The most important life lessons learned as a result of eight years of world travel

In 2011, Benny Lewis observed an eight-year anniversary of his travels, and in honor of this written fastIn which he spoke about the 29 most important life lessons. Below you will find a translation of this post.

Eight years. It is almost 416 weeks or 3000 days.

This is the time during which I did not have a fixed place of residence. Moving to different countries, getting acquainted with new cultures and languages ​​every few months, I have always carried with him all his belongings.

I traveled a little before: two years in a row I spent summer vacations in the United States and once spent a month in Spain. Coming back to this time, I want to mention that in 2003, a few days before my 21st birthday, I left Ireland.

I graduated from the university for a few days before that and decided that I would come home only as a guest (for all the years of my travels, I have never missed a Christmas family dinner). From now on, it was so:

My home is where I put the hat.

At school and university, I was a good student, read a lot of books, but as it turned out, the knowledge I have received, have not had a real life under the foundations - experience and practice. Of course, now I have made up for this lack, and I know that there are still many things which I need to learn about what is worth to know.

People often ask me how I could afford to travel so long. Ask if I or my expenses paid rich parents. I paid for all travel on their own, without having any cash savings.

On my many years of traveling I needed a lot less money than the people who live for years in the same place, spending large sums of money to buy junk. You do not have to be rich to travel the world.

If you want to know more about me, my history, and the work that I did in the travel, then I invite you to my site. In the last year I was earning money that helped people quickly and effectively learn a new foreign language. I also wrote fast, Which I tried to answer the most common questions regarding the long-term travel.

Yesterday I turned 29 years old, and this week's "birthday" of my long journey - he was eight years old. So I decided to share with you 29 life lessons and revelations, that I was able to learn over the years of travel. It may seem that this abstract observations about life in general, but they are actually made by me in the course of meetings with people around the world.

1. All basically want the same

World cultures differ from each other, but as soon as you can talk with the Italian millionaires, homeless Brazilians Dutch fishermen and Filipino programmers in their own language, you will understand that we are all incredibly similar and basically want the same thing and the same.

Everyone wants love, security, enjoy life and have hope for a better future. We all have similar desires, dreams and fears. As soon as you drop all the surface that divides people and keeps them away from each other, you will be able to reach out to anyone.

2. Poor postpone happiness for the future

Too many people think that when they get something to aspire to for many years, I immediately become happy.

That's bullshit.

When you get a welcome something, you will certainly notice that in your life yet something is missing. I do not believe that "happiness for life" may have come from one particular thing, or some achievement - a naive dream. But we can learn to be content with what we have to live in the present, not in the future tense, and enjoy every victory, every improvement, every positive change.

If your whole life - is the pursuit of one big goal, then later, even if you reach it, you will be disappointed.

To translate their dreams into reality, achieve their goals, but in any case, do not delay your happiness until later.

Do not look at the process of achieving goals as torture, which is sure to lead you to happiness. Enjoy the process, even if for that you need more time to achieve the goal. This idea perfectly illustrates this video.

Enjoy the show and do not wait for the final.

3. You will never win the lottery - be practical

For many people, a rather strange idea of ​​how everything in this world is arranged. They believe that phrases like "I deserve it" will certainly ensure that things go the way they planned. Some even sit and wait for the sea weather, hoping that some higher power nisposhlyut them good luck and happiness.

Today, you are sure to win the lottery, or tomorrow you priskachet prince on a white horse and will give you half my kingdom. You constantly repeat to myself: "Well, I deserve it", while forgetting to ask yourself, and unless others do not deserve?

All this senseless hope. Although perhaps I could be wrong and sincerely hoping and striving to be a good person one day will receive their "deserved" happiness. But even if this is so, why do the majority of people finally stop not only entertain hopes and begin to do anything in order to become successful and happy?

"One day on my street and turn over the truck with gingerbread" - is nonsense.

Personally, I do not believe in magic, fairies, astrology, the great savior and any other unexplained forces that allegedly have an impact on the daily lives and activities of people. I skeptical of such phenomenaConsidering them impossible and ridiculous, and this awareness makes my life fuller.

how hardheadI see all of the physical and social laws, which operates the world and society, and it helps me to find my place in this world, learn to live in harmony with the other inhabitants.

The world is nothing you should not. Everything is just in your hands.

4. In real life, there is no concept of "fate"

"What can you do, the fate of such" - a favorite excuse of millions of people who do not want to do anything to make their life has become just a little better. Destiny in real life does not exist.

There are no restrictions. Your social circle, place of birth, age, the amount of money the current work and the like - are only stamps that people use to not live life to the fullest.

Nothing is predetermined. If you are determined, you can always find plenty of opportunities to achieve what you desire. And no matter how much money is in your wallet, or what your profession is.

5. Look for people, attitudes and beliefs that differ from yours

As you might guess by reading the third paragraph, I have my own view of the world, which does not coincide with the views of many people. Nevertheless, many people find the meaning of life in the belief that what I do not know. And this is good: if everyone thought the same as I do, the world would be a very boring place.

So when I meet someone whose system of values ​​and beliefs different from my own, I'm not trying to argue, alter, or even in any way change their views.

When someone is sure of something, he believes in for many years, can not change his mind by means of cleverly chosen word pairs. Everyone has it, including me and you, have their beliefs and I thought about everything and everyone so simple they are not indented. If their beliefs are wrong, then they can realize this with time for yourself and only yourself.

Do not take on such a responsibility - to convince the world that he was right. It is important to recognize that you can possibly be wrong.

The world is much more fun with people who have different beliefs and interests. Despite my skepticism, while traveling, I communicated with astrologers, and religious people, and with the Conservatives, and with people who hate technology. Because of this I was able to learn a lot, gain invaluable experience.

If you associate with people who are always and everywhere with you agree, you will not allow yourself to learn much more.

6. Live a decent life - the best way to convince people of the correctness

Enough words and arguments. Simply live so that others wanted to follow your example.

When people see the results, when they see that you enjoy your life - they will be on your side. Then the need to convince them disappear by itself.

7. No one and nothing is given easily

Each person has a problem, and even if someone tries to convince you otherwise, do not rush to think that this man is given all easy. You only see what the other person allows you to see. You have no idea what emotions he feels in fact or through any trials and hardships he had to go in a situation that you feel easy.

This is true for all: for millionaires, students and party people, introverts. Each person has their own story, and it is much more than a superficial and limited reflection by which we love to judge a person's life.

So seek not to judge a person's life, if not familiar with its complete history.

8. There is nothing to be ashamed of in the phrase "I do not know"

There is nothing wrong and shameful to admit that in a certain issue or a certain topic you incompetent counselor. Do not beat around the bush and just say, "I do not know."

9. Money will never solve all your problems

If you do not live on the street and do not die of hunger, you do not need more money. This is especially clear you realize when you spend a lot of time with people who live on a pittance, but at the same time live a full life.

All the most remarkable in this life is not worth a penny, but everything else is much cheaper than you think.

10. What you own, takes hold of you

Think about the real reason why you want to buy another expensive garbage. She and you do not really need, you just want to show off in front of others, send them a promise: "Look, what I'm cool."

In fact, you need things essentials, that is, those that help you to survive and work, all the rest - optional.

The need to buy more and more things run your life: it ties you to a particular place, the house and the furniture in it, and you tend to buy more and more. And it almost never enriches your life. The smaller property you own, the better.

11. TV - a black hole for human time

Before I turned 21, I spent every day 3-4 hours of your time in front of TV, watching different TV shows that are supposed to help me relax. I'm sorry for every second that I have devoted to this task. Real life was passing me.

The TV was an integral part of the XX century, he was the main source of news for millions of people, but in our days watching television - it's profligacy.

People get out of the box biased and processed the news, while in the XXI century there are alternative and more reliable sources of information. Watching a silly TV show, watching a parody of life, people are stealing at precious timeIn which they might not be a passive consumer, as a creator, who lives and feels, and not watching the passions of others.

TV robs you of your life.

You meet with your friends and not discuss their lives, their experiences, successes and challenges, and popular TV shows. Unseparated sit at home and stare at a box - the best way to live life completely empty.

12. Limit daily use of the Internet

Unlike TV, the Internet does not cultivate passivity. It helps us to actively express their position on important issues for us, and connects people around the world. It would be very hard to make their long-term journey without the Internet.

But it should be said that, like television, the Internet can become a huge black hole, absorbing your time. Use it to make your life more interesting and eventful, but set yourself limits: you should be on time and real life.

In the end, the replacement of one other screen (even when one of them do you use to communicate with people) - this is also an escape from real life, only more beautiful.

13. Spend time with other people

My favorite site - Souchsurfing. Perhaps it is because I do not spend much time on it. During my travels this site helped me find accommodation in a new place and interesting peopleWith whom it was possible to meet. Also thanks to him that I was easier to to learn foreign languages.

Real life is not in books, TV or even on your computer screen. Communication with other people - this is real life. So that stop being shy and just meet up with them!

14. If while traveling you will speak only in their native language, you lose a lot

If you come to some country on the weekend, you can stay in a hotel, order a meal in an expensive restaurant and find a tour in their native language or English. You can even make friends among the natives, who speak English, and then you will be able to create around himself "Protection" from the local language.

You may live in another country for a long time, not knowing the local language and to convince themselves that what we should.

But you never really did not get to know the local culture, if you talk with the residents only in EnglishEspecially taking into account the fact that the English, as a rule, has only formed part of the population.

Tourists miss so much! It is because of the fact that I was not limited to their native language, in my travels I have been many amazing events and meetings, which would probably not have happened if I was not trying to teach the local languages.

Anyone can learn a new language. Although, when I was 21, I thought that I was not able to do it. But then I threw all doubts and excuses and just started to operate.

15. In modern countries, there is no place for your stereotypes

Each country is unique, and it does not have to justify your stereotypical notions about her, gleaned from some second-rate tourist brochures.

Set aside the ignorant stereotypes and be open to new - just so you understand the country's culture and contemporary real life.

Not all Irish drink a lot, Not all Brazilians dancing samba and play football and Germans, Dutch, Filipinos and all the rest will surprise you if you leave all the speculation and rumors about them and their country at the airport.

Respect the cultural characteristics of each country, try to adapt to it, and you will be able to better understand not only the culture of others, but also himself.

16. Do not hurry

In countries with a more relaxed pace of life, I realized that not to hurry - it is a very good strategy.

People and countries that always try to do everything faster, make worse.

Go slowly, but surely.

Enjoy every morsel of food, walk slowly and enjoy the surroundings, do not interrupt the other in mid-sentence, and to listen attentively to his story, just stop in the street in the middle of the day, close your eyes and listen to your breathing.

17. Not please everyone

Never try to please everyone and to sacrifice their own interests just to please someone.

I do not know the key to success, but the key to failure - to try to please everyone.

Bill Cosby

If you are fairly confident person, then you will share your thoughts and ideas with others, and if someone they do not like (And be sure that someone they do not exactly like), then you will not give up their positions only because of the fact that they have someone displeasing. That's their problem, not yours.

18. Do not be afraid to be yourself

People who are ashamed of their personality, will always be subject to pressure from others.

Stay is always, under all circumstances. Swim against the flow and live the way your heart tells you, not as told to fashion trends.

19. Make mistakes, many mistakes

We learn from our mistakes, and failures - this steps to success.

20. Use a sunscreen

Seriously. Protect your skin. Follow this and other tips that you will find in the video.

21. Stop thinking and start acting

The people think too much about how great things they want to accomplish, and as a result do not do anything at all.

When I think about why I able to catch so much over the past few years, I am reminded of a question that asked myself: "Should I do something important?". My answer was "no."

22. Sing and dance wherever possible

Sing and dance - is a great way to express your emotions and moods. It's hard not to feel in great shape after such an exciting action.

23. Make new friends and do not forget the old

All eight years I traveled alone. I came in every new country without it no other. I did not know, but they came anyway. I have found online information about upcoming parties, came to them and said, "Hello!". Soon I found people with whom I communicate constantly.

If you're friendly, sincere and charming, you will not be difficult to make friends with a man, despite the fact that you live in different countries.

When we are surrounded by family, friends, colleagues, and other loved ones and familiar to us humans, do not strive to make new acquaintances.

But, people, wake up! There are so many interesting people. Look around!

24. We do not appreciate what we have

One day I could not afford to pay for a hotel for one night, and I had to sleep on the street. Since I appreciate a bed, a sofa and a hammock, and no matter how large or comfortable.

One day I picked up the infection, because of which my ears weakened by two weeks. Since then I have I appreciate all the wonderful soundsWho surround me, because I know what it is - do not hear them at all.

I've never lost people close to me, but I firmly embrace all members of my family as soon as I see them, and tell them how much I love them. I try to avoid quarrels and omissions with friends.

Life is too short. Keep this in mind.

25. Swallow your pride and apologize

Never hold a grudge against another.

Sometimes it's better to sacrifice his pride to keep a good relationship with your loved one. Say the first thing that you're sorry about the quarrel, and never wait for a first step on another person.

26. Impress people with something unusual

We all want to gain recognition from others. To tell people about how many languages ​​do you know how rich you are, whom you know where to learn, where the work or anything else of the sort - it is not the most effective way to get others to respect themselves.

Admire people who are interesting in themselves.

Remember that people are often under the impression from those who do not seek to impress them.

Sometimes, in order to be interesting for others, it is sufficient, for example, it is only a good listener.

27. Humans are not alone in their loneliness

One of the most frequently asked questions I reads as follows: "Do you feel lonely while traveling?". My answer is no.

In a world of so much more lonely than I could have imagined. In fact, I was more alone in my university years, than when traveling. I have met many people who have a bunch of friends in social networks, but who feel lonely in real life.

People who are in any way changed their way of life (not necessarily gone on a long journey, but, for example, married or to arrange for a new job), often lose touch with their childhood friends, and because of this feeling lonely.

I conducted interviews with many people who were convinced that they were alone on the lonely road. Every time I hear a similar story in my head sounds a line from the band's songs The Police"It seems I'm not alone in my loneliness."

Believe me or not, but I find it very comforting. Despite the fact that other people may not be fully identical situation, the realization that you are not alone in their loneliness at that moment, it lets you feel relieved.

No matter how lonely you feel, there are always people who are close to you. Maybe you can not talk to them at the moment, but they are.

28. Love - it's not "all you need", but your life will be empty without it

You will not die without love, but without it you will feel within ourselves a huge hole. Make sure that next to you there are people (family members, friends or loved one), which can remind you that you are special.

If you continually postpone this part of his life until later, it is then when it "later" still come, you and will continue his lonely way.

29. Each lesson in life is valuable and important

When I graduated, I thought I knew almost everything that I need, and what you do not know if I can find in books. But the truth is that the most valuable life lessons can not be represented in white or black color, including all the things that I mentioned in this post.

When the world is so much information that it is enough just a couple of mouse clicks and get everything you need, it seems to us that this is enough. In addition, there are books, films, and other people who can share their knowledge and experiences.

But this is wrong. Greatest teacher - your own experience. Put the book and turn the film.

Stop being a passive observer - start living!

In 2013, Benny Lewis suffered a kind of anniversary - 10 years of traveling the world. In honor of this event, he decided to share 10 important lessons, which drew in all the years of his travels. Benny prepared a video, which contains not only learned, but also the most vivid images of his adventures.