Last year whilst traveling, I found myself thinking very differently than before I left. This was of course completely expected and even anticipated, but looking back I’m surprised at the huge difference in my thoughts.

I’m a planner, I always have been. I like knowing that my life is moving forward in someway, and when it’s not and I don’t have a plan, I feel lost. Before I left last year I was planning everything. I pre-booked tours, flights and hostels worrying that as it would be peak season, what if there was no availability, what if I couldn’t find somewhere within my budget, what if, what if???

Then once I was on the road, of course, the worrying disappeared. Living the experience, being flexible with plans, rolling with whatever life throws is the best way to travel and live.

Towards the end of the trip I found myself worrying again. This time about what my life was going to be like when I returned home. These stressful thoughts were so foreign and unwelcome after my months of relaxed, easy-going living.

Luckily for me, right at that time I met someone amazing. He told me that worrying is just my imagination creating a future I don’t want. Not to let worry enter my mind, live in the now.

Realising the truth of this, and having experienced how incredibly freeing not worrying is, that’s exactly what I did. I was able to return home relaxed and let things happen.

Today, having been back in my home town for 3 months and planning my South American adventure, I find myself reverting back to my pre-travel worrying.

It’s difficult not to worry about the future, especially when living a structured, working lifestyle. At the moment I find my mind is slipping back to worrying about silly things. This is a crazy stress that is completely unnecessary.

I know everything will be fine. I know I’ll see the signs and go where I’m supposed to, meet who I’m supposed to and keep living this amazing life.

So everyday I try not let worry into my head. I live for today, plan what can for tomorrow, chase what I want and let the future take care of itself.