Travel and Personal Growth: Author Morgan Linson On Why & How Traveling Can Help Us Become Better Human Beings
An interview with Maria Angelova
Seek authentic experiences. Embrace cultural awareness and interaction. Interacting with locals rather than tourists like yourself will provide you with a sense of understanding perspectives.
Thankfully, the world is open for travel once again. Traveling can broaden our horizons and make space for people to become more open-minded. How can travel give us the opportunity for personal growth? What are some ways that travel can help us become better human beings? As a part of our series about “How Traveling Can Help Us Become Better Human Beings”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Morgan Linson.
Morgan Linson is a South Central Los Angeles native, who has traveled to over 69 countries around the world. Her love for travel led her to write a book that empowers and inspires people to explore the world for themselves. The book is named The Ultimate Experience, because that what she gets out of her adventures. Get ready to be transported to breathtaking destinations, immerse yourself in diverse cultures, and embark on thrilling expeditions. In addition to being a world traveler, travel influencer and youtube vlogger, Morgan is also an impactful philanthropist, a registered Nurse, College Professor, Founder/CEO, Business Owner — and now Author.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
My name is Morgan Linson. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California…. specifically, South Central.
As a young girl a lot of things that I went through and witnessed should’ve prevented me from everything in my life that I have accomplished thus far. My childhood was not the easiest, as both of my parents struggled with addiction. I had every reason not to participate in sports, not to get good grades, not to go to college, not to strive, not to thrive but merely just survive… However, I wanted the most out of life. I am thankful that the desires of my heart provided me the resilience, strength and willpower to make my dreams a reality.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career? We’d love to hear the story.
My grandmother was instrumental in laying the foundation and supporting me to accomplish my efforts.
None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Was there a particular person who you feel gave you the most help or encouragement to be who you are today? Can you share a story about that?
Seeing how hard she worked provided me a blueprint to get things done no matter how hard it was. Being the oldest of four children, I developed much character, ambition, leadership skills, problem-solving ability and empathy at a very early age. Of all the characteristics that I possessed, having empathy was one that inspired me most to become a Nurse.
It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share the funniest or most interesting mistake that occurred to you in the course of your career? What lesson or takeaway did you learn from that?
The biggest mistake I made on the journey to becoming a Registered Nurse was failing my first semester of the nursing program. For most, it wouldn’t be defined as a failure because I worked 40 hours a week during the program and didn’t pass by only 1.8% (my final grade was 73.2% but you must have 75% to pass.) Fast forward to the prior semester when I had to withdraw for bereavement of my grandmother’s passing. While in nursing school, it seemed like all the odds were against me and wanted to knock that fire out of my soul for becoming a nurse… but I persevered. The lesson that I learned from that season in my life was to keep going. There was always light at the end of the tunnel, but if I stopped, I would’ve never seen it. My life as a Registered Nurse has been the most rewarding, gratifying and beautiful experience. I get to provide patients with optimal care, as well as make a great living while doing so. I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Why does that resonate with you so much?
A life lesson quote that resonates with me is “Instead of worrying about what you cannot control, shift your energy to what you can create” — Roy T. Bennett
Generational trauma and dysfunction is something that can not be changed from the perspective of those who refuse to acknowledge its presence. I decided that I would accept the cards that were dealt to me so I could play another hand. In doing so, I did my part to not contribute to the continuation of the very thing that I did not want to be a part of, which was stagnation. Being an observant person, I was very careful to perceive problems in a way that could help me find a solution. Actually understanding the source of the problem but not internalizing it was a remedy to be free from it. My decision was to look above and beyond anything that I could not control. In order to produce change, you must visualize it, especially if it’s something never done before. I had to veer all my energy to cultivate the change that I wanted to see in my future. If I had focused on digging up roots of a dead tree hundreds of years older than me instead of planting a new one that will bear fruit, I would never have had so many seasons of harvest.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?
The most interesting project that I am working on right now is my entire life. What makes it most exciting is that I am the only orchestrator and creative director. Project is defined as; “an individual or collaborative enterprise that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim.” I am an example of a person who only had their imagination to use as a guide. Nothing that I have done in my life was modeled by someone I knew. My grandmother was my role model, but she had never been out of the country before or diversified her life. In order to effectively move forward in the right direction, I had to acknowledge what was wrong and what needed to be adjusted. How people can be helped by me constructing my life, is by viewing me as an example that it can be done.
OK, thank you for all of that. Let’s now shift to the core focus of our interview about travel and personal growth. Let’s dive deeper into these together. Based on your research or personal experience, why do you think travel can lead to personal growth? Can you share a story?
Without exposure to travel, I would have never known the beauty of it. When I was 20 years old, my boyfriend at the time sent for me to come to Sweden where he was playing basketball. It was the exhilaration of getting a passport, boarding the plane by myself, and arriving in a new country for the first time that I will never forget. It was an experience that I longed for again when I was done with college. Just one time out of the country sparked an undeniable desire and curiosity to explore the world. Witnessing firsthand the differences from place to place was astonishing. The diversity that I saw in others, I started to see in myself. The fact that I could adapt and find comfortability everywhere I went was a testament to who I was becoming as a woman, which was a well-rounded individual. Having been to over 70 countries, my love for variety expands constantly.
A recent survey from Psychology Today showed that over 80% of participants found that travel helped them with problem-solving or decision-making. Why do you think this is true for so many people?
Travel can have a profound impact on your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. For me, the exposure to new perspectives has broadened my view on the world. It has challenged me to never assume or make assumptions, but to instead see things for myself. In order to be an expert traveler, you must have the ability to be adaptable and flexible with your expectations as you navigate on your journey. So many times, things didn’t go as I planned, which enhanced my ability to problem-solve effectively in unfamiliar situations. Travel provides us with a multitude of experiences that best stimulate our intelligence. The more intellectual one becomes, the more they can acquire and apply knowledge that they receive.
Do you think travel enhances our mindfulness, optimism, or sense of gratitude? How? Can you please explain with an example or story?
Travel most definitely enhances mindfulness because it reveals what the mind has yet to perceive. What I mean by that is, there is so much more in the world than our immediate environment. Mindfulness is a state of being fully present and engaged in the current moment. One who seeks travel, is one who seeks to have an experience. Optimism is a mindset characterized by a positive outlook. Everyone that takes on the journey of travel is optimistic about what they will gain from it. Gratitude is an attitude of thankfulness, appreciation and recognition for any good (could be a person, place or thing), even amidst challenges or difficulty.
As a traveler that is drawn to rural exploration and rich culture, I usually find myself in the poorest countries around the world measured in the quantity of money. However, it is in those same countries that I experience an abundance of priceless lessons and interactions. Endless amounts of love, peace, joy and appreciation for life is an understatement. Having exposure to various parts of the world, I have learned that money is only a compliment. I’ve been to some of the wealthier places where no one cracks a smile or greets you versus places where there is massive poverty but they are welcoming and loving. Travel enhances your overall well-being and contribution to the world.
Surely not everyone who travels automatically becomes an exemplar of human decency. What are a few reasons why some people completely miss out on the growth opportunities that travel can offer?
Not everyone travels because it’s something they love to do. Some people travel because they were invited (birthday trip, wedding, event), for business, for study, etc. Naturally, if you are not interested in traveling you will less likely be able to receive the benefits as a result of doing it. Travel can contribute to personal growth but only if it is warranted. Just because one person goes from one place to another, does not mean that they will receive something from that expedition. One has to be engaged in travel beyond the act and be open to the opportunity to learn more. Being closed-minded while traveling is the single worst thing one can do, and will guarantee you an unfulfilled experience.
Thank you for that. Now for our main question; What are your “5 Habits You Should Develop In Order Make Travel Into An Opportunity For Personal Growth?”
Become adaptable. Being adaptable while traveling is important because it enables you to navigate uncertainty. It is very possible to set expectations for a trip and experience something totally different. What will determine your experience is your outlook on it and the adjustments that need to be made in order to still enjoy it.
Step out of your comfort zone. Try the local foods, take tours, participate in activities and explore what is not familiar at home. This will help you to discover what you didn’t know you liked, which aids in personal growth.
Be Open-Minded. You don’t know what you don’t know until you know that it exists. The world is so diverse and different from region to region. If you are not open to challenging preconceived notions, then you will not grow personally. Be ready to accept new ideas and experiences, which will greatly impact your outlook as a whole.
Seek authentic experiences. Embrace cultural awareness and interaction. Interacting with locals rather than tourists like yourself will provide you with a sense of understanding perspectives.
Self-discover and reflect. The best thing that I have gotten from traveling is a true introduction to myself. Things that I would have never thought that I would enjoy, I enjoy most. Traveling provides an opportunity for people to step away from their everyday norm and reflect on who they truly are. This habit cultivates clarity, exploration and discovery of one’s self.
From your experience, does travel have a negative impact on personal growth too? Is there a downside to travel?
In my history of travel, I have yet to be negatively impacted. Every experience traveling I have unlocked a new level of personal growth. Most certainly, in order to prevent bad experiences it is important to know as much about where you are traveling to as possible. People need to be aware that there are different customs, laws, culture, and religions, amongst other things. You really have to adjust and adapt to your environment in order to maximize your personal experience. Too many people travel to foreign places without cultural sensitivity and awareness. Being negligent and oblivious can result in a negative impact for not only yourself but those around you.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them 🙂
Not sure.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Morgan Linson official : www.morganlinson.com
Morgan The Explorer : https://youtube.com/@morgantheexplorer
Mor Life Travel Accessory business — Www.morlife.shop
Mor Girls with Goals Charity Www.morgirlswithgoals.org
Thank you for these really excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent on this. We wish you continued success.
About The Interviewer: Maria Angelova, MBA is a disruptor, author, motivational speaker, body-mind expert, Pilates teacher and founder and CEO of Rebellious Intl. As a disruptor, Maria is on a mission to change the face of the wellness industry by shifting the self-care mindset for consumers and providers alike. As a mind-body coach, Maria’s superpower is alignment which helps clients create a strong body and a calm mind so they can live a life of freedom, happiness and fulfillment. Prior to founding Rebellious Intl, Maria was a Finance Director and a professional with 17+ years of progressive corporate experience in the Telecommunications, Finance, and Insurance industries. Born in Bulgaria, Maria moved to the United States in 1992. She graduated summa cum laude from both Georgia State University (MBA, Finance) and the University of Georgia (BBA, Finance). Maria’s favorite job is being a mom. Maria enjoys learning, coaching, creating authentic connections, working out, Latin dancing, traveling, and spending time with her tribe. To contact Maria, email her at angelova@rebellious-intl.com. To schedule a free consultation, click here.
Travel and Personal Growth: Author Morgan Linson On Why & How Traveling Can Help Us Become Better… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.