I know it has been a bit since I have laid down my thoughts, my experiences, and the turmoils of my soul.
But the truth is that I have been suffering of a disease… I have been facing wanderlust syndrome. I have officially diagnosed myself with it.
Spoiler alert, it is incurable. Treatable, manageable, possibly painful even, but incurable.
What I have been processing as I am living the ultimate treatment for wanderlust (11 countries in 11 months) is that the more I “treat it” the more I need my “treatment.” It doesn’t get better than this. Sometimes on the World Race we get to experience 4 different cities in one country. Or even 2 countries in one month!!! And still, the anxiety of not seeing enough, the desire to go see all things this marvelous world has to offer, is unsettling. The math of how much I haven’t seen takes a grip of my heart and does not let go of it.
This very syndrome has kept me from writing. It has made me feel various things. Guilt, shame, inadequate. How dare I not have something to say about all I’ve seen, learned and experienced? Can it be possible that wanting more more more has kept me from sharing what I’ve gotten?
Now that it is clear to you that I am a nut job, suffering of the wanderlust syndrome, let me share with you how I’ve managed to treat it and reevaluate my health state.
Stop pitying yourself right now and celebrate how privileged you are. Now, take as long as you need to thank God for every opportunity you have had to fully celebrate the diversity and beauty of the world.
Right. Now you are prepared to change your perspective of things, and how you approach them.
Ultimate Wanderlust Syndrome Treatment
You need to act like all things are adventures. New restaurants. New means of transportation, new language. Facing the mundane with a new set of lenses on (even if being abroad has become mundane). Excitement drives you, so stop waiting for it, go after it.
How exciting it is to try new places in your own town? Allow yourself to have new experiences daily.
Don’t get me wrong, keep planning the ultimate excursion to the unknown, but patch that need with a little bit of excitement here and a little bit of adventure there.
Journal about it. Scrapbook about it. Instagram about it. Fill your wanderlust cup with as many new adventures as possible.
Thank you for reading the depths of my heart. If you are curious whether you also might suffer of this syndrome, feel free to take the test bellow:
DISCLAIMER: the test bellow was created by me, and the results are fully and solely determined by my shameless desire to constantly travel and learn.
Wanderlust Syndrome Creative Test
- Is your passport and its stamps carefully stored and one of your most precious possessions?
- Do you have a travel outfit that is perfect for bus rides, train, and airport security checks?
- Does your phone have a folder with all the airline apps, to keep track of the VERY IMPORTANT MILES?
- Do your eyes tear when a country you’ve been to is mentioned, and your heart is filled with sweet memories?
- Is your home decorated with maps, or decorated with a themed based on a country?
- Do you have a Pinterest board solely for pinning travel ideas and plans? Or do you have a google doc full of links with travel plans and ideas?
- Does your google map app have pins saved all over the world?
- Are you constantly planning your next trip, even though you have an empty bank account?
My dearest friend, if you have said yes to more than 5 questions…I dare to announce, you have Wanderlust Syndrome.
It’s not easy to have. It’s not a cheap treatment…. but allow the wait to be your boost, longing to be your horizon and stability to be your sponsor.
I hope i helped you, at least temporarily.
