Lessons from a Year of Travel & Volunteering Throughout Europe
How Workaway’s cultural and work exchange program transformed our lives
As I sip on my green tea while listening to the birds chirping outside my window on the Greek island of Corfu, I reflect on the past year of our travel adventures — all made possible thanks to Workaway, an organization that connects volunteers with people who need help with a wide range of tasks.
Since sailing off to Europe to follow our dream of exploring its diverse landscapes and cultures, we’ve done volunteer work exchanges through Workaway in five countries.
From harvesting olives in Greece, to shoveling manure on a farm in the Austrian Alps in preparation for planting pumpkin seeds, to helping renovate a large villa that will become a retreat center in the heart of Tuscany, we’ve made memories to last a lifetime. But most important of all, we’ve met new friends that have impacted our lives in more ways than we can express.
Our hosts have demonstrated the depths of human kindness. Coming from all walks of life, these people never ceased to inspire us with the brightness of their spirit. They courageously follow their dreams and infuse their lives with meaning by using their talents to help others. From sharing stories over a bonfire or laughing over a home-made meal, they’ve helped us remember the importance of appreciating the treasures of “the little moments.”
The past year on the road has taught us a lot — about ourselves and life — while expanding our idea of what is possible. Here is a summary of 6 of the 12 lessons we’ve learned through our travels (visit our travel blog for more!).
6 LESSONS FROM 12 MONTHS ON THE ROAD
1) We Are All In This Together
Underneath the abstract lines of nationalities and beyond the limits of language, we are all one human family. We are all on a common journey to that place that we call happiness. Even though the word means something different to everyone, we all share the same ultimate goal.
2) All Our Friends Were Once Strangers
Many of the most important people in our lives were once complete strangers. We didn’t even know they existed until we met them. The roots of friendship can sprout quickly — all thanks to being open to meeting new people. We eventually can’t imagine our lives without meeting those “strangers,” as they often end up becoming family.
3) Appreciation is Best Cultivated Outside of Our Comfort Zones
Washing dishes under hot running water, having easy access to a washer and a dryer, or the convenience of being able to go to the grocery store on Sunday — these are some of the most mundane things about daily life that we often take for granted. When we find ourselves in a situation that differs from those standards, we quickly realize how precious they are — and often how we can find other ways to manage.
4) There Is Always Enough
Workaway is proof that no matter what happens in life, as long as we are willing to contribute, we can always find a place to rest our head, fill our bellies, and share wonderful stories and laughter with others.
5) The Eyes of Compassion Make Everything Brighter
Every culture has had its share of trials. Many of our behaviors have been shaped by these collective influences in more ways than we can imagine. Seeing others through the eyes of compassion during difficult times can help bring peace to many situations.
6) Trust in the Flow of Life — and in yourself!
Every new Workaway adventure presented uncertainty. Were our hosts going to be nice people? Would we have our basic needs met? Despite the uncertainty, we trusted — in our ability to navigate difficulties if they arose, in the good nature of people, and in the mysterious ways that life works behind the scenes. This trust has rewarded us with many pleasant surprises. Every step into uncertainty has broadened our horizons. That broader perspective has allowed us to see opportunities and the goodness in things that we wouldn’t have been able to see before.
HELPING OTHERS BELIEVE IN THEIR MAGNIFICENCE
The main thing that often stands in people’s way of not pursuing their dreams is simply not believing in their own power. To help others remember the greatness of their potential, we felt inspired to put together a collection of uplifting short poems and our travel photos in an ebook — dedicated to some of the souls we have met along our journey. The book is titled “You Are Essential: 101 Reminders of Your Magnificence” and is now available on Amazon. We hope it brings many smiles and inspires others to trust in themselves and follow their dreams.
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“You Are Essential: 101 Reminders of Your Magnificence” is a collection of 101 short writings/poems and travel photos to uplift you.
Available on Amazon and FREE until Sunday, May 10th.