As a Mama this brought tears to my eyes. I wanted to be there to help and comfort you. As a blessing, your new friends filled in mightily! Your story was beautifully narrated and written and is very compelling! So proud!💜
Thank you for sharing. Our brains do interesting things to keep us safe.. hide our vulnerabilities from others. Reminds me of how a chicken will puff up when it’s sick.. so the other ones won’t know. It takes courage to share 🙏
This is so beautiful Adrian. I wanted to reshare so many aspects of it over and over again I just found myself feeling your story resonate to my own journey. Panic attacks are rough, but for everyone that I have had (and shaken through) I come out on the other side with some sort of wisdom. Your soma is so ancient and wise. Our systems are delicate and sometimes we just have to ride it through to the other side. I am so glad you met these beautiful humans that held you through it. I have felt fortunate to experience the same with people that were there in the right time. Thank you again for sharing 🙏🏼
I love what you said about the soma being ancient and wise. Our systems know how to protect and release in ways we’re only just learning how to listen to!
And yes, what a true gift it is when the right people show up at the right time. I’m so glad you’ve experienced that too. 🙏🏼🌎
Thank you for sharing this story. I've had several over the last 15 years and ended up in the ER twice - a lot of people don't know what to say or do when someone is crying in front of them let alone having a panic attack. What a gift you were in the presence of such compassionate people. Traveling alone sounds terrifying to me (but also a dream) and my biggest fear would be having a panic attack alone but wow! How miraculous the universe is to have had your back like that. I wonder if panic attacks are a release just like tears are. It seems a lot of empathetic people (people who feel deeply and are willing to see and sit with the weight of the world) have them and maybe that too, is the universe having your back like saying 'let me release and take this energy and weight of the world you've been carrying from your system out of your energetic field' and energetic purge of negativity perhaps. Bummer it happened at dinner but thankful it turned into a share here on Substack 💫👏🏽
My very first panic attack was not long after my dad passed away and it sent me to the ER. I thought I was having a heart attack and it scared the living shit out of me.
Thank you so much for sharing about your own experience. And here's to trusting whatever it is the Universe is trying to tell us.
And hey, traveling all alone can be scary, but only at first. When you get ready, let me know. I’ll happily answer any questions you might have! 🤝🏼🌎
In all seriousness, with only one day and me not knowing where you'll be staying, my advice would be to hire a Tuk-Tuk, which are a bit more expensive than a taxi, but also a true Thai experience.
Have him drive you around for a couple of hours. Tell him you’re open to his favorite Thai spot to eat and also tell him you’re not interested in buying any suits, jewelry, or going to any of the places where he might score a commission for taking you.
Tell him you know how it works, and all you wanna do is see the island and eat at his favorite spot/s.
That is really good advice. I am not sure what the excursion will be for that location on the ship, but I want to experience the places I go rather than go touristy.
Find out about the excursion and if it doesn't sound like your thing, I have friends there and I can find you a English speaking Tuk-Tuk driver at a fair price.
Love this! I certainly hate hearing about your struggle with panic attacks, but the bonds and support you're describing are the greatest parts of life. 💙
I do! It’s kind of like retreat connections. You start out as a bunch of strangers and after 4 days people in that room know you better than some who’ve known you your whole life. It’s a unique kind of bond 💫
Magical what happens when you are honest, true, and open. Thank you so much for sharing, I have struggled with the same and after so long trying to pretend it wasn’t happening, simply acknowledging it made such a difference in the power it had over me.
Spirit of the Universe put them exactly where they needed to be so they could be there for you 🥰
Love them, without knowing them 🥰
I have had anxiety attacks before, and I can’t imagine how crippling a panic attack must feel.
I’m sorry you get them. Hugs amigo. 😘
Thanks, Tash - fortunately they're few and far between, and no, I don't recommend!
WoooSahhhhhh 😤
Sending hugs to Rasmus + Randi and less panic, more disco to you. 💚🙏🏽💙
Thank you for being such a solid sounding board, Chula. 🐢
As a Mama this brought tears to my eyes. I wanted to be there to help and comfort you. As a blessing, your new friends filled in mightily! Your story was beautifully narrated and written and is very compelling! So proud!💜
Why you crying?
Thanks, Mama. 💙
Thank you for sharing. Our brains do interesting things to keep us safe.. hide our vulnerabilities from others. Reminds me of how a chicken will puff up when it’s sick.. so the other ones won’t know. It takes courage to share 🙏
It really does take courage to let our guard down and be seen, but every time I do, I’m reminded of why it’s worth it.
Thank you for this reflection, Michelle. ❤️🩹
This is so beautiful Adrian. I wanted to reshare so many aspects of it over and over again I just found myself feeling your story resonate to my own journey. Panic attacks are rough, but for everyone that I have had (and shaken through) I come out on the other side with some sort of wisdom. Your soma is so ancient and wise. Our systems are delicate and sometimes we just have to ride it through to the other side. I am so glad you met these beautiful humans that held you through it. I have felt fortunate to experience the same with people that were there in the right time. Thank you again for sharing 🙏🏼
I love what you said about the soma being ancient and wise. Our systems know how to protect and release in ways we’re only just learning how to listen to!
And yes, what a true gift it is when the right people show up at the right time. I’m so glad you’ve experienced that too. 🙏🏼🌎
Thank you for sharing this story. I've had several over the last 15 years and ended up in the ER twice - a lot of people don't know what to say or do when someone is crying in front of them let alone having a panic attack. What a gift you were in the presence of such compassionate people. Traveling alone sounds terrifying to me (but also a dream) and my biggest fear would be having a panic attack alone but wow! How miraculous the universe is to have had your back like that. I wonder if panic attacks are a release just like tears are. It seems a lot of empathetic people (people who feel deeply and are willing to see and sit with the weight of the world) have them and maybe that too, is the universe having your back like saying 'let me release and take this energy and weight of the world you've been carrying from your system out of your energetic field' and energetic purge of negativity perhaps. Bummer it happened at dinner but thankful it turned into a share here on Substack 💫👏🏽
My very first panic attack was not long after my dad passed away and it sent me to the ER. I thought I was having a heart attack and it scared the living shit out of me.
Thank you so much for sharing about your own experience. And here's to trusting whatever it is the Universe is trying to tell us.
And hey, traveling all alone can be scary, but only at first. When you get ready, let me know. I’ll happily answer any questions you might have! 🤝🏼🌎
I’m really sorry to hear about your Dad and your visit to the ER
And thanks! Truth be told, I don’t want to travel completely alone, I want to travel with my dog lol wherever I go, she goes
Just saw this- I've seen tons of travellers with their dog.. It's doable! 🤘🏾🐶
Thank you for sharing! 🙏
Thanks for reading, brother. 🫡
Thank you for sharing …can definitely relate
🙏🏼❤️🩹
What a beautiful story of two perfect souls for the time. Traveling does open the doors to kindred spirits such as you found. Love this!
It’s one of the best parts of traveling solo! Thank you for reading and reflecting, Candy. 🙏🏼🌎
Thanks for this very personal story.
I am taking a world cruise in December and will be in Thailand for one day in Phuket. Any suggestions for me?
I plan to document my journey here on Substack for my followers.
Yes. Listen carefully:
Once you guys port in Phuket, gather all your belongings and take them with you.
Don't get back on the cruise.
That's the best advice I can give you, my friend.
Now, that is the answer I expected, based on your writing.
In all seriousness, with only one day and me not knowing where you'll be staying, my advice would be to hire a Tuk-Tuk, which are a bit more expensive than a taxi, but also a true Thai experience.
Have him drive you around for a couple of hours. Tell him you’re open to his favorite Thai spot to eat and also tell him you’re not interested in buying any suits, jewelry, or going to any of the places where he might score a commission for taking you.
Tell him you know how it works, and all you wanna do is see the island and eat at his favorite spot/s.
That is really good advice. I am not sure what the excursion will be for that location on the ship, but I want to experience the places I go rather than go touristy.
Find out about the excursion and if it doesn't sound like your thing, I have friends there and I can find you a English speaking Tuk-Tuk driver at a fair price.
Zero pressure, but it's an option.
Thanks a lot. They won't announce the excursions for a while. The trip starts in December.
Love this! I certainly hate hearing about your struggle with panic attacks, but the bonds and support you're describing are the greatest parts of life. 💙
One minute you're standing alone at a tapas bar in Barcelona..
The next minute you're staying in Greece with the new, lifelong friends you made while ordering tapas.
IYKYK 🌎🤝🏽
First off, hearing this shared in your own voice is just the best 🥹
Second, a deep bow to their kindness and compassion 🙇🏻♀️Just imagine a world with more of that type of engagement ~ I’m so here for that!
Your vulnerability in sharing this is a real gift 💝
Definitely think there's a learning curve reading them, but I'm open to the challenge.
I know you know the power and beauty in connections like these!
I do! It’s kind of like retreat connections. You start out as a bunch of strangers and after 4 days people in that room know you better than some who’ve known you your whole life. It’s a unique kind of bond 💫
And to facilitate THAT has got to be 🤌🏼
As someone who understands, this moved me to tears - such a beautiful story.
The power in vulnerability.
Thank you for sharing yours, Steph.
I'm happy to be connected with you here. 🙏🏼🌎
Likewise ❤️
Magical what happens when you are honest, true, and open. Thank you so much for sharing, I have struggled with the same and after so long trying to pretend it wasn’t happening, simply acknowledging it made such a difference in the power it had over me.
Honored this story resonated with you, and even more honored to be walking this road alongside people who get it.
Thank you, brother. 🫶🏼
Absolutely--and not to be that guy, but my next piece goes live in a few and draws on my own experience with it. Great minds, my friend...
I'll definitely check it out - and you're always welcome to share a word (or link) about your work in my space!
Oh, okay, if you insist 😂
https://gillywater.substack.com/p/a-routine-change
Beautiful. The writing and your vulnerability. I really enjoyed this. 😊
Thank you for the beautiful acknowledgement, Karen - happy to have you along for the ride. 🙏🏼🌎
Wow! love the happy ending! wonderful friends!
Indeed, Daphne! Thank you for following along. 🤘🏼🌎