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What Are You Scared Of?

As I told friends and family that I was going to Chicago, the most common question was: “Who are you going with?” Myself.

Sarah Brooks

Mar 27, 2017

Dubuque, IA

Sarah Brooks

"I think one travels more usefully when they travel alone, because they reflect more." - Thomas Jefferson

I had the opportunity to travel to Chicago a year ago. I was reminded when I logged into Facebook this morning, and the app invited me to reminisce on memories from the past. I bought tickets to see Trevor Noah live at the Chicago Theatre, and decided I would drive out the night before and explore the city on Saturday.

I ended up waiting until the very last minute to book my hotel, and made a list of all the places I wanted to visit. As I told friends and family that I was going to Chicago to see Trevor Noah’s show and to explore the city, the most common question was:

“Who are you going with?”

Myself.

I guess there was some cause for concern, as my phone died early on during my first day in Chicago. But I wasn't concerned for myself, as I relied on my watch to tell the time, people around me for directions, and my camera to capture the memories.

As I was wandering around Chicago, I headed to the Art Institute. I noticed someone had written the words "what are you" near where I was walking. I enjoyed street artists. I took in the architecture. I made my way alone throughout the city, never doubting myself.

This was my first completely solo trip. Before then, I had driven alone to meet up with people or roadtripped with friends to a common destination, so I was really excited to go on this independent trip. I guess you could say that this trip to Chicago was my "gateway drug" to more solo adventures. Last fall, I traveled to England by myself, and am planning on making more (solo) trips in the future.

I see no problem in doing things alone; when you are completely comfortable with yourself and are able to be decisive and enjoy life on your own, that is true independence. There is a joy in sharing experiences with others, but there is also a satisfaction in enjoying experiences by yourself. What are you scared of when it comes to traveling alone? It can be an eye-opening experience. It can help you become more comfortable with your own company. It can show you the world, without anyone holding you back.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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What Are You Scared Of?

As I told friends and family that I was going to Chicago, the most common question was: “Who are you going with?” Myself.

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The craziest, funniest, and most unforgettable college memories are impossible to create without an amazing group of friends.

I'm fine. This is my natural face.

1. Strangers have told you "Smile!" on regular occasions

2. The first thing people say to you is "Are you okay?"

3. Dates have texted you asking if they bored you

4. Or, they tell you they don't want to go out again because you didn't seem interested

5. People question your level of comfort in any given situation

6. Friends have said, "When I first met you, I thought you didn't like me." and were totally serious about it

7. Jokes don't land well because people can't tell if you're serious or not

8. You've been told customer service isn't for you because you never smile

9. In fact, in your yearly review, your manager always writes to smile more under "room for improvement"

10. You hate when people have their cameras out taking candids

11. Even when you smile for a photograph it looks like either A) you're trying too hard or B) you're the Mona Lisa

12. Things can even get a little awkward when you smile

13. You regularly are told "I'm never sure how you feel about things"

14. You've scared strangers on the train/bus/sidewalk with your death glares-- even though they're unintentional and you're not really looking at them

15. Christmas and birthdays are hard because you have to figure out how to look like you're pleased with all your gifts even when you are

16. People frequently tell you you're intimidating

17. Friends stop inviting you to things because they think you don't like going

18. Your parents have RBF (it's definitely genetic. Thanks, Mom).

No matter how old you are.

1. Build a snowman

2. Start a snowball fight

3. Build a fort

4. Binge-watch Netflix

4. Look out the window

5. Grab coffee with a friend

6. Complete school or office work

7. Sleep

8. Read a book

9. Bake cookies

10. Drink hot cocoa

11. Go ice skating

12. Take a Walk

"I don't want to do things. I want to not do things."

1. When you look at the syllabus and realize there are only three weeks of the semester left; even though the first day was LITERALLY yesterday.

2. You look at your grades and realize they probably aren't as high as they should be, which is a terrifying realization.

3. When you think to yourself at night, "tomorrow, I will wake up early and go to the library ALL day, and, hell, maybe after I'll go to the gym for a little bit, just to push myself that extra mile."

4. Tomorrow actually comes. The inevitable and overpowering sense of procrastination is too strong to overcome.

5. But you DO end up going to the library. Not all day though, but still, a while. But no, you do not go to the gym. Still, you made an effort, so you decide to treat yo' self.

6. When you realize you need to schedule a meeting with your adviser because you need to sign up for classes next semester. But you also realize that since you waited until the last minute, you're going to get stuck with all of the crappy classes.

7. When you low-key try to slip into conversation with your professors that you need extra credit because you're that desperate.

8. When it's already the third time you've seen your adviser in two days because you have no damn clue what you're doing and need all the help you can get.

9. When you apply for a job associated with your major even though you have no experience, but you just want to dive headfirst into the deep end of adulthood and get it over with.

The world is not always sunshine and rainbows, and you do not have to be, either.

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