Lessons from a Year of World Exploration: Reflections from Remote Year Community Member Michael Gallagher.

Ever wondered what a year of exploring the world can teach you? In this reflection, Michael Gallagher, Remote Year community member, shares the profound lessons he learned while traveling, offering insights into the growth that comes from a life of adventure.

Here's what Michael discovered throughout his year of exploration:

1. Questioning Judgments: Being part of a consistent group for a year forced me to confront how wrong my judgments often are. The initial stories we tell ourselves about others can be so misleading.
2. Letting Go of Stories: I’m trying to release not only my own stories but also the assumptions I make about others. I've learned, “It’s none of my business what someone else thinks of me”—a liberating lesson that extends from family to strangers.
3. Being Kinder to Myself: This journey taught me to be gentler with myself. It’s one thing to think kindly about yourself; it’s another to act on it, especially through mistakes.
4. Seeking True Connection: I noticed a younger version of me sought out “shiny” people, hoping it would make me shine more too. Instead, this only made me a smaller, duller version of myself.
5. Transformational Ayahuasca Retreat: During a retreat, I felt physically how judging others—or distancing myself—created suffering. Integrating this in daily life is hard, but it’s clear: when I judge, I suffer.
6. Practicing Awareness of My Audience: Not everyone needs or deserves my thoughts. My impulsivity often led to oversharing, sparking a big internal shift to understand when to hold back.
7. Observing Cultural Contradictions: Americans often turn a blind eye to cultural differences abroad, yet criticize similar differences back home. How might our own society change if we embraced diverse perspectives locally, too?
8. Appreciating the Rain (Metaphorically and Literally): I don’t want to be someone who complains about the rain. Embracing every experience, even challenges, makes life richer.
9. Choosing My Words Carefully: Each time I spoke about someone not present, I regretted it. Simple but powerful: it reinforced the importance of respectful speech.
10. Believing in Positive Change: I’ve come to see that positive transformation is possible and achievable.
11. Identifying True Values: This year clarified what I truly value in myself and in others, a priceless realization.
12. Embracing a Lifetime of Adventure: Above all, this experience showed me that I need adventure, both near and far, as a permanent part of my life.

If Michael’s journey resonates with you and you’ve ever wondered how a year of exploration could transform your life, this journey is perfect for you if you are :

• Looking to grow personally and professionally while discovering new cultures
• Eager to connect with like-minded people across the globe
• Ready to embrace change, challenge your assumptions, and explore the world without the typical travel stress

Limited Offer: We're offering the 12th month of our 12-month trip for FREE when you apply by Nov 18, 2024. This is your opportunity to join a global community and take your work and life to exciting new destinations. Learn more here.

We are here to help you make it happen! If you have questions or want to know more about how to start your own journey with Remote Year, we have an upcoming Q&A on Friday. Register here.