Embracing diversity through travel

Ever since I was a child, travelling the world has always been a dream of mine that my soul has been eager to fulfill. The concept of it all is so appealing to me, and it aligns almost perfectly with what it is that I want to achieve in this lifetime. I am eternally blessed, and thankful because different avenues throughout my life have constantly sprouted out, and given me beautiful chances to see the world from numerous perspectives. 

Swimming at such a high level during my younger years took me to destinations such as China, Egypt, Mauritius, and Italy. The schools I went to blessed me with opportunities to go and see the cold depths of Europe, the famous USA, the beautiful East African coast, and more. In addition, my family is just like me, and loves seeing the world. This has put us in situations where we have seen corners of the globe like the UAE together. To me that is the purest form of travel. When you do it with those that you care about.

I am touching on travel today because through all my experiences, what I have seen, heard, learnt, and loved have been drastically different. Each country has offered such an authentic way of living which has manifested into the world being a diversity hub. Maybe this is just me, but I sometimes find that we struggle to embrace this diversity. We are so quick to view life as an “us vs them” game. Do not get me wrong, our culture, heritage, and roots make up who we are. In every way possible we should stand for our home, but in that same breath, it is okay to love other cultures and learn about them.

With more than 7 billion people on the planet, I have always thought that learning about what is out there is an opportunity to broaden ones knowledge about humanity. To understand that life is experienced in infinite ways. Why not accept that? Why not take from that? This is where travel joins the dance. 

For many, travelling has always been a luxury. Fair enough, in the modern day it still is. Regardless, in many situations, we are faced with the opportunity to go and see something new. Work trips, school trips, sports trips, going overseas to visit family, going up country to get away from the city, anything. If you get that chance, view it as a key to a door. A door that allows you to see life from a different set of eyes. Be still, present, and learn the ways and lifestyle of whatever it is that you are exposed to. In doing this, you are becoming one with humanity

Again, do not get me wrong. In no way am I saying that once you get back home from Asia you should start doing everything the way Asians do. Simply store that knowledge. Be proud that you have it. I have had multiple conversations recently about the power of knowledge and information. Two potent tools that allow us to evolve and elevate in ways that we do not even comprehend. Via travelling, we get to use those tools in fun, eye opening, and joyful ways. 

Life is full of abundance. In the most graceful way possible, travel brings us the abundance of education. I suggest we take advantage of it. We never know when that knowledge will come in handy. I remember being in Zanzibar and thinking to myself how simple their day to day lives were. Having lived in busy cities my entire life, I am sure you can understand when I say that such a life is one that I long for.

Realising that a lifestyle like that is achievable was made possible by simply being there. I took from the lens in which they view life, and transmuted that into how I see the future of mine. This is just one example of how the butterfly effect is present when we embrace cultures, foods, clothing, and ultimately people from all over the world. It allows us to connect.