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"The other night, I had a conversation with a young lady who had a number of decisions ahead of her, which included whether she should go to grad school or travel the world.

I told her to travel. Hands down. No excuses. Just go. The results are worth the costs.

And she sighed.

“Yeah, but…”

Never were more fatal words spoken:

• Yeah, but… what about debt?
• Yeah, but… what about my job?
• Yeah, but… what about my boyfriend (or dog or car or whatever)?

“Yeah, but…” is pernicious. Because it makes it sound like we have the best of intentions when really we are just too scared to do what we should. It allows us to be cowards, while sounding noble.

Most people I know who waited to travel the world never did. Conversely, plenty of people who waited for grad school or a steady job and traveled still did those things — eventually.

Be careful of the yeah-but. The yeah-but will kill your dreams.

I was so stirred by this conversation that I shared it with a group of 30 young adults last night, many who were asking these very same questions.

The life you’ve always wanted

When you get older, life seems to just sort of happen to you. Your youth is a time of total empowerment. You get to do what you want.

But as you mature and gain new responsibilities, you have to be very intentional about making sure you don’t lose sight of what’s important.

So if you still have a reasonable amount of control over your circumstances, you should do what really matters. Because life won’t always be just about you.

During early adulthood, your worldview is still being formed. It’s important to steward this time — to give yourself opportunities to grow. A good way to do that is to travel.

So, young person, travel. Travel wide and far. Travel boldly. Travel with full abandon.

You will regret few risks you take when it comes to this. I promise you that. There are three reasons to travel while you’re young:

1. Traveling teaches you to live an adventure

When you look back on your life, you will have moments of which you are proud and maybe a few you regret. It’s likely that the following won’t be on the latter list:

• Bicycled across the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Appeared on Italian TV.
• Hiked a Mayan ruin.
• Learned Spanish in three months.
• Toured Europe by train.

They’re not on mine (fun fact: I’ve done all of the above). So what, then, will be? What choices will you regret making? Holding back. Being afraid. Making excuses. Not taking more risks. Waiting.

While you’re young, you should travel. 

You should take the time to see the world and taste the fullness of life. It’s worth whatever investment or money or sacrifice of time that may be required on your part.

This is not about being a tourist. It’s about experiencing true risk and adventure so you don’t have to live in fear for the rest of your life.

2. Traveling helps you encounter compassion

In your youth, you will make choices that will define you. The disciplines you begin now will be with you for the rest of your life.

Traveling will change you like little else can. It will put you in places that will force you to care for issues that are bigger than you.

If you go to southeast Asia, you may encounter the slave trade. If eastern Europe, you may see the effects of genocide and religious persecution. If Haiti, you’ll witness the the ugly side Western paternalism.

Your heart will break.

You will begin to understand that the world is both a big and small place. You will have a new-found respect for the pain and suffering that over half of the world takes for granted on a daily basis.

And you will feel more connected to your fellow human beings in a deep and lasting way. You will learn to care.

3. Traveling allows you to get some culture

While you’re still young, you should get cultured. Get to know the world and the magnificent people that fill it. There’s nothing quite like walking alongside the Colosseum or seeing Michelangelo’s David in person.

I can describe the city of San Juan and its amazing beaches and historic sites to you, but you really have to see it for yourself to experience it. You can read all the books in the world about the Great Wall of China or The Louvre, but being there is a different story.

The world is a stunning place, full of outstanding works of art. See it.

Do this while you’re still young. Do not squander the time. You may never have it again.

You have a crucial opportunity to invest in the next season of your life now. Whatever you sow, you will eventually reap. Please. For your sake, do this. Because you won’t always be young. And life won’t always be just about you.

So travel. Experience the world for all it’s worth. Become a person of culture, adventure, and compassion.

“What if I’m not young?”

Travel, anyway. It may not be easy to do, but find a way to get out of your comfort zone. It’s really never too late.

But if you haven’t gotten sucked into the routine of life yet, I implore you — travel. It will never be easier than it is right now for you to do that which really matters.

Uma vez fui viajar e não voltei.

Não por rebeldia ou por ter decidido ficar; simplesmente mudei.

Cruzei fronteiras que eu nunca imaginaria cruzar. Nem no mapa, nem na vida. Fui tão longe que olhar para trás não era confortante, era motivador.

Conheci o que posso chamar de professores e acessei conhecimentos que nenhum livro poderia me ensinar. Não por serem secretos, mas por serem vivos.

Acrescentei ao dicionário da minha vida novos significados para educação, medo e respeito.

Reaprendi o valor de alguns gestos. Como quando criança, a espontaneidade de sorrisos e olhares faz valer a comunicação mais universal que há – a linguagem da alma.

Fui acolhido por pessoas, famílias, estranhos, bancos e praças. Entre chãos e humanos, ambos podem ser igualmente frios ou restauradores.

Conheci ruas, estações, aeroportos e me orgulho de ter dificuldade em lembrar seus nomes. Minha memória compartilha do meu desejo de querer refrescar-se com novos e velhos ares.

Fiz amigos de verdade. Amigos de estrada não sucumbem ao espaço e nem ao tempo. Amigos de estrada cruzam distâncias; confrontam os anos. São amizades que transpassam verões e invernos com a certeza de novos encontros.

Vivi além da minha imaginação. Contrariei expectativas e acumulei riquezas imateriais. Permiti ao meu corpo e à minha mente experimentar outros estados de vivência e consciência.

Redescobri o que me fascina. Senti calores no peito e dei espaço para meu coração acelerar mais do que uma rotina qualquer permitiria.

E quer saber?

Conheci outras versões da saudade. Como nós, ela pode ser dura. Mas juro que tem suas fraquezas. Aliás, ela pode ser linda.

Com ela, reavaliei meus abraços, dei mais respeito à algumas palavras e me apaixonei ainda mais por meus amigos e minha família.

E ainda tenho muito que aprender.

Na verdade, tais experiências apenas me dirigem para uma certeza – que ainda tenho muito lugar para conhecer, pessoas a cruzar e conhecimento para experimentar.

Uma vez fui viajar…

e foi a partir deste momento que entendi que qualquer viagem é uma ida sem volta.

(Marcelo Penteado)
Texto original de: http://sigoescrevendo.com/2013/08/26/uma-vez-fui-viajar-e-nao-voltei/

This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don’t like something, change it. If you don’t like your job, quit. If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love. Stop over analyzing, life is simple. All emotions are beautiful. When you eat, appreciate every last bite. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once; seize them. Life is about the people you meet and the things you create with them, so go out and start creating. Live your dream, and share your passion. Life is short.