For as long as I can remember, the idea of travel has stirred something in me, a sense of wonder, possibility, and connection to the wider world. Whether it’s wandering through ancient streets, or seeing landscapes I’ve only dreamed of, or simply experiencing a new rhythm of life for a few days, I long to step outside the familiar and take in all the world has to offer. But I don’t share this for sympathy. I’m not looking for pity, I’m looking for progress.

But for now, that dream feels distant.

I live with OCD and anxiety, and both can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. Some days, just leaving the house or getting into my car feels like too much. The idea of being away from home, even for a few days, can send my thoughts into overdrive: what if something goes wrong? What if I can’t cope? What if I lose control?

Thoughts of travelling are for me, not just the act of going somewhere, but what it represents. Freedom, discovery, and confidence.

I’ve tried medication in the past. In some ways, it helped in the short term. It gave me space to breathe and dulled the edges of my thoughts, but over time, I began to feel like I was losing a part of myself. I wasn’t sure where the medication stopped and I began. Some of my decisions during that time, though well-meaning, were more impulsive than I’m used to, and that unsettled me. It was as if I was trying to find balance on a moving floor.

Adding depression into the mix only made things harder. The motivation to plan, the energy to try again, the belief that travel could be possible, it faded at times. And yet, here I am, still holding on to the hope that one day I will travel, in a way that feels safe, grounded, and meaningful to me.

I’m learning that healing isn’t about rushing or comparing my path to anyone else’s. It’s about taking things slowly, with compassion. Maybe travel will start with a short day trip, to a nearby town, or just a walk in a new park. Maybe one day it will be a train journey, or even a flight.

I don’t have it all figured out yet, but what I do know is that I’m not alone. If you struggle with similar challenges, I see you. And if you’re someone who’s made that first small step, no matter how small, I’d love to hear about it.

I want to help myself and I want to help others. I want to understand what small steps I can take. I want to explore tools, routines, or support that could make things feel possible, not just for me, but for others going through something similar.

If you’ve found something that helped you build confidence, create structure, or push through fear gently I’d love to learn. Not just to dream about travel, but to move toward it with intention.

I believe we all have the ability to change—even slowly—and I’m here for it and what I do know is, that my dream to travel isn’t over. It’s just taking the scenic route.