Don’t let future fears bring you down from something you have been contracted to do. Re- read that for me. Not 1099 contracted… No, I mean Soul Contracted. Everything that happens to us is just a step to where fate is leading us. Sit back, don’t listen to the little lies inside. Just know the future is always brighter than now.
Have you ever noticed how fear sounds so convincing?
Traveling internationally for the first time — all the way to Japan — wasn’t just a vacation. It felt like stepping into an alternate timeline. Literally though. We were 14 hours ahead of everyone back home. I now call myself a time-traveler because of this trip. So watch out, timelines may shift hehehe.
Anyways, I knew I wanted to share my experience because if someone reading this is sitting in their own “fear of the unknown,” maybe this story becomes permission to trust themselves a little more.
I didn’t understand how much fear was calling the shots in my life until I was invited on a trip to Japan. Before we left, I was overwhelmed by thoughts like: What if I panic on the plane? What if I don’t know what to do? What if I can’t communicate? These weren’t small nerves; they were loud, persistent, anxiety-flavored doubts that tried to convince me I wasn’t capable.
And the biggest revelation was this:
Fear talks like it knows the future, but it only knows your past.… please read that again!!!!
The Plane Was the First Test of Trust
I wasn’t traveling alone. I was surrounded by people I loved. But even with people around me, fear made me feel isolated. Sitting in the middle seat on that 13-hour flight, sandwiched between chairs, with limited space and nowhere to escape, I became intensely aware of every sensation. The hum of the engines, the lights dimming and brightening, the meals being passed out — everything felt overstimulating.
For a few hours, I tried to distract myself, but eventually I looked around and realized everyone was in their own little world — sleeping, reading, watching movies. No one was panicking. No one was spiraling. It hit me that the feeling I was fighting wasn’t danger — it was discomfort. I was so scared and allowed social media to consume my thoughts with fears that I forgot everything would be ok.
Somewhere over the ocean, I softened. I stopped gripping Mango my stuffed kitty lol and I allowed myself to trust that I could handle this. The moment I stopped resisting the experience, the anxiety shifted into curiosity.
Touchdown: Entering a Different World
When we landed in Tokyo, everything became real. Even in the airport, the culture was different — calm, organized, intentional. People weren’t rushing or pushing. No elbows in the ribs. No frantic crowds. They moved with awareness, almost like a quiet agreement to exist without disturbing one another. I sear it was insane. Suitcases left and right, but none hit me. No sorry’s or people cutting you off, It was so calm in yet such a frantic scene.
That awareness continued everywhere we went.
On the trains, people barely spoke, not from fear or rigidity, but out of respect. In convenience stores, clerks handled purchases gently and bowed, even if you only bought a bottle of water. There was a sense that every moment mattered, and every exchange deserved care. I even made sure to say “Arigatou Gozaimasu” Thank you, but in a more powerful way to them. I would bow, nod and feel the sense of love and respect after I purchased anything in Japan.
I realized something I never expected: I wasn’t just learning about Japan — Japan was teaching me about presence. About being aware of others and their space, boundaries and more.
The Language Barrier Became a Bridge
One of my biggest fears before leaving was not speaking Japanese. I imagined embarrassing misunderstandings or holding up lines. But what actually happened was the exact opposite.
Ordering food became one of the most memorable parts of the trip. I would try to order in Japanese — sometimes confidently, sometimes awkwardly. The staff would try English. We’d both laugh when we didn’t get it right. There were moments where we communicated entirely through pointing, smiling, and tiny nods. I didn’t feel judged. I didn’t feel like a burden. I felt seen and appreciated for trying.
The language barrier didn’t separate us — it connected us. Respect is a universal language. When you use it or at least try to, they see that and feel it. It made me so aware of others and the kindness they bring to people coming from all over the world! I just hope for the same respect from others when traveling there.
Traveling With Others & Finding Myself
Traveling with my family and being part of a Travel group gave me a unique balance between support and personal growth. Our tour guide — a woman born and raised in Japan — led us with so much heart. She poured her soul into every moment: translating conversations, navigating trains and streets effortlessly, and explaining cultural details in English even when it was challenging. You could feel her pride in her country and her genuine desire for us to experience Japan fully, not just as tourists, but as temporary locals. She literally on the last day stayed to make sure we all got on our trains safely!!
And because of the group dynamic, I didn’t just experience Japan — I experienced people. I met Aussies (who are now life long friends), people from England, Texas and different parts of the world, each with their own stories and reasons for being there. Conversations began as small talk and turned into connection. We shared meals, confusion, laughter, and those “wow… we’re really here” moments. We shared cries, hugs and goodbyes. Honestly leaving the group to go on our own for the next couple of days was the hardest part. I cried so many times lol
Before Japan, I believed stepping outside my comfort zone meant being alone and unsafe. What I learned instead is that the world is full of people who want to connect, and sometimes the universe places the right people in your path the moment you’re brave enough to step onto it. I left Japan not only with memories, but with friendships and a deeper understanding that the world isn’t something to fear — it’s something to meet.
For Anyone Who Is Uncertain
If you’ve been feeling the pull to travel somewhere — a place you keep seeing on Pinterest, hearing about in conversations, or dreaming of without knowing why — pay attention. That’s not coincidence. That’s alignment.
You don’t have to feel brave to take the first step; courage isn’t something that arrives ahead of time. It shows up because you moved. If I had waited to feel “ready,” I never would have gone. But the moment I acted, the fear started losing its power. Japan showed me that when you honor that inner nudge — that quiet pull toward something unfamiliar — life will meet you halfway.
I used to believe fear was there to protect me, but now I see it was just trying to keep me small. Japan wasn’t just a trip; it felt like a soul contract, something I was meant to experience long before I understood why. Fear told me I might not handle it. Japan showed me I always could. And if I can do it — anxious, overthinking, comfort-zone-loving me — you can too. The world isn’t waiting for you to be fearless; it’s waiting for you to say yes.
Now I want to buy real estate there, travel every year back and grow a life there. It has changed me for the better. My soul, heart and mind. I love you Japan ❤
xoxo, Alli ❤
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