lessons learned from solo travel #4

4. slowing down

"Just go with the flow, everything will be ok eventually" is probably my most frequently used sentence. The world is a beautiful place filled with beautiful people and beautiful things. Unfortunately, it is so easy to get caught up in the daily hustle and bustle of life that leave you both physically and emotionally exhausted. I used to be a person who aims to get as many things done as I possibly can, hence I always feel out of breath rushing and hurrying along. It is so emotionally draining that sometimes I tear up suddenly for no particular reason, (I guess its the stress that has been accumulating little by little every day) Solo travel has allowed me to fully relax and unwind, it has brought the calmer and composed Cass to come into existence.

I learned to take one step at a time and get the most out of every second in my life. I feel guilty to say this but occasionally I find myself zoning out and not paying full attention to my family and friends. I smile and laugh to pretend that I'm still connected to them, but the truth is the Wi-Fi has been turned off and I have no clue about what is happening. By slowing down, I become more mindful of the present and aware in the company of others. This has helped me to truly cherish the time I spend together with the people I love, the laughter we shared and the silly things we did together.

I remember when I was younger, I was often told off by my parents because of my horrible temper. I get agitated easily even at the slightest things like when someone in front of me is walking slowly. I get annoyed when someone asks me the same question over and over again or when people don't understand what I'm saying. I wasted so much time and energy getting angry at unnecessary things and have hurt the feelings of people who matter to me the most. After learning the art of slowing down, I become less worn out and have a better mood! I think it's safe to say that I become more patient, more tolerating and more forgiving. I seldom simply release my anger or get annoyed at other people.

It is important to acknowledge that slowing down does not mean lazy or wasting time. On the contrary, it allows you to have a clearer and more focused mind, you become more efficient. Just like when you're doing strength and muscle training, by performing your reps at a slow and steady pace, you're not only decreasing the chances for injury but also increasing the tension on the target muscle. When you're in a hurry, it's easy to get lost in what you're doing, you don't know the purpose and what you're trying to achieve. So the next time your mind starts to scream "Quick, quick, quick, not enough time!" Take a step back, don't let that voice take over you but instead be in charge of it. Stay calm. You'll be less anxious, more productive and the chances of you producing top-notch work are even higher!

Live in the moment whether it is sitting down in a cafe, or listening to songs or smiling to people. Just pause for a second, take a deep breath, enjoy the surrounding. You will realise your life is full of blessings!

We can’t opt-out of uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure that’s woven through our daily experiences. Life is vulnerable. So slow down and enjoy every moment, you don't know what will happen the next second.