My Biggest Takeaway from My Cross-Country Road Trip
One year ago, I was travelling around the country on a solo, 3-month road trip. It was an extraordinary experience. From the Overseas Highway to Key West, ocean cliffs of Oregon, mountains of Montana, to the skylines of Chicago and NYC, I was constantly overwhelmed by the beauty that resides here in America.
Along the way, I had countless revelations and realizations. Perhaps my greatest takeaway from my trip was the wildly increased value I placed on my relationships. Three months is a long time to be alone. Especially when constantly travelling to places I had never been before.
Fortunately, I wasn’t alone the entire time. I have friends and family scattered around the country that provided me with some much needed company. They took me in, gave me a couch or bed to sleep on, and took time out of their day to show me around their cities. If you were one of these people, thank you so much. I valued that more than you know.
It wasn’t only my friends and family that provided me with social interaction though. It was every person I met along the way. I created fast friendships with people I met at the hostels I stayed at. I had great conversations with people I met at bars and restaurants. And I was blown away by the kindness and generosity of my Airbnb hosts. These people bought my meals, gave me books, and invited me into their lives for a night.
It was these interactions, with both friends and strangers alike, that I valued the most on my road trip. I learned the deep importance of investing in close relationships. Having people around me I trust, and enjoy my time with, is worth much more than I previously understood.
I learned that it is 10 times better to experience something with somebody rather than on my own. When I share an experience with someone, I share a story with them. I share a memory. That’s powerful. That creates a deeper bond. We don’t want to experience life in a vacuum. We want others around us to live with us.
(I will say though, I think it’s important to be alone sometimes, even travel alone, so that you learn who you are without putting on a face for the world)
Humans are dependent creatures. We need each other to survive. We need each other to stay sane. Anyone who’s seen “The Shining” knows what I’m talking about. When we’re put in isolation… we drift.
Our relationships are more important than we know. They are vital. They provide life with beauty. They provide meaning.
I might add, however, that it is equally important that we don’t choose the wrong people to surround ourselves with. This could be just as damaging as not having relationships at all. In this regard, it’s important to be selective.
To close, here’s my advice I give to myself.
Talk to your friends more. Spend more time with your family. Put a heavier focus on true social interaction, not just being in the same room. Go on explorations with people. Take others on adventures. Experience things with those close to you. This is how you strengthen your relationships, as well as create new ones. In so doing, you improve the overall quality and beauty of your life.
And also…
If you ever lack faith in humanity, go for a road trip and meet people on your journey. Trust me, your faith will be restored and then some. You come to realize that we’re all just people making our way through this world as best we can.