Lately I`ve been thinking about how the fear of "it being awkward" can keep us from fully living, making new friends and following our hearts true desire. People often ask me how I dare to travel alone and live in hostels; Isn't it awkward to be alone- and what about when there are groups of friends and you are the only one "alone", or what about if you approach them and they don`t catch on... ?
First of all hostels(as my first example) are social (usually), and in most instances you are not the only one travelling alone- and if you are afraid of the awkwardness that comes with the first approach, that is only a natural part of it- and it is awkward and scary the first times, you are after all suddenly sleeping and "living" in the same room and sometimes bed with around 5-10 strangers of all ages and from all over the world - but the more social the hostel and the more "alumni of solo travel" your new dorm-mates are, the more natural and straight forward the first interactions become- usually before you know it you are spending the eve and next day exploring the surroundings together. And f not- embrace that you had the guts to try (if you felt like it) and be happy for your own (awesome) company.
For a long time now most of my longtime friends have been busy with their kids, lived away from the city or simply not had the same interests as me- I could have stayed at home, gone to the gym with headphones on, and avoided trying anything based on any inner dreams, desires and curiosity due to "I can`t go alone- what if its awkward". Again- Yes, showing up alone at a new dance-class, painting workshop or any other thing where small-talk, looks and pair-work might happen is often awkward- especially when in a country like mine where most natives are socially embarrassed before they even entered a room. But You, live fully and walk in anyway- let the natural awkwardness sit on your shoulder, it is there with all of us- but it will only last a while. laughter in this shared feeling will often lift that aside.
In addition to the creative bits and adventures you wish to enter- embrace all aspects of life with curiosity- be brave; Talk openly to that person you like and keep avoiding, or to that friend you are avoiding due to a mistake you made - sometimes passing the initial awkwardness leads to clarity, sometimes laughter, understanding and most importantly something real. Don`t let the fear of awkward silence or embarrassment keep you from telling the world (or them) how you feel.
Embrace the Awkward- it (awkwardness) is a part of getting out there- and of truly daring to be here.
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