Travel Quotes For The Soul

The thought of venturing somewhere new can leave me feeling elated, but it can also leave me feeling anxious and overwhelmed. An adventure has the promise of a new chapter in my life, yet being vulnerable and opening myself to the world and all it has to offer is exciting and scary at the same time! For those who are like me who feel jitters on-the-go that can effectively make you uncertain, leaving you second-guessing, it can really spoil the moment. For those who need the extra usher to travel or try that something new, do not fret, here are 10 of my all time favorite travel quotes that have left me feeling ever hopeful and pumped for that next adventure:

10. "To become presence, means accepting the risk of absence." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

One of the most beloved stories of all time is The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, believe it or not, I only learned and read the book while taking French class in college. It has become one of my favorite go-to for inspiration in tapping into the child in my heart. If you ever want to experience that same wide-eyed feeling you got when looking up at the night sky as a five year old, with the world seeming as innocent and vast--the Little Prince is a friend you will enjoy. When I took Religion in Early College, I learned that in order to experience the present is to also know absence. Absence is what makes us miss things, when the presence of all things we cherish are gone, it makes us want more. And more leads to progress. The balance of things can be rough, but it is a balance that can lead our sadness to our happiness.

9. "If it's terrifying and amazing then you should definitely pursue it." -Erada

The fluttering wings in our stomachs and hearts can only be consoled by the triumph of our actions. Some things are always going to seem terrifying, some things are going to seem amazing, but you will never know it's reality unless you try. When I was deciding if I should participate in a Study Abroad, I was terrified because I did not know how I will end up on the other end of it all. After all of it, I walked away from the Honolulu Airport with more experiences, both good and bad, that I can count. It was all worth it (yes, even the back pain from sitting on the plane for many hours). I would not have know these if I had not kept moving forward and pursue my dreams. So, it is okay to be terrified and to be excited, do what you love!

8. "I knew who I was this morning but I have changed a few times since then." - Lewis Carroll, Alice In Wonderland

I can relate to this quote so much, I feel like in life, we never stop evolving. There's nothing bad about that as well. The thought of always having the chance to do the right from wrong, from trumping cowardice with courage, is something we must keep in order to make progress. Embracing this aspect of my life really helped me go for the things I want. Being able to reflect on my surroundings, even letting go of toxic relationships that do not work anymore. I am happy to be changing. Everyday is not perfect, sometimes I am a bad seed, but I am happy to have the opportunity to change, always, for the better.

7. "Some people look for a beautiful place. Others make a place beautiful." - Hazrat Inayan Khan

Usually, when given the opportunity to venture out in the world, we look for the most beautiful places that sometimes end up being superficial. Although this planet is no stranger to beauty, it can often be difficult to find especially during times like these. Even as a child, I have always seen the beauty in things, and work my hardest to look at the world with a child's eye. Living in Hawaii has helped because it is a true paradise. But it helps to appreciate seeing the first butterfly after so many months, a double rainbow, or witnessing a soft sunset that envelopes the city in a dream. Your eyes, your mind and your soul have the power of turning the "normal" into a work of beauty.

6. "It wasn't a waste of time if you learned something."

Many people are known to fight against the test of time. It is only natural that we want to spend our life doing worthwhile things, but sometimes even the smallest things have the biggest impact in our life. Every waking moment is a learning moment. Even our mistakes are lessons we can use to improve upon ourselves.

5. "She was afraid of heights, but she was much more afraid of never flying." - Atticus

I recently realized that I was more afraid of falling and physical pain more than I am afraid of heights, but it is the same idea. I do not ever want to be stuck wondering about the "what ifs?"and "should haves" of life. I remember how many times I had to face my fears of falling or hurting myself and realizing after the feat how glad I am to experience something so thrilling. I have jumped off the rock at Waimea Bay, jumped off a rock to swim in the Mediterranean Sea, done a couple of hikes, and even climbed to high places like the Michelangelo's Dome in St. Peter Square and the top of Arch de Triomphe. All activities, if I had never done, would have kept me wondering what if I had. I am glad with all my heart that after all the sweat and heart palpitations, I was able to experience them all.

4. "Like a wallflower; you must allow yourself to grow in all the places people thought you never would." - E.V.

Instead of focusing on other people's opinions on you, focus on bettering yourself. It has been something I have been striving for in the past year. I believe I have made a lot of growing, personally and interpersonally. Growth that I never would have known I was capable of and I am sure others were surprised to see. Again, it plays a role in changing. I hope I grow more and more, within the days that pass, within the places I visit, and simply within.

3. "There are no foreign lands It is the traveler only who is foreign." - Robert Louis Stevenson, The Silverado Squatters

One of the many things I learned while studying abroad is whichever place I go, it is someone's home. Like my home, I want it to be respected. While I was in Montreal, France and Italy I learned that the culture is very different from what I am familiar with in Hawaii. I cannot simply eat with my legs propped up on the seat, or display habits that are considered disrespectful or "uncultured." I was a foreigner once again and I had to learn how to be respectful to the people and the place I am visiting. I hope to be a foreigner in many other places because it is a chance to learn another's culture. This quote has helped me venture not as a conqueror but as an observer, a visitor with a privilege to learn.

2. "Remember why you started."

Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, we sometimes forget the origins of our passions. Just a simple quote can pull you back to where it all began. "Remember why you started." It is easy to lose touch of what is important when life begins to race ahead of you. It is how I felt every now and then. But keeping my mind or being reminded of why I started some things, has helped me more than possible in finishing my goals. And of course...

1. "It's kind of fun to do the impossible." - Walt Disney

At the end of it all, Walt Disney's words ring true wisdom. All the tests, the tears, the sweat, the doubts--it is fun to do the impossible. What you thought you could never do before has been done, and nothing more is left than for you to start your next great adventure.

So, where are you headed? What are your inspirations?

WHAT IS YOUR NEXT BIG DREAM?