You probably think I’m crazy. Not for standing on the edge of a building or cliff, but for turning down a corporate job to travel the world, for traveling solo “as a female,” or breaking every rule book in a world of white-picket-fence.
The Griffith Observatory Los Angeles via @StephBeTravel
Well, there are a few things I would like to clear up about this “craziness.”
Potato Chip Rock, San Diego | Photo collab @StephBeTravel @TysonTravel
Traveling solo and meeting people through Instagram, Twitter, and blogging isn’t what is “crazy.”
High Steel Bridge, Washington| Photo collab @StephBeTravel @Yurachkat
You see, what we define as “normal” and what we define as “crazy” is a direct result of our social norms.
Bernal Heights Park, San Francisco| Photo collab @StephBeTravel @TheSamGraves
This means, that we form our expectations based on what we are used to.
Flipping upside down in a private combat jet, Las Vegas with @LeeAbbamonte
I created TravelBreak, to tell you stories about places, people, and activities that you may not be used to.
Shannon Falls, North Vancouver| Photo of @StephBeTravel by @PauloDelValle
To remind you – and myself – that stepping out of our comfort zone, isn’t only okay — but encouraged.
Highest Rock Climbing Wall in the World – Reno, Nevada @StephBeTravel
Because if people weren’t so darn cruel about what makes them uncomfortable…
Rowena Crest, Oregon | Photo via @StephBeTravel @VioletsPix
We would be one step closer to world peace…
Big Sur, California| Photo collab @StephBeTravel BonTraveler
Just kidding. I’ll save my Miss America speech for another time. 
Road to Whistler, Canada | Photo collab @StephBeTravel @PauloDelValle
Travel, education, and culture are the first steps towards eradicating hatred, bigotry, and racism. 
Sea to Sky Highway, Canada | Photo collab @StephBeTravel @Yurachkat
I believe, that travel has made me a better person. I share it with you to encourage you to get out there and make your own experiences. Hoping that you too will become a better person.
Horseshoe Bend, Arizona | Photo collab @StephBeTravel @MissChloeLynn
As each better individual congregates, a better society is morphed, a better generation. But now I just sound like Miss America again.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah | Photo via @StephBeTravel hosted by @GMcNulty90
In retrospect, like these photos, life is about perspective.
I was never in an unsafe position, but rather framed the photos at interesting angles to maximize the edge affect.
Article about Israel coming soon | Photo collab @StephBeTravel @CrazyInTheRain
“Crazy” and “normal” are about your perspective.
Emerald Pools in the Reno/ Tahoe via @StephBeTravel @ChasePhayce
However, it doesn’t mean that I was ever unafraid.
Challenging our comfort zones doesn’t mean that it is easy, it means that we have the courage to overcome our fears.
San Francisco, California| Photo collab @StephBeTravel @Yummertime
So I invite you to travel.
Bixy Bridge Big Sur | Photo collab @StephBeTravel @BonTraveler
To stand up for people that are different than you.
Broadway Bridge, Portland | Photo via @StephBeTravel
To get a little uncomfortable.
Seattle Pier| Photo collab @StephBeTravel and @IamSphak
And most of all, to remember:
Yes, you can travel, even solo, even as a woman.
Yes, you can start your own business.
Yes, you can be yourself, anywhere in the world.
Photo via @StephBeTravel
Join me as I travel the world on Instagram and Facebook.
Posts you might like:
Confirmed. Washington Is the Most Instagrammable State In America (Photos)
The Ultimate Oregon Road Trip: Portland, Mulnomah Falls, Rowena Crest, Beacon Peak (Photos)
Seas the Bay: Failure & San Francisco Photos
Big Sur Road Trip/ California Highway 101 — No Clever Title Necessary (Photos)
5 Ways Reno and Tahoe Will Blow Your Mind (Photos)
Arizona & Utah Road Trip: Horseshoe Bend, Monument Valley, Devil’s Garden (Photos)
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