Journey to Authentic: Embracing Your Fears and Discovering Yourself

Every journey begins with a dream. For me, the dream to travel to Greece was inspired by the movie The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. The story of four friends embarking on life-changing adventures sparked something deep within—a desire to discover and travel to explore and go to new places. Do you have a movie that inspired a moment you long to experience? Wherever life takes us, we can find our most authentic selves along the way—we just may have to navigate some feelings along the journey.

But as with any journey, especially one as personal as the journey to authenticity and including travel to be true to yourself, fears inevitably arise. Whether you're planning a trip, venturing into new territory, or navigating unfamiliar experiences, the unknown can be daunting. According to research, fear is often seen as a temporary response that kicks in when you face something immediately threatening. It can stop you or grow you. Here are some common fears that many of us face when stepping outside our comfort zones to travel:

• Fear of the Unknown The unknown is both exciting and terrifying. When you're traveling or trying something new, you might worry about what awaits you. This fear often stems from not knowing how things will turn out—whether it’s the people you'll meet, the places you'll go, or the challenges you'll face. My first trip to China included this fear, as I joined a group of strangers to connect and volunteer with an orphanage in Chafang. We spent time playing with the children, forging deep connections, and yes, leaving a piece of our hearts behind. Our efforts resulted in purchasing an industrial refrigerator for the orphanage and washers for each age group, making a tangible impact. Along the way, I embraced local cuisine, navigating the cultural boundaries that food often presents, saw many of the tourists sites and connected on an insider level to make the trip amazing and much less intimidating.
• Fear of Getting Lost The anxiety of losing your way is all too real. Over the years, I’ve gotten lost more times than I can count—whether it was using an old MapQuest printout, following a walking app that didn’t quite match the view, or forgetting to reset the app for driving and ending up more lost. Navigating a complex subway system or figuring things out during an Uber ride can add to the confusion. Yet, each time I’ve veered off course, I’ve often discovered places even better than those I’d planned to visit. When traveling, the fear of getting lost can be unsettling, but sometimes, those unexpected detours lead to the most unforgettable experiences.
• Fear of Cultural Missteps When you step into a new environment, there’s always the fear of making mistakes—especially when it comes to cultural differences. The worry of offending someone or not understanding the social norms can be a barrier to fully embracing your journey. When caught in this feeling, pay attention to how locals behave in different situations, such as in public spaces, during meals, or in social interactions. If you're unsure, follow their lead. Before traveling somewhere out of the country, learn key phrases— even a few words in the local language can go a long way. Phrases like "please," "thank you," and "excuse me" show respect and effort, and can help you in many situations.

• Fear of Disappointment What if it doesn’t live up to your expectations? The fear that your experience might fall short of what you imagined can hold you back from fully embracing the moment. Yet, every journey—regardless of its outcome—offers valuable lessons. For instance, I’ve traveled to jiu-jitsu training sessions where I knew few or no one. I set goals for the event, whether to focus on the training itself or to explore something nearby that get my interest. I have a passion for lighthouses and make it a point to visit them whenever possible. On one trip to Long Island, I took an Uber to see a lighthouse—an unusual request because Uber drivers were not frequently in the area. The driver agreed to wait for me, so I would have an easy way back. I’m grateful I took the chance rather than just waiting around. It’s these unique experiences and the stories they create that make life more exciting and reduce the chances of disappointment.

Confronting these fears is an essential part of the journey to authenticity. Just like the characters in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants who faced their own fears and uncertainties, we too must embrace the unknown, get comfortable with discomfort, and trust in the process. Remember that every step you take, even the fearful ones, brings you closer to your authentic self. It’s in these moments of vulnerability that we find our true strength and identity. In planning your next adventure or in navigating something new, acknowledge your fears, but don’t let them hold you back. Instead, let them guide you toward a deeper understanding of who you are and what you’re capable of. After all, the journey to authenticity is one of the most rewarding adventures you’ll ever undertake.