If someone had told me at the start of 2024 what I would have achieved travel wise by the end of it, I would never have believed them. I’d have dismissed it and said that I would not be capable of achieving that on my own. Yet here I am. I encourage others to follow their dreams and passions so they can find a path to accomplish those, and fulfill their potential. I’m currently helping my son to follow his passion for writing, social justice and equality into journalism. Rather than doing a job he doesn’t like, and has no career path. Yet despite all this, when it comes to personal hopes, ambitions, and aspirations I suffer incredible self doubt, and tell myself that I’m daft for even thinking about trying it. I told my son recently… “It’s better to have tried and failed than to have never tried at all” I used that philosophy to be where I am today with my travelling. There are projects, ideas, passions I would like to pursue. Though then that voice appears inside my head says… “Don’t be f*****g stupid Matthew, you can’t do that. So don’t bother trying” I’ve overcome, and am peace with most of the issues from my childhood, through toxic parenting. Though constantly being told I wasn’t good enough no matter what I did, still lingers and affects me to this day. I go from a constant battle between mindsets of… “I can achieve anything I set my mind on” To… “There’s no point in even trying” Anyways, finally to the point, if anyone has any advice, tips to overcome this nagging self doubt, and lack of self belief they would be very much appreciated. Thanks ✌️

Hello Everyone! Welcome to The Actualizers! Please read through the following important cultural aspects of this group. At the end are the rules, so please see those as well. If you ever feel unsafe or unheard for whatever reason, please feel free to message me. Culture 1) Please make an effort to UPLIFT others. Even if you disagree (which is fine), please provide your arguments in a respectful and curious way - it's more fun and constructive this way! 2) Care for yourself. If you feel unsafe or get strange messages or anything else, please send Grayson a message before you decide this space is not for you - this IS a safe place for all. 3) Care for others: Pay attention to people in the community. If someone normally posts a lot and then disapears for a while, feel free to send them a private DM and check in on them (I've done this a couple time). THIS is how a true community operates to help support each other. 4) Have fun! No question is too weird. No topic too niche. No idea too "out there". Please bring your full. self and any random thoughts you have. Dark, Light, Good, Bad. Bring it all here :). Rules 1. Be positive Be kind and keep it constructive. 2. No self-promotion Please don’t self-promote in here. 3. Make an effort Post in the right category and stay on topic.

There’s many things I’ve loved about travelling these last couple of months. One of which is the numerous fantastic conversations I’ve had with complete strangers. Some of them started with just a simple smile and a “Hi” Kind of reminds me of being a kid when you could just walk up to another one and say “Hi, want to be friends” And that was it, you were. We make adulting too complicated. I miss that lost innocence of how we started friendships in childhood.

This is taken near me on the river Thames