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Comfort. It's the thing that keeps most of us at home. It's the thing that keeps most of us in that relationship we know we would be better off leaving. It's the thing that ultimately makes us boring, uninspired, maybe even a little depressed. Comfort isn't exhilarating. It isn't life-changing. Comfort won't leave you feeling accomplished or proud.

So let's get uncomfortable.

It doesn't happen to everyone, and not every trip will inspire a deep sense of fulfillment. But if your lucky, traveling somewhere new will change your perspective of the lives of others, and you'll hopefully better appreciate the blessings in your own life. Unfortunately for those who travel abroad and jump at the chance to book the 5-star hotel, they will most likely miss out on the chance to form real bonds to the locals. By staying at a resort that fences the tourists in and keeps the local customs out, you'll miss out on the chance to broaden your understanding of life outside of your comfort zone.

We all take these comforts for granted, at least I know I certainly do. Maybe that's why I like to travel so much. I feel like I get a healthy dose of reality when I do. I often end up feeling like a spoiled American when I find myself dreading the fact that I have to wash my laundry in the sink, wring them up and wait an entire day for them to dry. I feel like, at least as an American, there's always a sense of urgency, no matter what- even for things that aren't particularly important, like laundry.

I feel my trip to Tahiti has left the biggest impression on me.

There I was, on a tiny island with the easy-going, extremely friendly locals. At first I wished I had my own car or vespa or something I could drive myself to and from places. But since I'm always on a mission to save money, the $4 bus ride each week was what I was working with. I would take a 30 minute bus ride to the nearby bigger town for a grocery run and every time I was struck by the sense of community and acceptance of each passenger for one another. The older men and women would sit at the front of the bus and when a new passenger boarded and recognized them, without fail, they would greet them with a huge smile and guaranteed kisses on the cheeks. Each person was acknowledged and loved. No one was stressed out. No one yelled at the bus driver when he pulled over to buy himself a sandwich to eat while continuing his route, or when he pulled over for about 15 minutes to say hello to a friend of his. Each passenger was accommodating and understanding. I loved it. I felt completely stress-free and it was incredible.

Here's a video showing the beautiful views you get to see while taking the bus:

The room I was renting was... basic. I had a twin bed and a small table with two outlets, which is pretty typical when staying with a family on the small island. But I had what I needed. And more importantly, the family I stayed with made me feel perfectly a part of the family. We would cook for each other every night. The young wife taught me how to make some amazing ceviche and I taught her how to pop popcorn on the stove. We shared laughs and my favorite part was when they would bring out the ukulele and sing Tahitian songs. To be in a place that beautiful and feel completely accepted and welcomed by these people, to say I felt content would be an injustice.

I try to bring that loving and accepting philosophy to my life and to those around me every day. Until I can return to that lovely little paradise, this will be my way of bringing Tahiti with me everywhere I go.

The only time I didn't feel loved in Tahiti was when I woke up in the middle of the night to a nasty stinging sensation on the back of my neck. It was given to me by the giant poisonous centipede that's native to Tahiti. I'll have to tell you all about that one tomorrow ;)