The first time I ever set foot in Europe was at the Rome airport. After a long journey, I was excited, and I just wanted to find my way to the train station so I could start my adventure. But the train station was quite overwhelming — I quickly realized that I had no idea how to navigate it. I felt like a fish out of water.
There was no point in rushing. I knew I would figure this out. And of course, I did, because the associate at the ticket counter was a kind soul, who helped me purchase my momentous first train ticket. From then on, I was hooked. Although trains can be daunting, they were going to be essential for traveling this continent.
The train ride through Europe was an incredible experience. I never imagined it would be so nostalgic. I couldn’t believe where I was. Close to these train tracks, some buildings were made of brick, but mostly concrete. A withered flag blew in the wind as the train whisked by. Tunnels punctuated the view of hills to the left and the right, enhancing the beauty. Surprisingly, or not, the powerlines kept running along the path of our train. Once in a great while, there were people walking down a gravel road, or a few sheep in the fields farther out. Pink homes and cream color stucco were the most popular. As I settled in, all I could see was the beauty.
Pulling into the first train station, new guests appeared, pulling their suitcases–none looking as heavy as the 50 pounds I was lugging. After we picked up the new boarders, the train slowly glided forward. Why hadn’t I noticed the speed? Now I know what 200 miles per hour feels like.
Time moves forward with the train. A frustrated child has had enough of this ride. Perhaps we have all had enough of the conversation held by a woman on her cell phone, jabbering away about something important only to her. Maybe she didn’t realize the other travelers were listening to her voice, which was more than just a buzz in the background. Obviously, I was tired. I drifted off. My quiet nap as the train sped along the countryside was short-lived, but much needed.
Being kind and saying thank you go far. The young Italian girl woke me abruptly asking for my immunization card. Of course, I didn’t understand her. Instead of being upset for being rudely awakened, I just let my confusion show. She was simply doing her job.
The Italians were much more strict with masking. This was part of my ride I did not enjoy. My face isn’t used to wearing a mask for two hours like this. My skin is irritated and wants to breathe again. My ears are killing me, the elastic stretches them forward, cutting the tender skin with the imprint of the elastic lines. Both my face and neck are irritated wearing this mask. But it’s my first day here. I remind myself that everything has its purpose. The mask protects me; the wall barriers block the sound for the residents who live close to the train tracks. And they are wild with graffiti. Someone took the time to express their creativity, offering us their unique artwork as we passed by.
So many subtle differences! We pass a cemetery, protected with double cement rounded walls with large granite markers. The tombstones are flat sheets of granite on the ground, not the statues I’m familiar with. We glide past apartments, strings of laundry pulled from corner to corner, blankets, drying from the day, hanging over their balconies. The homes are small. Not necessarily tiny, but small. All the buildings are old, very old. No judgement… just the marks of history. The old and the new. The graffiti filling the walls next to the tracks grows both bolder and more creative. I am reminded of the details that make this experience unique. The sunset peeks through the hills as the Trenitalia brings us closer to my destination.
In a meaningful life, we’re always traveling somewhere new. The excitement of being in Italy was overwhelming at times. But I knew I was going to be okay. If you’re feeling overwhelmed being an entrepreneur, don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s easy to feel like we’re the only ones struggling, while everyone else is working magic. But that’s just not the case. The truth is, most people are in the same boat with you, they’re just doing a better job of hiding it. That’s why it’s so important to find community and support from others who are going through the same thing. When I’m feeling down or lost, my commitment to face adversity and succeed has always helped me persevere. And I know that if I can do it, so can you.
I’ve been reflecting on my trip to Italy and how it parallels my journey as an entrepreneur. Both have pushed me far outside my comfort zone, but that’s where the magic happens. Growth comes from challenging ourselves to do things we never thought possible. If you want to grow your business, you need to be brave enough to venture into unfamiliar territory.
That’s why I created a free email series for female entrepreneurs who are ready to take their businesses to the next level. This series is all about helping you conquer your fears and achieve your goals. Sign up now and join me on this exciting adventure!
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