by Ashley Cheung, Principal & Founder, VPG
Travel enriches us in unexpected ways. June’s article is about asking probing questions to keep ourselves from overcommitting to our thinking, especially those limiting beliefs. Amidst the whirlwind of planning our Norwegian adventure, I delegated logistics to a service, entrusting Nicole to manage the influx of emails. Boarding the flight to Reykjavik, Iceland, anticipation intertwined with nerves, especially considering Mom’s recent vision deterioration. Determined to enrich her life through travel, I resolved to empower her with my very own Wanderlust spirit.
Navigating through constant changes and looming deadlines tested my resolve, prompting a momentary doubt. Yet, the allure of Norway’s fjords and Swedish delights kept me steadfast. Reflecting on my tendency to seek external validation for resources, a friend’s question sparked a pivotal realization: transparency breeds clarity. Armed with this insight, despite my fear of her disapproval, I disclosed our hectic itinerary to Mom so she could make decisions for herself. It was helpful, as I know she would have been upset if she was not given the autonomy to make such simple decisions. I am glad that I accepted my friend’s feedback and acted on it, alleviating both of our anxieties.
Another hurdle arose with tight connections from Flåm to Bergen, prompting a flurry of questions about logistics. Despite reassurances from the service, a conversation with the cruise crew unveiled crucial details that had been overlooked. Mom’s keen perception and my willingness to ask probing questions averted potential chaos, saving us from a logistical nightmare.
In hindsight, these experiences underscore the power of questioning assumptions and embracing growth zones and sometimes panic zones (and let me be honest, I was panicking for a few minutes there). Adam Grant’s mantra of “think again” resonates deeply, urging us to challenge our beliefs and navigate uncertainties with confidence. Traveling these days can present challenges, flight delays, and potential safety issues, as we witness on social media. Trusting ourselves to navigate unfamiliar territories fosters resilience and growth.
As our journey through Norway concludes, we begin the Swedish portion tomorrow. I am reminded that the greatest adventures often lie beyond our comfort zones. Embracing the unknown with curiosity, don’t let fear of falling and embarrassment stop you from moving forward. Norway’s majestic landscapes and the lessons gleaned along the way serve as a testament to the transformative power of travel.
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