The funny truth about sad traveling moments

What is the point of sharing your life in a blog if you're not transparent, AM I right or what? When I decided to start blogging about my travel experiences, most of my posts felt perfectly put together. I was sharing all the great stuff that was happening, but that was far from the entire truth. What you see on IG is half the story and the reality is not always what it’s all it’s cracked up to be. Perhaps it’s why many people 58% of Americans rather stay home where they know it's all good in the neighborhood. I agree staying in your comfort zone is safe, but traveling away from home to an unfamiliar place opens your eyes and mind to things that are beyond your imagination.

Ever since I was little, I knew that traveling was something that made me happy, so I wanted to travel no matter the cost. It also means I am forced to learn everything fast. I usually find out where the grocery stores, restaurants, and, most importantly, where I can get my eyebrows threaded are way before I move somewhere (Thank you, Google Maps!). Also since time is limited, I’m often discerning of the kinds of friends and people I allow into my life while I'm on the move. I’ve bluntly told a friend that if he’s not looking for a genuine friendship he should walk away. I’m glad he didn’t because he’s become one of my dearest friend that understands my work and travel life and will pick up the phone and chat any time of day.

Unfamiliar circumstances happen all the time when you decide to be a full-time traveler (or an adult human being). We face loneliness, discouragement, and doubt all the time. What makes it tough for a traveler is that sometimes you are by yourself without anyone there to comfort or help you solve your problem. These are real emotions that need to be acknowledged and dealt with. Personally, my advice is deal with it early on. Embracing it by saying, “Wow, I feel so sad and lonely right now but this is what I'm going to do…” (buy a ticket for a quick visit to see your family or friends). I think this allows you to move on and deal with your situation in a productive way rather than trying to bury your feelings.

 I know the kind of isolation traveling alone can cause you. No one really wants to talk about this or post a photo of them sad and alone in Barcelona, but the truth is it happens. My only remedy is that you deal with those sad feelings in a realistic way. Call your family member, have a good cry, go for a run - actually, running releases endorphins which in return decrease your perception of pain and it’s a natural happiness enhancer similar to morphine. Also, join a Meetup or a Facebook group in your new city.  This allows you to meet people who are in the same boat as you. I'm not saying I've figured it out, but if you're planning on traveling for a while, I’ve found dealing with these difficult moments can help you stay in the game longer. Or become better at solving problems in a creative manner. So, I can't let you go without telling you 8 of my sad moments. I hope you find a bit of humor and encouragement in it because at the end of all these sad moments, I’ve found a way out, learned a lesson, became better at dealing with issues, and honestly sometimes when I look back at the sad things in my life, I find them a bit funny. 

8 Sad moments while traveling and how I dealt with it

1.Two weeks after moving to Boston, I left my purse on the bus. It had all my credit cards and passport which was the only ID I had since I renewed my driver's license in Chicago.

Long story short, after the waterworks and self blame ended, I made several phone calls with Boston accents on the other line. I was reunited with my purse.

2. I flew from Atlanta to Rome and I was on my period. When I finally landed, I went to the bathroom stall and accidentally dropped my tampon and it rolled outside my stall. Moments that make you ask your self, “Why am I here again?”

Having feminine issues and traveling don’t go to well together. You just have to be prepared. and, even then, be forgiving of yourself because emotions are high.

3. When I was in Florence on my solo trip and my family was all gathered together celebrating my dad's life on his five-year memorial.

Sometimes I'm unable to make it when all my siblings are gathered, but talking to them on FaceTime and our group chats keeps me connected.

4. Anytime I move to a new state and realize "oh s***" I don't have any friends or family here.

Managed to travel through cities where my siblings and friends live in-between travel, so I get to spend a few solid weeks with them or having them come visit me.

5.

This was an emotional night. I had to park the car and explain to my mom my decision to travel and how I wasn't ready to settle down yet, that traveling was more than going from one place to the other as most Habesha moms probably think.(Redu is my nickname).

Open communication with your family is super important because at the end of the day, they are the ones always there for you when times get hard.

6. Every time I have to say goodbye to anyone that means the world to me. I don't cry in front of them, basically because I'm really awkward when it comes to saying bye, so they never know, but I always have this sense of deep sadness because it will be a long time before I get to see them again.

I’m not a fan of lingering hugs, but I’ve softened up now that saying goodbye has become too often.

7. When I think about not ever having a place to call home. Granted Chicago will always be my residence, but I've always felt nomadic.

These days I’ve been practicing writing by brain dumbing every thought into my writing specifically what I want my future home to look and be like. Also traveling is one way I'm looking to find a place I can one day call home.

8. Listening to “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman because of my fond memory with someone I care for.

I just let the flood works cleanse my sad heart when meaningful memories make me emotional. I usually come out of it feeling better.

I'm learning to admire my resilience to find a solution despite my anxiety, disappointment, and fear. This is what traveling does to you. It takes one lesson and with it comes the skill of figuring things out and freeing yourself from feeling stuck and helpless. 

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