This is not going to be a typical travel post. Right now, I’m in Shanghai and spending a total of 7 weeks here – getting a taste of what it’s like to live in modern China and I will post about that and what daily life is like for me – very soon. But for now, I wanted to share some other thoughts.

I’m past the 7 month mark on this trip. I’ve seen so much, done so much, and experienced so much – that sometimes it has been easy to forget how fortunate I am to travel for an extended time. Lately, I’ve thought a lot about what it means to be fearless. As some people know, on my right calf, I have a tattoo of the Chinese Characters for fearless. The literal translation of this means “Nothing Fear”. There’s been times on this trip where I’ve doubted if I could live up to my tattoo and the meaning behind it, but many other times I have lived up to its meaning. For me being fearless is more than just conquering fears, it’s about improving and growing as a person, changing perspectives, experiencing new things, and achieving success.

Being fearless is knowing that it is OK to go out on your own and have a good time.

Being fearless is eating in a restaurant alone.

Being fearless is going to a movie alone.

Being fearless is knowing when to take breaks.

Being fearless is bungie jumping, scuba diving, and sky diving.

Being fearless is quitting your job, leaving your comfortable life, and traveling the world – by yourself.

Being fearless is having the right support from friends and family.

Being fearless is knowing that even when things don’t work out, everything will be alright.

Being fearless is admitting your mistakes.

Being fearless is living in a city where English is not the most common language.

Being fearless is learning a new language.

Being fearless is having the guts to admit you’re homesick and fight through it.

Being fearless is trying new things and food even if you don’t want to.

Being fearless is displaying extreme confidence even when you’re in doubt.

Being fearless is running marathons.

Being fearless is doing the right things at the right time.

Being fearless is overcoming your own doubts.

Being fearless is completing what you’ve started.

Being fearless is never giving up.

Being fearless is conquering what you’re afraid of.

In a few weeks, I will return to the U.S. for a much needed short break. This break has always been included in the trip. I will enjoy the relaxation, the sights and sounds of the city, and most importantly catching up with the people who I have missed seeing the last 7 months. After the break, I will spend a short 12 weeks completing this trip – fearlessly.

Tim is preparing to travel the world on a much needed career break. His travels have already taken him to New Zealand, India, China, Taiwan, and many places in western Europe. On his world trip he hopes to become more fluent in Mandarin Chinese, meet new friends, gain new perspectives, and find new opportunities. Follow Tim on his global adventures.

Tim

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