I’ve been thinking a lot about what stops us from leaving home and striking out on our own, maybe even following our dreams to another country. Over the years, when I’ve told people I was in the Peace Corps, this is what I’ve often heard: “I always wanted to do that.” I almost asked why they didn’t, but I kept silent. I kind of knew.
I almost didn’t do it myself. No one encouraged me, neither family nor friends. I was in my early twenties, and my life was narrowing down instead of opening up, but I was afraid to leave it for the unknown. My fears kind of looked like this:
I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to adapt to a new culture.
I was afraid that people on the other side of the world wouldn’t like me.
I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to help anyone, myself included.
I was afraid people would laugh at me if I came home early.
I was afraid I’d fall into a pit of sadness if I failed to do this thing I’d been dreaming of.
Besides, I couldn’t leave my cat. She’d been with me since I was five. After my parents divorced in my last year of high school, she went to college with me. She was my anchor, the only sense of home I had. She was getting old, and I wouldn’t abandon her.
I was gawky at 12. Puff was elegant at 7.
After Puff passed away, it took me another year to call the Peace Corps and ask for an application. Everybody has obstacles when it comes to taking risks. What are yours?