March 2026 "Just Go" By Bryce Cornett

    “The only thing scarier than leaving a small town is never leaving it at all” (Mitch Albom). Just about one and a half hours away from Fresno County lie three breathtaking national parks. Yet, how many of us have taken the steps to see them? People travel from all over the world to view these historic landmarks that have been standing for generations. Why don't more people step outside their comfort zone and visit these places? I understand how easy it is to grow complacent and remain in the comfort of your own bubble with no risk, no anxiety, no struggle. I don't blame the person who grows complacent, because it's a uniquely human trait, but I advocate for that person to recognize their complacency and challenge their beliefs. Travel as much as you can, and as often as you can.

     Traveling is different from holidaying. Holidaying is going somewhere, maybe more than once, that relieves you from your daily stress and returns you home refreshed and ready for the daily grind of life. Traveling is about taking you away from spaces you know and feel safe in to challenge your perspective and experience different cultures. It's not usually where you go, but how you go and the experiences you make along the way. It's an opportunity for a positive change in your life. In such a diverse world, traveling reminds you that we're all human beings living on the same planet. It allows you to let go of generalizations and stereotypes put forth by the media and experience firsthand accounts.

     Moreover, movement has always been essential to human survival and adaptation. For most of the time our species has existed, we used to be mostly nomadic hunters and gatherers, moving from one place to the next. This nomadic life was extremely useful and was not by accident. We are meant to move, and to keep moving. While we no longer need to hunt or move according to the climate, a sedentary lifestyle could lead to a limited perspective, slower personal growth, fewer resets from stressful lifestyles, and missed opportunities for growth and creativity.

     Most importantly, travel changes our perception of our own lives. Don't travel to see the world, travel to see yourself. Travel alters your state of mind by making you vulnerable and more open to people and new experiences. It can shake perceptions, slow down or speed up time, or even change your sense of self. Seeing for yourself different cultures and cities broadens your perspective and furthers your own purpose.

     Okay, say this article has convinced you, and you're ready to start traveling. First, let's zoom out a little. With 195 recognized countries and over 3,500 different unique cultures around the world, there's a lot to explore. Where do you start? You don’t have to go far. A nearby city, a part of town you haven’t seen. Being in the central valley means we are between beaches and national parks. Start by exploring somewhere close to you, and work yourself up step by step. Build confidence and keep growing.

In conclusion, don’t limit yourself to a narrow perspective; explore, wonder, and be curious. Don’t get caught up in the same routine day after day and forget what's important to you. Create your own meaning and be excited at the thought of growth and change in perception. I feel unfulfilled with myself for not traveling as much as I could. This article is an exemplification of my own dissatisfaction with my current life and lack of travel. This will change. Remember, you can start from anywhere; a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.