“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” ~St. Augustine

Ever notice how people’s faces light up at the mere mention of travel?  A warm, radiant smile washes over them as they reminisce about a recent adventure or a buoyant boost of energy surfaces as they share a future destination.  It’s no surprise as travel can do wonders for the Mind, Body and Soul.  Taking yourself out of your element is exhilarating and freeing – not to mention an incredible way to heal, unwind, and get fresh perspective.

Often in our daily lives, we cannot see the forest for the trees.  We’re all so caught up in the the fast pace of the demands of the modern world that we don’t take time to exhale and marvel at the beauty that surrounds us.  We lose sight of the big picture and the vast forest that gloriously lies behind a few trees obstructing our view.  We get caught in our routine, the mundane, and habits we may not even consciously know how rigid we are tied to. When we travel, we quickly realize certain habits we are fully entrenched in simply by virtue of not being able to do them and often surprised by our own inflexibility.  All our normal cues and patterns which we desperately cling to are removed, challenging us in new ways.

But rather than trying to embrace these habits, resist the temptation and step outside of your comfort zone.  Acknowledging this is the first step and the catalyst for change. Travel with observation and an open mind.  Breaking from your element can reboot the system, teach you something about yourself, and contextualize your everyday concerns within the greater context of the world around you. Heightened perspective can unlock inspiration and passion you never knew existed. It can break chains that bind you or inspire you to make simple tweaks to enhance your daily life.  Alternatively, but equally gratifying, the greatest outcome of your travels may just be to reinforce all the good that you already have in your life but take for granted.  You only fully realize this upon returning home and resting your head on your old, familiar pillow.

Lastly, take time for quiet reflection.  Travel can be stressful and frustrating, but there will be those precious moments of tranquility.  Surrender to these windows of calm and be mindful to simply live in the present.  Bask in the glory of your surroundings and capture how you feel – this feeling will be more important than any photo or postcard, as this is what stirs your soul.  It is precisely this feeling that will light up your face upon returning home and sharing your travel adventures with friends and family.

The world is so big and yet so small, thanks to modern technology and flight. We can virtually visit any country on the planet by dinnertime tomorrow. Spin the globe and choose your next destination as travel can truly change your life and enrich your soul – it may just light up your face too.