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Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.

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Stepping outside your comfort zone

Hola mi amigas!

Well ladies my trip to Guatemala was absolutely incredible! It was an amazing experience with tonnes of challenges and growth opportunities.

I was very fortunate to experience many firsts on this trip and I’ve decided to focus today’s post on stepping outside your comfort zone and opening your heart to experiencing new things. It’s essential for you to learn and grow to do new and exciting and sometimes scary things.

Guatemala was the perfect setting for many firsts. It was my first time …..

Travelling outside of North America on my own

Being met at the airport by a man with a sign with my name on it

Meeting up with Sebastien’s sister for a backpacking adventure (and Jess, can’t forget Jess)

Sleeping in a hostel

Using a washroom in which you could NOT flush your toilet paper or even better a washroom with NO WALL between toilets!

Galloping on horseback

Negotiating the price of purchases (in another language!)

“stealing” napkins from every restaurant we ate at for “emergency” washroom purposes

Hiking for 5 hours at midnight up and 4 hours at sunrise down a volcano

Going to bathroom outside on the edge of a cliff!

Getting altitude sickness (that was a treat, I’ll post about my hike up Santa Maria separately)

Being held up by the “Fruit Police”

Passing another vehicle in oncoming traffic, uphill, on a corner, and STOPPING for the speed bump!

Visiting a Jade factory

Trying to carry my purchases on my head like the locals

Buying breakfast 3 times in one day once for me and twice for the stray dogs

Being serenaded 3 times in one day by 3 different people

Accepting a free salsa dance lesson (I have two left feet when it comes to dancing with steps)

What did I learn on this trip, well I learned some Spanish. I learned that there is abundant warmth and love and connection if we take the time to get to know new people. I learned that the human body is capable of persevering for great lengths beyond perceived limits when I managed to continue to hike upwards for 1 full hour after altitude sickness set in! I learned that the world is full of beauty and the real beauty is in the simple things. I learned that it takes only a moment to say “buenos dias” to make the day of someone less fortunate. I learned that there is smiling and laughter and love in the very direst of situations. I learned that we take so many things for granted and that happiness is a VERY clear and true choice.

I’ll be sure to post more stunning photos in my post of my midnight hike and a general post about the adventures of Guatemala. I also have to get my hands on some of the photos Alima and Jess took with me in them!

I encourage all of you to step outside your comfort zone and try something new today. It’s the most rewarding way to live! I’ve learned so much about myself and this trip has really changed me in some very significant ways!

Love all of you ladies (and gents)! xoxo

Always living with passion,

Sammie