to our destination with a satisfaction that made us feel a little more self confident.

Taking a swift yet relaxing train ride from Brussels to London under the channel, through the countryside then disembarking the train and getting sucked into a world of the loud chaos of Londons streets. Had me feeling uneasy. Some people might like getting pulled onto the hustle and bustle of London but I didn't. But now I have a greater understanding of what culture shock feels like.

Some people would hate to walk and walk by themselves but I love it.

My nephews would love to grap their skateboards and do what they do in a skatepark but I wouldn't.

Some people would love to have a delicious meal in the Grand Place in Brussels and drinking wine and having conversation long into the night but I prefer to be tucked into bed at 9 pm.

Institutions of learning, art, walking, trains, water, I know I adore these activities but within these experiences there were moments I will cherish and moments I didn't enjoy, but whether I liked it or not, it didn’t change that each experience will change the way I think and view these places and myself.

This is what The ME Passiter is all about. It’s about me, it’s about you and how we each are unique. Learning about ourselves helps us make decisions for ourselves that shape our lives. It gives us a little courage to pass the fear by being rewarded by a little sticker. But each sticker is a record of our experience and an insight into ourselves.