by Alanna Ketler, Collective Evolution
Right now I am sitting on a plane heading to Toronto from Victoria, British Columbia. I have packed up many of my belongings, abandoned many more, and put the rest in storage. I have packed everything I will have for the next six months (minimum) into one backpack. I am heading out on a journey of the heart.
I’ve always listened to stories of world travellers, or people who have lived abroad for a time, and thought how I would love to do that someday. Little did I know I would actually be able to make it happen. Yet here I am, on my way. I’ll be catching up with the Collective Evolution team in Toronto for a few days and visiting with some friends, then from there, I fly to Mexico, where my adventure begins. I will be travelling south, through much of Central and South America. In 2013 I went to Peru, and last year I went to Costa Rica; while both of these experiences were relatively short, they definitely gave me a desire for more. I knew in my heart that I had to go back, that there was something pulling me there, and I’m going based on nothing at all except this feeling.
Get Out of the Head and Into the Heart
I’m calling my adventure a journey of the heart because I have absolutely no plan except to go where I am guided. I know where I am beginning my trip, but beyond that is a mystery. I’m trusting in this intuitive feeling, and in my belief that there is a higher purpose for this trip and a reason I am feeling so called to do this. I have no expectations, but my goal is to remain open and trust my intuition and go where I am guided.
You see, I’m definitely someone who spends a little too much time in my head. This past year has been all about me getting out of the mind and tuning into the heart. Of course, the mind and ego play a very important role in our lives, but it can be limiting if the mind is always the one in the driver’s seat calling the shots. So, on this adventure my goal is to politely ask my mind to step aside, and let my heart lead the way.
I have been called crazy more than a few times, being a woman travelling alone, and of course I have thought of these concerns. Just the other day I had a bit of anxiety come up and I thought to myself, Oh my god, what am I doing?! But then, I thought of the alternative, and I realized that I am going to do this now because I have absolutely nothing standing in my way, and like the old Buddhist saying, “If not now, when? If not you, then who?” That is all the encouragement I need. Do I have fear? Absolutely, but is that a reason to not do something? Absolutely not! I have learned that the saying “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” is true. Does this mean everyone should travel? Not necessarily. Should everyone do things that scare them? Yes! Do one thing a day that scares you! If you have a desire to travel but don’t do it out of fear or worry about other obligations, you may regret it deeply one day.
Why Am I Sharing This?
Interestingly, a lot of people told me they were proud of me, and impressed by my courage. They told me how brave I am, which actually got me wondering if maybe I should be more fearful, because what I’m doing feels so right that I suppose I actually don’t realize just how crazy it is. I’ve given up my home base, packed a bag, and I’m going to see where my heart takes me. I suppose this is a bit crazy, but the alternative feels even crazier to me. This feels so right, so that’s what I’m trusting! Intuition is a powerful tool that we all have inside of us, and if we learn to trust it it, it can lead us to some wonderful places. Aside from a journey of the heart, this is also a leap of faith. Sometimes the word faith comes with a religious connotation, so let me clarify what I mean by faith: I trust in a higher purpose and higher meaning for everything. I also believe that everything happens for a reason. This takes care of a lot of the fear factor, since I trust that I will get what I need, and I will be protected.
We are here to learn, to grow, to love and to experience. If we aren’t challenging ourselves, facing our fears, and experiencing new things, are we really living? What is one thing that you always wanted to do, but haven’t been able to work up the courage to do? Imagine yourself doing this and then imagine how good you will feel once it’s done!
I know not everyone is in a position where they can easily travel the world or accomplish their lifelong goals, but, at the same time, if you think you can’t do something, then you are buying into a limiting belief. If you want something badly enough, you can achieve it. Just a few years ago I would not have been in the position to be able to do this long adventure, but now I am completely blown away that my dream has become reality, and I am heading exactly where I always wanted. I am beyond grateful to have this opportunity to travel, live, and work abroad!
I will have amazing experiences, I will make wonderful connections with people from all around the world, and perhaps most importantly, I will learn to let my heart guide me. I am open to receiving suggestions of things to see, places to go, and people to meet! If it feels right, I’m all for it. Let’s see where this journey takes me!
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Mucho Amor
