As someone who has come a long way in healing my anxious attachment, learning how to say goodbye has been pivotal in understanding that my path may be very different from people I meet in life. I'm not saying that you should strive for temporary relationships and friendships as a way of healing. I'm saying that we need to change how we perceive it when we are no longer close with, or are growing apart from some people in our lives. Also, when something doesn't go as hoped or expected with a romantic interest!
Five day friendships, 3 day romances, and some that only last a matter of hours is something you grow accustomed to on the road. And you learn to accept it as you and them simply having different paths, literally. When I go home, I will carry that perspective with me in a figurative sense. Everyone is on their own journey, they have their own paths to fulfill. It's okay to hurt when it's time to say goodbye, and it's okay to feel the entire rush of ecstatic emotions when you meet. The biggest thing I'm learning is that you have to process those emotions instead of pretending it's "no big deal".
The people who meet on your path are a big part of life's highs and lows. That goes for solo travel especially. One day, you're having cocktails with these amazing people in Antalya, Turkey, and the next day, you're saying goodbye and it's just you and your thoughts. This isn't about people leaving. This is about accepting that people come and go on the road and in life. Sometimes, you become more emotionally invested in some people than others. And that's okay. It just means you're opening your heart. Just remember to have boundaries and respect the expiration date.
Every person you meet contributes to your experience in this life. I'm sitting at the bus station in Ioannina, Greece right now, with 2 months to go and I can already say every person I've met has changed my life in some way. It's not about trying to keep people forever. It's about the moments you share together. That kiss on the roof under the stars, that roadtrip and unexpected swim in the mediterranean on the coast of Turkey with the best people you could find, that fling you had in Bulgaria, the yoga teacher that made you feel completely safe in releasing emotions during her class. All of these people taught me how to love, how to trust, and how to let go with acceptance and memories that will last forever.
The one relationship that will last forever with no holds barred, is the one with yourself. So when you find yourself alone with thoughts and feelings you never knew you had, that's the one that's going to carry you through when it's time to say goodbye. Trust that you will be okay. And you will carry on, trust in what the continuation of your path holds. You will meet more people that will change you in some way. You will make more and new memories. You will have so many more amazing experiences with people who align with the path you're on right now. It's okay to love and trust in this moment. And it's okay to say goodbye. It's okay to carry with you the memory and to allow those memories to bring you complete joy or sadness. It means you're human. Care. That's all I can say. Care about the people you meet and the experiences. Don't pretend not to care any longer. Love with all your heart. Even through the goodbyes and the growth. Even through those painful moments.
To the people I've met, and the people I have yet to meet on this trip and in my life, I love you wholly and without barriers. Thank you for being apart of my journey whether you were a lesson or a blessing<3
Love Annie
xoxo
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