It’s a BIG World Out There — And You Do Need to Experience It

It’s a funny thing how we can get so comfortable in our everyday lives — our surroundings, routines, and familiar places — that we forget just how big the world truly is.

I grew up in a family that valued adventure, weekend getaways, and summer vacations. We were always on the go: the river in the summer, the desert in the winter, and yearly trips up to Pismo Beach in our RV. We even went to Hawaii and Florida and occasionally to Texas to visit family.

But here’s what I didn’t realize — even though we were constantly going somewhere, we weren’t going very far. I had no idea just how much of the world I was missing.

The Comfort Zone You Don’t Know You’re In

Growing up, I never felt like I was missing anything. My childhood was full of love, adventure, and happy memories. How could I long for what I’d never experienced?

It’s nearly impossible to miss something you’ve never known. Seeing other people’s adventures on TV or hearing their stories isn’t the same as living it yourself.

In college, I even told myself that I didn’t need to travel beyond California — or maybe the surrounding states — because “we had everything here.” I thought I had it all figured out.

Spoiler alert: I was wrong. Very wrong.

The Trip That Changed Everything

I’ll never forget the turning point — a girls’ trip to Playa Del Carmen and Belize about ten years ago.

That one decision completely changed my life.

Without it, I would’ve missed out on so much: culture, connection, friendships, and unforgettable memories. You can watch travel shows and scroll through videos online, but nothing compares to actually being there — seeing, touching, tasting, and feeling it all firsthand.

That trip shattered so many of the misconceptions and fears that had kept me in my bubble for 29 years.

The Lies We Tell Ourselves About “Having It All Here”

Growing up in California, I constantly heard:

“You can go surfing in the morning, snowboarding in the afternoon, and be at the river by sunset.”
“You can experience the world’s best cuisine in LA!”

And yes — California does have a lot to offer. But it’s not the whole world.

There’s something deeply humbling about stepping outside of your home turf and realizing how vast and beautiful the world really is.

Traveling doesn’t just fill your passport; it fills your perspective. Each new place you visit either deepens your appreciation for home or opens your eyes to new possibilities.

How Travel Changes You — From the Inside Out

Travel has this magic way of teaching you things no classroom, book, or screen ever could.

It helps you understand history, culture, and humanity in ways that stick with you forever.
You become more patient, more understanding, and more aware.

When you interact with people from different backgrounds, taste unfamiliar foods, and walk through places with centuries of history — you expand not just your worldview, but your sense of self.

Travel makes you more empathetic. More curious. More alive.

If You Don’t Grow, You Shrink

When we stay in our safe little bubble, we’re not staying the same — we’re actually going backward.

Growth requires discomfort. Newness. Change.

If you aren’t constantly learning, experiencing, and challenging yourself, you’re doing your spirit a disservice. The world is one of the greatest teachers you’ll ever have, and it’s waiting for you to explore it.

So, stop letting fear or familiarity hold you back.

The World Is Waiting — Go Experience It

I used to believe the world was scary — that people were unkind or that travel was risky. But once I stepped outside that comfort zone, I realized how wrong I’d been.

The truth?
The world is full of beauty, kindness, and lessons waiting to shape you into a better version of yourself.

So go. Book that trip. Try that food. Meet new people. Let the world surprise you.

Because when you experience the world, you rediscover yourself. 🌍✨