As things we so often looked forward to come to an end, it’s natural we feel sadness rather than appreciation that this experience has been lived and passed us by. But the experiences make up our life. Maybe the problem is simply how we frame these experiences in our minds. We live with a constant thought of the future in the present. So we build up trips/experiences to be outlets where we can unwind and enjoy life. And afterwards we harbor sadness that this experience has come and gone.
I believe this is more an issue with how we internalize travel and future plans in our heads. It’s the same as reaching a goal and then having nothing next to turn to. We as humans are terrible with congratulating ourselves on accomplishments but for damn sure will sulk for a week and remind ourselves of our failures. (Is this just Americans or everybody?)
So as my travel comes to an end, my 122 days of solo travel, I have a sense of content with where I am in my life. Having physically been removed from my day to day life I was more easily able to assess my ideal life and where I want to take it from here. So in a way I am looking toward the future as well, excited for my next career opportunity to help me grow into the person I see myself as. But the key for me is to enjoy the moment. It sounds cliche, but it’s truly where we can capture happiness in our everyday lives.
When we fixate on future trips and excursions, we depreciate our happiness in the present. We don’t focus on the present so we don’t enjoy the present. This makes all the difference. The overlooked ability to turn your cellphone off, and enjoy eating lunch by yourself with a smile on your face is the difference. The ability to be present and to be happy.
No worry of work, future plans, past mistakes, missed opportunities, just enjoying each bite of the meal in front of you. This may sound trivial to you or a bit of hindsight bias (where the answer is predictable despite their being little to no objective bias for predicting it) but it’s my big takeaway from traveling.
In a world where smartphones are eroding our ability to focus on a task to completion, the ability to sit and get lost in our own thoughts during a meal will become a talent few possess. Don’t be scared of silence, because once you start thinking about yourself, you’ll be surprised how easily answers come to you.