I grow with every step I take beyond my comfort zone.

When I first started traveling, it was easy to focus on the excitement and adventure. Even air travel brought a thrill because the possibilities felt endless and every destination held promise.

One day, a rough flight changed how I felt about flying. It didn’t take away my desire to explore the world, but it did shift how I experienced it. Still, that fear never won. Because when we step beyond what’s familiar, whether it’s across the globe or just across the country, we open ourselves to growth. We learn to listen more deeply, to understand more fully, and to see beyond ourselves. Travel helps us become better humans by teaching us humility, empathy, and awe.

I’ll forever be grateful for the ability to travel and experience life. I’m proud that I didn’t cave to fear. You’d think a flight across the ocean might have cured my anxiety, but it didn’t. I still feel my nerves spike every time we take off, my body holding tension until wheels touch down. But that’s okay. I keep showing up. I keep moving forward. Every flight teaches me something new about who I am and how strong I can be.

Music has always been my therapy, but it holds a special meaning when I fly. A song called Presence by Alex Baker helps steady me. Today I realized just how much it helps me focus on being in the moment. On breathing through the nerves. On reminding myself I can do this. If flying makes you anxious, I can’t recommend the full EP Elsewhere enough. I play it as the plane pushes back from the gate, every single time.

And today, I think I took a big step forward.

If you’re someone who struggles with travel anxiety, please don’t let it hold you back. The world is waiting for you. The effort is worth it. Every moment you spend exploring, connecting, or simply being in a new space adds something beautiful to your story.

And to my husband, thank you for being the steady calm beside me on every trip.