Travel theme: Time

Ailsa’s travel theme this week is something we all want more of: Time. Click here to see other interpretations.

I spend most of my days rushing around. There is so much that I want to do, and I find it the best way to distract myself and deal with the depression that I sometimes suffer from. During the week, I get up at 5am, work all day and then fill my evenings with climbing, running, working out and writing. At the weekends I always have an impossibly huge list of things I want to accomplish.

It’s only when I travel that I allow time for myself. When I’m exploring new places, I genuinely feel free and I’m able to look towards the future without panic.

The first time I remember experiencing this feeling of freedom was when I was sent to work in Rhodes. I’d had a stressful couple of years, and no longer knew where I belonged in the world. After five months working in Austria, where I was horrendously bullied on a daily basis, I was sent to Rhodes as a last minute substitute. I knew nothing about Greece, and in all honesty didn’t really know where I was. I was dropped off at a hotel in the middle of the night, and given an appointment to meet my new manager early the next morning. Whilst trying to find the reception (where my manager was waiting for me), I passed by the swimming pool and one of the most stunning sea views I have ever seen in my life. Even though I was running late, I stopped for a few minutes to soak it all in. I didn’t know what it was, but I had a feeling inside of me that my move to Rhodes was going to be a good thing, and if I felt out of control again I could just come back to the beach, look at this view and everything would feel instantly better. My gut feeling was correct. I was shown so much respect and friendship in Rhodes, and it really helped me to build my confidence again.

Since then, I’ve encountered many more scenes just like the sea view in Rhodes. They let me stop for however long I need, and allow me the time to feel free. I’d like to share some of them with you.

White Sands is one of my favourite places in Wales, and it’s only a few hours away from where I live.

A bright, sunny day in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. If I’m on a mountain top with skis on my feet, I’m happy 🙂

Ticking items off my bucket list is what keeps me going. This view from the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a reminder of another ambition achieved.

For many years, visiting the Grand Canyon was top of my bucket list. Once upon a time, reaching that goal would have left me stressed and thinking ‘What do I do now?’. Since learning how to start dealing with my emotions, I have instead just made another list. Number 1 is now to visit Alaska, and I’m planning a trip for 2014. And after Alaska? Visiting Australia and meeting my dad’s family for the first time.

It’s important that we all take the time for ourselves that we need. What makes you feel like you have all the time in the world?

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