Why Plus-Size Adventurers Should Not Hold Back

Why do plus-size people hold back from traveling? We could say the travel industry sucks for plus-size people and you’d be right. In reality, it’s more than that. Let’s be honest with ourselves. It’s about our fears, but you should not hold back.

It doesn’t matter who you are, everyone has that little voice in their head. You know the one. That nagging little bastard that tells us we can’t or shouldn’t do something. Always telling us of what to be worried about. Sometimes it prevents us from taking something too far into danger-ville, but all too often that fear limits us. Holds us back from what we deep down desire.

There is another side to that little voice. It’s usually quieter, more reserved. If you listen closely you’ll see it’s that desire you have. The one that compelled you to click your way here. This little voice says, “What if you push through the fear? What happens if we go for it?” This is the voice that defies that fear. It’s clawing a way to the top of your mind because that desire is where your true happiness lives. The funny thing about true happiness is that it requires a little bit of growth. Here are some ways you can look at your desire to travel and why you should not hold back.

Our Story

We tend to believe the story we tell ourselves. This story can be our biggest obstacle. It can also be our most empowering tool. Think about it. Try telling yourself you’re not a morning person. Do it every day for a month. Sure as shit you’re going to have a tough time getting out of bed in the morning. Our decisions change based on what we think we can or can’t do.

Sometimes our story is influenced by others. When it comes to traveling it’s no secret that there’s a stigma about bigger people. This stigma is a story that people tell each other. Is it part of the story you tell yourself? If this is why you hold back from an adventure, maybe you should try turning the page.

Do yourself a favor. Try telling yourself something positive every day for a month. Seriously. First thing after you wake up, look yourself in the mirror and say something nice. Treat the person in the mirror like you treat a loved one you haven’t seen in a long time. This might sound like some psychobabble bullshit, but what have got to lose? Give it a shot.

Decide

Maybe travel has been that itch you’ve been wanting to scratch for a while. Your pros and cons list is a mile long, but that leap of faith is too far of a jump. The time is now. Burn that pros and cons list. You got this!

Now that you’ve made the decision not to hold back, you got to make a plan. I’m not talking about some Steve Jobs keynote, but there are some things to think about. Start small. Travel doesn’t have to mean going halfway across the world. Hell, if you’re ready for that — do it! If the thought of going that far scares the shit out of you, go domestic. Pick your destination and set a time. Be realistic too. Don’t go setting a goal to be on a safari in Africa next weekend. Give yourself plenty of time to get there.

Write down when you plan to go on your adventure. This forces that desire, that burning idea, out into the real world. Put that paper somewhere you’ll see it every day. Use it as a reminder to take the next step forward. When you see it ask, “Do I need to book a plane ticket? Do I need a hotel? What kind of clothes or gear should I bring? Will they have shitters where I’m going?” You get the picture. The answers to all your questions will be your to-do list. If your time frame is realistic, you’ll have plenty of time to chip away at those to-dos.

Visualize

The last step is to see it happen in your mind and execute it. That little voice in our head is uncomfortable as Hell every time you make progress. Just remember, making those small steps forward makes all the difference. It’s crazy to see how much can get done when we work at something little by little, every day.

Imagine setting your sights on traveling four months from now. Maybe even six months or a year. See yourself being where you want to be, doing what you want to do. Take on one small task per day to get there. In no time you’ll look back and wonder why you didn’t do this sooner.