Do One Thing That Scares You

posted 11th November 2009    Written by: Andrea    CATEGORY: All Posts, Andrea, Quarterlife Crisis, Season 1, Travel

Europe AdventureA few months ago, I was having a bummer of a day when I randomly decided to stop at the travel agency located on the college campus where I work. At the spur of the moment, I put a down payment on a 12-day tour through Eastern Europe.

Crazy and spontaneous, I know. But, trust me I needed it!

Why Eastern Europe, the Cold countries, during the cold month of October? Well, I’ve been to “regular” Europe and 2 years ago I explored a handful of cities in China. I wasn’t looking for a tropical paradise… I wanted adventure… Eastern Europe it was. Plus, Poland was one of the countries highlighted on the trip and given my ancestoral background, Poland had made it on to my list of 30 Things To Do Before I’m 30.

Taking this trip was honestly one of the most gutsy things I have done in the past few years of my life.

I booked the trip without consulting anyone’s advice (a major feat if you really stop to think about it), I didn’t know a single thing about any of the places I’d be staying, and I didn’t know a single person going on this tour. All I knew was I would be with 19 to 30-year-olds from all over the world for 12 days, through 6 countries, visiting 9 cities.

Sitting at the Dulles airport that afternoon before my takeoff, I can only describe my mood as terrified. However, this was something in the back of my mind I knew I could do… but it was still a huge personal challenge to see how I would manage with all of the ‘unknowns.’

My biggest fears were really silly:

I’ve been back almost a week now and guess what? I survived! Not only did I survive, but I think I thrived.

It was honestly one of the best random decisions of my life. My mother reminded me that my spontaneous decisions are always my best ones. Somehow, I tend to forget this, but she’s so right! I came full circle from almost crying because I was scared to go on this trip, to almost crying because I didn’t want to come home.

Funny how life works out like that, isn’t it?

I ended up meeting the best people on my trip.  It was so enlightening to meet 2o new people from around the world because now I have places to visit and new friends to call on! My roommate did not think I was weird (well she may have,) but we still got on great and ran around Eastern Europe exploring new cities, eating delicious food and sampling some of the finest beers.

Did we get lost? Sure we did! Almost everyday and it wasn’t scary at all, it was fun! It was all part of living, learning and facing scary places and new people.

So, I challenge you as readers and fellow ladies living through a Quarter Life Crisis, to do one thing that scares you over the next few months. Maybe even make a decision all by yourself, without consulting friends or family. Challenge yourself and you may come out learning more about yourself and the world around you than you ever thought possible.

Andrea (new) bio.

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Comments (2)

2 Responses to “Do One Thing That Scares You”

  • Heather Rae Says:
    November 11th, 2009 at 1:07 pm

    What a great post! I’ve always wanted to travel solo but have been a little terrified of the prospect. It’s on my list for 2010. Thanks for sharing – I’m getting more excited now!

  • nicole antoinette Says:
    November 11th, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    You’re a rockstar. I love, love, LOVE that you did this.

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