My Road to Steemfest - Free-Write Challenge

I’m pretty new to the world of free-writing. I’ve done it before, but mostly just as a meditation practice. I called it “stream of consciousness” writing – which is pretty much the same thing. (I believe)

I want to thank @anomadsoul for bringing this element to the Steemfest crew. It is such a raw and real way to get to know each other better leading up the event.

This week, he gave a specific prompt to write about – and you can check out that post HERE. He encouraged people to discuss what kinds of things they will be sacrificing to attend the event (financial or otherwise)

What Sacrifices Are You Making To Attend Steemfest?

Anyone that read my first Steemfest free-write – knows that I was feeling stressed about money. I would still love to end up winning one of the ticket giveaways going on right now because that would be huge, but I’ve come to terms with the fact – that no matter how it all goes down – I’m going to make my way to Poland.

The biggest release was finding cheaper flights. THEN came the initial anxieties of traveling alone and trying to figure out how long I want to be over there. I was suuuper tempted to just fly in for the event and only visit Krakow. I’m really challenging myself to get out of my comfort zone and spend some time exploring Eastern Europe while I’m over there. I kind of feel proud of myself for making the decision. Is that weird??

Right now my current travel plans look like I will get into Krakow a few days early and just enjoy the city, and then I will head to Prague for a few days after the event before flying out. I’m planning to just hop a RyanAir flight from Krakow to Prague – but I’ve heard so many people say I should take the train. It looks like a 10 hour train ride though…. so I’m thinking it would be better to spend that day in the city itself since I will only be there for a few days. I’d love to hear people’s thoughts on that though. J

OOook now onto the actual topic of this free-write! I kind of feel a little too structured right now… ya know? Like I’m writing a post... not a freewrite. I gotta looooosen up a bit.

K… sacrifices I’m making to attend. Even with the cheaper flights and staying in cheap cities like Krakow and Prague – it’s still going to be quite the expense to attend – especially when you throw the ticket expense on top of everything.

I’m choosing to not get too worked up about it though. I have a lot of medical expenses right now (ugh … literally had a minor surgery yesterday that I had to pay for out of pocket… and got more stuff like that coming up) But I’ve decided that I’m just gonna figure things out as I go.

If I give all of my energy to worry – then that’s not a very fun way to live. Right?? I mean, I could totally be stressed about medical bills and travel expenses right now – but why? What GOOD will I get from that? Anyway, I’m feeling much more peacefull about all of this and I hope you can all feel it in my energy on this free-write compared to the first one.

I’m actually starting to get beyond the stressed/anxious points of expense and solo travel and am starting to get EXCITED. I can feel a bubbly energy rising up within me as I’m realizing all of the beautiful places I will see and wonderful people I will meet.

I wonder if jetlag will hit me? I’ve never travelled this far away and experienced a time zone shift like this. I’m kind of curious what that will feel like. Any tips on avoiding jet lag out there?

Bascialy I’m just feeling really excited and way more empowered than I did a few weeks ago. I have been floored by how gracious and generous people have been. Giving me tips on travel in Europe, offering suggestions and @soyrosa even offered to be my “wingwoman” at Steemfest and to give me her cell number if I’m ever traveling and get scared/lost. I’m still so touched by that!

Some people may say this is a cruel world…but that hasn’t been my experience. When you are open and honest about your fears, thoughts, and are willing to show your vulnerable side – most people will jump to help you and will embrace you with open arms. I think this world is full of amazing people – and I especially think the steemit community has a large collection of wonderful souls.

Much love to all of you!! I can’t wait to connect with so many of you In person!!! <3

Xo, Lea