I look back to my first trip of solo international travel and remember how afraid I was. I had been asked to travel to Singapore to teach a leadership session – alone. I felt like an imposter as I planned my trip. I acted like it was no big deal, but inside I was quite nervous. My friends, who had never travelled, told me how brave I was and then told me about every terrible experience they had ever heard about. They tried to convince me to find a way out or send someone else. I continued the facade and told myself and others how I was not afraid, this was no big deal, and then would spend hours researching everything I thought I should know before I went, trying to lessen the fear and anxiety.
My first solo flight was when I was about 10 years old. I was not afraid at that time, just excited to go. Right after graduation, I moved alone from the east coast of the US to the west. I don’t remember being afraid. Maybe it was simply that I had no idea anything could go wrong in life…I was naive.
Why was I so afraid now?
When I arrived in Singapore, I joked that I had found heaven…it was hot, humid and crowded with so many people. I fell in love with international travel.
I am not sure what created that fear, but I do know that by finding the courage to go alone on that trip long ago taught me to find courage to do so many other difficult or frightening things. I focus on having an open mind, learn all that I can about it, and then move forward.
What do you fear and how do you find courage?
Footprints 
I enjoyed this, and was anticipating the story of your 10 year old self. Courage! Hmm, I wish I had courage. Maya Angelou says it’s the best of virtues. I will have to think about this one.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You moved from Uganda to the US… I believe that took a lot of courage.🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh wow! Why did I not remember that? I remember being nervous to especially meet my husband’s family. The good thing is that I had met all his siblings a year before. They all visited Uganda for 3 weeks. That helped a ton!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a great story, Andi. Good for you overcoming your fears. Some of the places I’ve gone, thee have been safety concerns. I do my best to get information and assess the risks beforehand. When I’m there, I’ve linked up with locals and either spent time with them or followed their recommendations. Trusting my gut has also helped me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great ideas Chris! I love linking up with the locals. That is how I have grown so close to so many and I can’t wait to go back. Listening to my gut has also helped me out of some tough spots. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The more challenging and fearful any endeavor attempted brings enormous insatiable delights, engraving memories upon your soul beyond all imagination. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this comment… a powerful quote, especially “engraving memories upon your soul..”. I love it!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person