When my cousin first invited me on her family’s trip to Italy, I laughed. Staying at a luxurious villa in Tuscany was the LAST thing on my radar. Seriously, I still laugh because it sounds like a dream (and it was). I didn’t think it would be possible for me to go for many rea$ons, however, I chose to seize the opportunity, see the bigger picture and live out many other clichés.
In short: I went on the trip.
In some ways, the last-minute nature of the trip was very beneficial for me. With just a few weeks in between booking and flying, I had less time than normal to process what was happening. As much as I enjoy traveling and (theoretically) crave adventure, this was still a step out of my comfort zone. A step that wasn’t effortless, despite the incredible location. I don’t think my fears are uncommon, yet it’s slightly embarrassing and humbling to admit that I felt this way about a very privileged situation. A trip to Italy…of all things!
I’m the first to admit just how easily I can succumb to fear. Fear of the unknown, change, failure….even gluten! While I’m getting better at recognizing its presence and fighting back, sometimes it takes a good push from the outside (read: mom) for me to see what needs to be done. In this case, it was a combination of both.
Instead of viewing fear as something that should be completely eliminated from my life (not the goal), I’m learning I can use it to my advantage. I can reframe my fears into excitement. Excitement for the possibilities that lie ahead should I take a risk. Except for the gluten thing, I won’t get excited over that.
With that being said, there will always be a part of me that wants endless comfort (I might have squealed when I got into my own bed), but the part that wants a challenge is growing too. There’s room for both, as long as I have the courage to let the latter in.
I feel like I just wrote a bunch of fluffy B.S. that didn’t sound like me. I promise I’m still here, maybe just slightly jet lagged.
Aside from the “deeper” realizations, a few other things I learned in Italy…
…they take meal time very seriously. There was no on-the-go breakfasts or quick lunches, at least from my experience. Food was enjoyed and savored slowly instead of rushing off to the next thing.
…siestas are welcomed. I’ve always been pro-napping, and apparently everyone in Italy is too! Although it was slightly annoying when we wanted to shop.
… don’t expect understand road signs. In fact, don’t pay attention to them because they’re super confusing and point in a million directions. Use Waze instead.
…”gracias” and “grazie” are two different languages. Guess which one I said more often?
…sometimes (or a lot of the time) photos don’t do the scenery any justice.
…a break from routine (and cell phones) is so necessary every once in a while.
…eating gluten-free is tough but not impossible (I knew that from the last time I visited). Still, pack all the snacks, make allergy translation cards and bring activated charcoal in case.
…our presidential campaign is so insane that people in Italy are talking about it.
…I’m pretty darn lucky to have visited this country twice.
…take time to sit, relax and enjoy the view, whether at a coffee shop, in a piazza or at a breathtaking villa. But wherever you go, bring a sweater. Even though the view might be pretty, Italy is not immune to cold weather.
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I’m incredibly grateful to my family (immediate and extended) for an incredible trip. This isn’t the last you’ll hear of it, but this was the most important part for me.
Wow I love this reflection and this is totally something I need to work on myself. I so often get caught up in the fear aspect of things when I should really try to get excited about the opportunities that could come out of it. Aaaand I love all these pictures :) Such pretty views!!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Clarkston Back Roads Half Marathon Training Weeks 5 + 6
YES YES YES to all of this! It sounds like this trip was exactly what you needed on so many levels…LOVE IT!
ACKTIVE LIFE recently posted…Being Single Is HARD…But Being In A Bad Relationship Is WORSE
It has taken me close to 47 years but I finally learned to make fear my BFF.
I’ve learned to embrace it drag her along with me everywhere I go :-) and not do the avoidance dance.
Carla recently posted…Are you HAM or are you EGGS?
Whoa whoa whoa.
Have you been reading http://suzlyfe.com/fear-toughtalk/? Because this is exactly what I talk about! And it is such a big step to take in how you think about your life and your world.
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Still Got it (Denver Activities and Meet Ups!)
Those pictures! I’m glad you didn’t let fear stop you. I’m just like you in so many ways and I can imagine me letting fear stop me. Heck, I think I still do. Some of it is money, though, too, but still fear non the less. Can’t believe they are talking about the election. Isn’t that sad!? How can we get new candidates, lol.
Heather @Lunging Through Life recently posted…Our Little Pumpkin Is Turning 1: First Birthday Party Details
I think we all have those little tiny fears in our head but glad that you embraced them and did not hide behind them. Italy is such a beautiful place and these pictures just make me want to go back ASAP!
rachel @ athleticavocado recently posted…You Won’t Believe What’s in Your Chewing Gum! + My New Replacement
Ok, so we just had a missionary from Uganda here, and they’re talking about our presidential race. O_O
I’m nodding my head in agreement with all of your lessons learned. Time off of a cellphone is essential; turning excitement into fear is AMAZING, taking time to just sit down and nap is also something that Americans could probably do more. We can kind of be a work-a-holic society sometimes.
Emily recently posted…Why You Don’t Have to Do Everything
What an amazing adventure! I used to let fear and “I can’t” rule my life more than I care to remember. Something clicked though and now I try to live by “why not!” and make things happen.
Can’t wait to see more from the trip.
Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted…Fashion Friday – Flannel Dress and Booties
I think this trip was so important for you in so many ways- it was a nice mental breather from the constant stress of job hunting, but it was also pushing the comfort zone. I, too, need a push from time to time. We can be staying in an absolutely gorgeous place but still struggle with fear. I went through it a few weeks ago in the Dominican but it was also the best week of my life.
Your pictures are so beautiful! They are making me miss Italy. My stepfamily lives in Italy and I haven’t been back to visit in far too long.
The last time I faced fear was when I was snorkeling in Hawaii. I am usually quite terrified of deep water, but I’m glad I took a chance and overcame that because it was an incredible experience.
Claire at My Pink & Green Life recently posted…Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Swirl {GF}
Wonderful my first! An experience of a lifetime that deserved to not be feared in a bad way!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Creamy Autumn Pumpkin Pasta
Wow your trip looked gorgeous! I know what you mean about the fear stuff – even if something sounds awesome it’s always a little scary to change plans and leave your comfort zone! I’m so glad you got to go though.
Kristen recently posted…I Think Fall is Over
Your photos are gorgeous! Italy is somewhere I would LOVE to travel to someday. It’s crazy how stepping out of your comfort zone and dealing with uncomfortable scenarios are the times when we grow the most. Like how does that work… haha. Also… siestas are my jam. Wish it was a thing here haha.
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…Hiking in the Denver Area
First, from the pictures, your trip looks incredible! So glad you got the opportunity! Italy has been on my list for a while, I even have an aunt who lives in Rome so I have no excuse not to go. ;-) Another aunt of mine recently went with her partner and they said they were most surprised by the food. They eat organic and healthy, but one still suffers from various allergy issues. She said that, no matter what she ate, she was fine (she doesn’t have celiac, different story!), and felt like the food was so much more pure than even what we think is organic here in the US. Which makes me want to go there even more since I’m such a food snob. :)
Mollie Sweet recently posted…Thursday Thoughts
I love this post! Two of my biggest fears that hold me back are a fear of change and a fear of failure. However I have realized that staying fearful of these things keeps me stuck. Like you, I have been trying lately to look at things that may scare me as an adventure! It really helps to try and reframe the negativity into something positive-and exciting!
Sarah recently posted…Self Love or Self Acceptance?
What an amazing trip. This year I am making an effort to tackle my fears head on. The most recent scary thing I had to do was tell my dad I’m not coming back home for the summer. Disappointing your parents is the worst feeling!
Megan recently posted…Two habits of a serial relationship-killer
I completely agree. It’s a double-edge sword because I’m sure your parents want you to make the best decisions for you.
you will laugh but my lunch today (traveling in boston) was a bit suspected and i just went ahead and ate it. and dont feel sick !!! but seriously traveling with celiac is facing a fear. i cannot believe you went to italy GF. my first thought was OMG lucky her. my second thought was OMG what did she eat and i hope she didnt spend the whole trip sick !
That’s so awesome! You nailed it…traveling with celiac is a fear in itself. I packed a lot of snacks and the translation cards did help a lot! I didn’t take chances when I was unsure though.