There’s a profound difference between living and truly experiencing life.
This difference is often tied to the experiences we have. Simply going through the motions of life doesn’t necessarily make you worldly. Being worldly involves embracing diverse experiences, soaking in different cultures, and stepping outside your comfort zone.
Worldliness isn’t about the number of stamps in your passport, but the journey you’ve taken to acquire them. And believe it or not, you might be more worldly than you realize.
In this piece, we’re going to explore ten life experiences that suggest you have more worldliness than you give yourself credit for.
Let’s dive in.
1) Traveling solo
There’s a unique thrill that comes with solo travel.
The freedom of exploring the world at your own pace, the challenge of navigating foreign lands without the comfort of a familiar face, and the opportunities to meet diverse people can be life-changing.
Traveling solo pushes you out of your comfort zone. It requires resilience, adaptability, and an open mind – all signs of being worldly. It’s about immersing yourself in a different culture, trying new foods, and learning a few phrases in a foreign language.
It’s about experiencing life through a different lens, and that’s what makes you more worldly than you realize.
2) Living abroad
Living abroad is a transformative experience that goes beyond the realm of regular travel.
I remember when I moved to Spain for a year. The initial weeks were overwhelming – dealing with homesickness, language barriers, and cultural differences. But as time went on, I began to adapt.
I learned to appreciate the laid-back lifestyle, the vibrant culture, and the warm people. I picked up Spanish, indulged in local cuisine, and even participated in their traditional festivals. This experience made me understand that there’s a wide world outside my home country, full of different perspectives and ways of life.
Living abroad forces you to adapt to a new environment, embrace unfamiliar customs, and interact with people from diverse backgrounds. It teaches you patience, resilience, and open-mindedness.
3) Volunteering in a different community
Volunteering in a different community, especially one that’s less privileged, is a humbling experience that broadens your perspective on life.
Whether it’s teaching English in a remote village, building homes for the homeless, or working at an animal rescue center, volunteering allows you to make a positive impact while learning about different cultures and ways of life.
Did you know that over 1 billion people engage in volunteer work globally? It’s an experience that brings people together from all walks of life, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
If you’ve ever volunteered, you’ve likely stepped out of your comfort zone and experienced a different side of life. This not only makes you more empathetic and understanding, but also more worldly. This kind of experience goes beyond the norm and truly enriches your understanding of the world.
Adventure and unpredictability often go hand in hand when traveling. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and you might find yourself navigating a crisis in a foreign land.
Maybe you’ve missed a flight, lost your passport, or had to seek medical help in a place where no one speaks your language. These experiences can be stressful, no doubt, but they also teach you resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Overcoming such challenges not only boosts your confidence but also gives you a sense of achievement. It shows that you can handle difficult situations and come out stronger on the other side.
5) Learning a new language
Learning a new language is like holding a key to a different world.
It’s more than just a communication tool. It gives you insights into a culture’s history, traditions, and way of thinking. It allows you to connect with people on a deeper level and truly understand their perspectives.
Whether it’s Spanish, Mandarin, or Sign Language, every language you learn opens up new opportunities for interaction and understanding. It breaks down barriers and fosters mutual respect.
6) Experiencing love in a different culture
Experiencing love in a different culture is like a roller-coaster ride – thrilling, exhilarating, and sometimes, challenging.
Falling in love with someone from a different culture exposes you to different traditions, customs, and perspectives. It’s not just about the person you’re in love with; it’s about embracing their world, their beliefs and their values.
This kind of love often requires compromise, understanding, and patience. It’s about learning to appreciate the differences rather than letting them become barriers.
7) Facing discrimination
Facing discrimination is a harsh reality many of us encounter at some point in our lives. It’s an experience that leaves a deep mark, challenging our perceptions and pushing us to question societal norms.
I remember being the only woman in a technical role at my first job. The dismissive attitudes and stereotypical jokes were hard to ignore. But it also taught me resilience and brought me face to face with the kind of biases that exist in our society.
Experiencing discrimination, be it based on your gender, race, or religion, makes you more aware of the inequalities that persist around the world. It gives you a firsthand understanding of the struggles many people face and often sparks a desire to bring about change.
8) Being lost
Most people dread the thought of being lost. But being lost, especially in a foreign place, can be an enlightening experience.
When you’re lost, you’re forced to rely on your instincts and problem-solving skills. You have to interact with locals, observe your surroundings closely, and maybe even trust a stranger. It pushes you out of your comfort zone and often leads to unexpected adventures.
While it might seem like a stressful situation at first, it often ends up being an unforgettable experience. You discover hidden gems, meet new people, and learn to trust your instincts.
9) Making friends from different cultures
Making friends from different cultures is one of the most enriching experiences you can have.
When you befriend people from different parts of the world, you get to learn about their customs, traditions, and perspectives. You get to taste their food, hear their stories, and understand their struggles. It’s like getting a glimpse into different worlds without having to travel.
These friendships broaden your understanding of the world and make you more accepting of diversity. They teach you that while we may have different backgrounds, we all share similar emotions, hopes, and dreams.
10) Embracing change
Embracing change is at the heart of being worldly.
The world is a dynamic place, with cultures, societies, and technologies constantly evolving. Being worldly means keeping up with these changes and adapting to them. It’s about being open to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives.
Whether it’s moving to a new city, switching careers, or adopting a new technology, every change you embrace makes you more adaptable and resilient.
Final thoughts
Every adventure, every heartbreak, every triumph, and every leap of faith adds a layer to your worldliness.
The famed Brazilian author, Paulo Coelho, once said, “Travel is never a matter of money but of courage.” The courage to step out of your comfort zone, embrace new experiences, and see the world from different perspectives is what truly makes you worldly.
So if you’ve had these ten experiences, take a moment to appreciate the worldliness you’ve acquired. But remember, being worldly isn’t a destination; it’s a continuous journey. So keep exploring, keep learning, keep growing because the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.
