Create Paths, Not Roadblocks

At 43 years old, I've finally realized that I often sabotage myself by setting up mental roadblocks before I decide to do some things. I don't always do this for all things - my grandmother ensured that I knew I could do anything I set my mind to - but somehow my mind only applies that "can-do" philosophy to some things, and roadblocks others.

For example, I've been traveling for nearly 20 years in some form or another, and photographing my travels for 15 of those years. Although I was initially scared of traveling solo outside of the USA, I ignored my anxiety, apprehension, and fear, and did it anyways. I happily demolished the roadblocks to traveling that my mind, and got on with the business of adventuring.

On the other hand, I've always enjoyed sharing my experiences with friends on facebook, and for a long time, people have asked why I don't have a blog or a youtube channel, or even an active instagram. I've always considered it, but stopped short of actually doing those things because I couldn't find the right name for the blog, or I couldn't find the time to write or post my photos, etc. But really, I was worried that people might not like what I created, or that they wouldn't care what I had to say.

In short, I was worried about failing, and that concern prevented me from ever starting in the first place. If you don't try, you can't fail, right?

Of course, this is just self sabotage.

These roadblocks exist only in our own minds. In reality, the people who smirk don't count, and the people who don't care don't matter.

And of course, it's better to try and fail than to have never tried at all.

So I will sabotage myself no more. My wonderful sister made me aware that many people would probably be interested in what I have to say about many things, but travel seems the most amenable to write about, so that's where I'm going to start.

And in the age of AI, I want to state loud and clear that nothing that ever appears on this blog will ever be AI-written. Every article, every paragraph, every word, will always be 100% human-generated, straight from my brain to yours, and every photograph and video will always be 100% comprised of actual, 100% natural photons collected on the scene, by me.

I've always created paths to travel, but I've roadblocked myself from sharing my journey. Starting right now, with this post, I begin the process of dismantling those roadblocks.

I'm much more apprehensive of creating video content than I am of writing, so that roadblock is bigger and will require more work to tear down, but video content will arrive, just as soon as I figure out a good name... (just kidding!)

Glad to have you along for the ride!