Wherever you go, no matter the weather, bring your own sunshine

Australia has taught me many things, but most importantly, it has reminded me that I'm in control of my own happiness. I've never been naturally optimistic or much of a risk taker. The phrase "it will all work out" has never resonated with me. What if it doesn't work out? What if I'm not good enough? What if I fail? The "what ifs" have always made me question my decisions and second guess my instincts. My obsession with feeling safe almost always came with the side effect of feeling weak, worried, and sad. I thought by avoiding the "what ifs" I was protecting myself from failure, when in reality my negative inner dialogue made failure inevitable. It wasn't until I came to the outback that I realized I was getting in my own way; I was stunting my growth and standing in the way of my success. Slowly but surely, as I got to know myself in the long hours of solitude, my insecurities began to dwindle and my confidence began to flourish. For the first time in my life I feel strong, brave, and capable. For the first time I'm starting to believe that it will all work out. I think some people call that faith, but I like to think of it as courage. From the outside and on paper it might seem like this travelers lifestyle is just a fun phase that I'll grow out of when I'm ready to join the "real world." You might even think it's a waste of time, or potential, or opportunity... but you'd be wrong. I've learned more about myself, the world, and my place in it from traveling than I ever did sitting in a classroom or an office. Im smarter and happier and inspired now. There's sun in my soul and you can see it shining through my eyes, you can hear it in my laugh. There's sun shining in all of us, we just have to open ourselves up to feel the extent of its brightness and warmth. And if you let it, your own sunshine will light the way.