It’s been a few weeks since I’ve returned from an all girls trip to Barcelona, Spain. Imagine 16 high powered, inspiring women hanging out together for 10 days? Sounds unbelievable, right? I’m telling you that I had the most illuminating & fun experiences in my life on this trip! We ALL had a blast. After multiple flight delays, I boarded my flight from McAllen, TX to Houston, onto Munich, Germany finally landing in Barcelona 5 hours later than originally planned. Waiting for my friend and I were 2 other women who had also traveled from the USA.We got in our transportation vehicle and took the hour journey to our temporary home in Calonges, Catalonia, Spain for a couple of days before we set off on our cruise aboard the Valiant Lady.
As much as I call many of these women friends, I had a brief moment where I felt out of place. It struck me in an odd way. It wasn’t anything anyone said or did, it was the gremlins in my mind talking to me. These gremlins always know the perfect time to raise their ugly head. Usually, it’s right before I embark on something amazing. Has that ever happened to you? Maybe you don’t know those gremlins, they are called self doubt.
When you doubt or second guess yourself you’re sending yourself a message. The message is simple. You don’t deserve X or you’re not worthy of X. So, here I was surrounded by so much love, beauty and nature ½ way around the globe with some crazy self talk going on in my head. How did I overcome this? I went back to the basics. I took a few moments to meditate, express some gratitude and appreciated my current moment. I also called my husband. He didn’t say anything specific, but hearing his voice calmed my energy and changed my vibe. I was worthy and I did deserve this experience. Sometimes when self doubt creeps into your mind it becomes important to do something familiar or to speak with someone you trust. The feelings you have will dissipate as you focus on something other than yourself.
We spent a day sightseeing in Barcelona, walking the cobblestone streets and experiencing delicious Spanish cuisine. My heart was full! The next stop was getting onto our amazing cruise aboard the Valiant Lady. The cruise went from Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, Gibraltar, Ibiza and back to Barcelona. We got to explore museums, cathedrals, caverns and eat phenomenal food. We experienced all of the culture and life that Spain has to offer. This trip is definitely in the top 5 of my most relaxing, awe inspiring, luxurious experiences. The food was aromatic, visually pleasing & tasted amazing! Everything onboard was chosen with detail and precision. I feel very fortunate to have had this experience with 15 other phenomenal women. We are bonded together in so many ways.
I realize that traveling is not for everyone. What I‘ve learned most of all was to be intentional, especially when I’m doing something different. Since I’m Canadian, traveling overseas isn’t a big deal for me. However, I do appreciate that not everyone has the same experiences as mine. Despite the differences, I think it’s still important to push your comfort zone and live life. Embrace all that it has to offer even when it feels unfamiliar. Robin Sharma stated “ Most of us aren’t really afraid of death. I believe that most of us are more afraid of not having truly lived.”
I decided a long time ago that I was going to live my life fully the best way I could. Living a full life doesn’t mean spending a lot of money, traveling or having things. For me, it’s simply creating memories and experiences. Learning how to be fully present. Overtime, I’ve gained the tools I need to help me deal with negativity, self doubt, anxiety and sadness. I embrace my life and chose to be fully invested in each moment. The good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful.
My challenge to you as we’re in the last quarter of the year is to create a new memory with family or friends. Expand your comfort zone. Be fun, be wild, be courageous! Travel if you can. Eat something new. Dance until the music stops. We only get to do this thing called life once. There is no do-over 🙂
