This blog is a little delayed because I was away on an overseas trip but I think the timing was perfect. Weeks 2 and 3 of my confidence challenge lined up with travelling, which meant I had the chance to step into something that has always tested me: my anxiety around travel.
I’ve always been the type to check my passport not just 10 times, but 30. The kind of traveller who lies awake before a flight, imagining every worst-case scenario possible from being stopped at immigration to having my luggage confiscated for something ridiculous. Travel has never felt natural to me; it’s always felt heavy.
But this time, I decided to approach it differently. Instead of avoiding the planning because it made me anxious, I leaned into it. I prepared with intention, asking questions, checking what I could and couldn’t pack, and making sure everything was in order. Not in a frantic, obsessive way, but in a grounded way that allowed me to tell myself: I’ve done my part. I’m ready. Now I can let go.
And it worked.
Yes, I’m older than the last time I travelled to London, and yes, I’ve grown and gained wisdom over the years but I could feel the difference in myself. I felt lighter, calmer, more present. My anxiety still showed up, of course, but instead of letting it spiral, I reframed my thinking.
When my mind went to “What if my luggage is too heavy?” I reminded myself: If that happens, I’ll deal with it. It’s not the end of the world.
When I worried “What if I get stopped at customs?” I reminded myself: I followed the rules, I checked everything, and even if something happens, I’ll handle it.
The big shift was this: instead of letting the “what ifs” paralyze me, I reminded myself that even if the worst-case scenario happened, I was capable of managing it. And most of the time, the things I feared didn’t even happen.
I won’t lie and say I wasn’t anxious (there were definitely uncomfortable moments) but for the first time, my anxiety didn’t control me. I was able to be present and actually enjoy the experience.
Here are my takeaways if you’re working on staying calm and confident in anxiety-inducing situations (travel or otherwise):
- Prepare with intention – You can’t control everything, but you can control some things. Do your research, prepare mindfully, arrive early, communicate your needs, and create small systems like checklists or saying what you are doing out loud, “I am packing my passport” to bring you peace of mind.
- Stay present – Anxiety thrives in the future, so grounding yourself in the moment makes a difference. Be involved in the process and also allow yourself to enjoy the experience.
- Reframe fears quickly – Don’t let them grow bigger than they are. Remind yourself: everything is going to be okay. If the worst happens, you’ll handle it. Often, it won’t even happen.
This experience reminded me that confidence isn’t about eliminating fear. It’s about shifting your relationship with it – preparing, reframing, and reminding yourself you’re capable of handling whatever comes.
I feel proud of myself for the growth I’ve seen. Not just compared to six years ago when I last travelled here but even compared to just a few weeks ago. I feel lighter, calmer, and more in control of my life.
And that’s what this journey is all about.
