The lessons I learned on my journey through Thailand
Some weeks ago, I arrived in Thailand with a backpack, an open mind, and the hope of immersing myself in a culture I had only glimpsed through books and travel documentaries. Now, as my time there came to an end, I’m reflecting on how this experience has profoundly shaped my outlook on life, gratitude, and connection. This isn’t just a story about a trip abroad – it’s about the lessons that come when you allow yourself to be present, embrace all the challenges, and say “yes” to life’s unpredictable magic.
Learning to be present
One of the most significant shifts I’ve experienced during my time in Thailand is learning to live in the present moment. Whether it was wandering through night markets, savoring spicy Thai dishes (feeling my mouth burning afterwards 😃), or watching the sunset on a rooftop bar with friends, I found myself letting go of “what’s next” and truly experiencing “what’s now.” For someone who often gets caught up in future plans or overanalyzing the past, this was a revelation.
It’s been a long time since I was truly able to let go of all the sorrows, plans, and invisible burdens I didn’t even realize I was carrying. Here, I found space to pause and breathe – to let the rhythm of life guide me instead of trying to control it, to live into the day without making any plans. The sound of waves crashing against the shore, the laughter of strangers, and the simplicity of moments like drinking a fresh mango smoothie reminded me of the beauty in life’s smallest, most unassuming details.
Gratitude as a daily practice
Gratitude has been a recurring theme throughout this journey. Each day in Thailand brought something to be thankful for, whether it was the kindness of a stranger, the beauty of an ancient temple, a quiet moment of reflection by the ocean, watching the stars in a clear night, a heart-warming encounter with a wild animal, a deep conversation with a stranger…
As I learned to be more and more in the present moment, I was also able to feel much more gratitude. My heart felt so much more open than usual, and this made me more aware of the abundance in my life – things I might have previously taken for granted. Gratitude isn’t just about appreciating big, life-changing moments, it’s especially about finding joy in the ordinary.
High Sensitivity and the challenges of travel
As someone who identifies as highly sensitive, I often worried how I’d handle the sensory overload of travel. The bustling cities, crowded markets, and unfamiliar settings could easily overwhelm me. But instead of resisting, I leaned into the experience.
Interestingly, I found that Thailand offered a balance – chaotic yet calming. While city streets buzzed with activity, the serene temples and lush landscapes of Northern Thailand and the islands gave me a sense of peace.
My high sensitivity also helped me connect deeply with the people I met and the places I visited. I felt the joy in a local’s smile, the sorrow in a quiet goodbye, and the awe of standing in places steeped in history. My sensitivity, often seen as a challenge, was a blessing during this journey.
And there were challenges. Especially the night markets were a sensory overload, with all the people, different smells, music, noises, lights. Once I was even close to a panic attack. It was at the huge festival and night market during the Loy Krathong Lantern festival in Chiang Rai. When this happened I decided to just get out of the place, focused on my breath, and a friend walking behind me gave me security in that moment. As soon as I got out of the crowd, suddenly there was a power cut across the entire site – no more music or lights, everything calmed down within seconds. Finally the proof that I’m a witch. 😇 All of this helped me handle the situation in the best way possible. And I know that I can trust myself in similar future situations and don’t have to worry about them.
High sensation Seeking & EMbracing life
Alongside my sensitivity is my adventure-seeking nature – a craving for new and exciting experiences. Thailand was the perfect playground for this:
I swam in crystal-clear waters, hiked through jungles to hidden waterfalls, explored beautiful landscapes with a scooter, watched wild animals, engaged in conversations with strangers… These moments pushed me out of my comfort zone and reminded me that life is meant to be lived fully.
High sensation seeking doesn’t have to mean reckless adventure. For me, it’s about saying “yes” to life, whether that’s trying a dish I’ve never heard of, striking up a conversation with a stranger, or exploring a new corner of the world. I really love this side of myself because it pushes me to live fully, savor every experience, and create unforgettable memories. It’s what keeps my life vibrant and dynamic, ensuring that I have no regrets or lingering “what ifs” when I look back on the chapters I’ve written.
The „right“ people at the right time
One of the most magical parts of this trip has been the people I’ve met along the way. It’s as if the universe aligned to bring me together with the right people at the right time.
For a long time, I thought that my burnout 3 years ago and my highly sensitive nature meant I couldn’t spend too much time around people without feeling drained anymore. Social settings often left me exhausted, craving solitude – which was why I avoided them often. But during my trip, I was surrounded by people almost 24/7 – and to my surprise, I didn’t feel drained at all. Instead, I felt inspired, motivated, and full of energy.
Looking back, I realized the difference was that most of them were like-minded souls who shared my values, passions, and energy. Being around them didn’t take from me – it lifted me up. It showed me that sensitivity isn’t about avoiding people, it’s about choosing the right ones. When you find „your tribe,” connection feels energizing, not exhausting. You can just be your true self, without having to hide, explain or defend yourself.
I met fellow travelers who shared my love for meaningful conversation, locals who offered me help and appeared like guardian angels in the right moments, and individuals whose stories touched my heart. What started as encounters turned into genuine friendships.
These encounters reaffirmed my belief in the power of kindness, goodness, and human connections. We’re all on our own journeys, but when paths cross, they can leave lasting imprints on our hearts. Meeting all these like-minded people reminded me that I am just right as I am, and that you just need to find “your tribe” in order to feel a sense of belonging.
Memories that marked my soul
As my time in Thailand came to an end, I find myself replaying the memories over and over again. From the golden glow of the temples to the laughter shared over meals, each moment feels like a treasure.
Memories are more than just images or stories – they’re the emotions tied to them. The sense of awe I felt standing in front of a Buddha statue, the deep sense of peace while swimming alongside a sea turtle, this feeling of freedom while riding on a motorbike in breathtaking landscapes, my full heart when watching my favourite animals in the wild, the thrill of discovering a beautiful empty café in a quiet village – these are some of the memories that will stay with me forever.
My 5 key take-aways for mental health
This journey has taught me more about myself than I ever imagined, and the lessons I’ve learned can be applied to anyone’s mental health journey. Here are some insights to reflect on:
1. Gratitude is transformative
Practicing gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you”, it’s a way to shift your perspective and anchor yourself in the present. By focusing on what you’re thankful for, big or small, you can ease anxiety, find moments of joy, and reconnect with what makes life meaningful. For me, this simple practice helped me feel alive again, reminding me of the abundance in my life, even during challenging times.
2. Embrace the present moment
We often think happiness lies in the future – a goal, a milestone, or a “better” version of ourselves. But life is happening right now. By practicing mindfulness and truly being present, you can find clarity and contentment, even in the chaos. It’s in these moments – watching a sunset, savoring a meal, or having a heartfelt conversation – that life feels the most vibrant and real.
3. Sensitivity is a gift
If you’re highly sensitive, you might feel like you’re too affected by the world around you. But sensitivity isn’t a weakness, it’s a superpower. It allows you to connect deeply with others, appreciate life’s nuances, and find meaning in small, beautiful moments.
4. Step outside your comfort zone
Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Whether it’s trying something new, traveling to an unfamiliar place, or saying yes to an unexpected opportunity, stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to incredible experiences. These moments create the memories you’ll treasure most and help you discover strength and courage you didn’t know you had.
5. Connection is everything
The people you meet can profoundly impact your journey. Opening yourself up to new connections, sharing your story, and listening to others can create bonds that transform your perspective. Whether it’s a rapid encounter or a lifelong friendship, these connections remind us of our shared humanity and the power of meaningful relationships.
Trust that life has a way of bringing the right people into your path at the right time. Each connection, whether fleeting or lasting, carries a gift – be it a valuable lesson, a spark of shared joy, or a fresh perspective that shifts your understanding of the world.
Each of these takeaways is a reminder that mental health is not about striving for perfection – it’s about learning, growing, and finding balance. Whether you’re practicing gratitude, embracing your sensitivity, or stepping into the unknown, these small shifts can create a positive impact on your life.
Moving forward
As I’m back in Austria I feel a mix of emotions – gratitude for the time I’ve had, sadness to leave this country and the friends I made behind, and excitement for what lies ahead.
This trip has reminded me of the importance of living fully, embracing my sensitivity, and being open to the magic of the present moment and meaningful connections on the way. Wherever life takes me next, I’ll carry these lessons with me.
To anyone considering stepping out of their routine, I encourage you to take the leap. Whether it’s a journey abroad or a small adventure close to home, life has a way of surprising you when you open your heart to it.
Thank you, Thailand, for the lessons, the beauty, and the connections – you’ll always hold a special place in my heart.
Schreibe einen Kommentar