The first time my mother flew in a plane, she was a nervous wreck. As we waited for the take-off, she keeps on asking what would she needs to do when it starts moving.

“Mom, relax. It’s just like riding a car, but in the sky” I said.

After a few seconds, I realized that I made her more scared by saying that.

But when we finally went on our way, she agreed. As she looks out into the window, I can feel how happy she is. Her eyes lit up, and she grins from ear to ear. It’s like seeing a kid who’s seen a playground for the first time.

It’s so nice, that she became interested in traveling. A few years back, she would say that it’s just a waste of time and money.

She’s 51 now, and I can count on my fingers how many times she took a vacation.

Why a sudden change of heart?

You see, people don’t like being dictated. The more you say this should be done, the more they avoid it.

So I went on my own and started traveling. I went to one place, then go home. And then another place, and then go home. It became a cycle.

And in between going home and leaving… my Mom became excited of my stories. The people I’ve met, the pictures I took, and the adventures that I tried.

She started to get inspired of how traveling can make her happier. And not just a waste of money.

When I felt she was ready, I bought a plane ticket going to Coron Palawan without her knowing. I told her that we are leaving a day before, that way she doesn’t have much time to get stress or make excuses.

And… off we went.

It was her first time riding a plane. And first time in Palawan too.

To tell you, if you’ve seen Palawan, you know it’s “WOW” factor. It’s like a hidden paradise you’ve just read in books or have seen in movies.

With its azure waters reflecting clear skies, white-sand shores outlining private coves, limestone cliffs and the blue-green color of the lake.

It’s just stunning!

And right there and there, my mom fell in love.

Not just with Palawan, but with Traveling in general.

That trip was followed by visiting more places around the country: Boracay, Baguio, Zambales, Batanes, Tarlac and much more!

This morning, I received a message from my friend from Dubai. She was asking about the 7-day tour bus I took when I was there. She said that her mom wants to try it too because she was inspired by Travel after I told her how great that experience was.

Her mom has been working in Dubai for 11 years. And to tell you, I visited more places than her when I stayed there for 1 month.

My friend said that her mom is not into this traveling thing until she met me. And now she has plans of going to Thailand too (where I am now).

I am just so grateful to become someone’s inspiration. It makes me happy that I can influence other people in a way that Traveling made me happy.

Sometimes, you don’t need to ask permission. Just go out there, and do what you think it’s best. Somewhere along the way, you get to encourage people who would want to attain where you are.

You don’t need to have a big name to become an inspiration to somebody.

When I started on Steemit, I don’t know anything. There is this 14-year-old kid who’s a member and can write well. If he can, I probably can do it too.

Having an inspiration can go along way. It can move you to places.

Mark Zuckerberg was inspired by Bill Gates. If Mark didn't see his future ahead of him by looking at Bill, we wouldn’t have Facebook today.

I was inspired by the backpackers I met on Boracay. I saw them live a life that I want, a life where they can work on their computer and travel the World. And now, here I am living the same lifestyle.

You can change a life by inspiring other people.

But first, start creating and doing something that would make someone look up to you.

Sing a song.

Dance to the music.

Write a poem.

You may never know who will be moved by your works.

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PS. Travel with your parents, and make memories together while they are still alive. It's the best gift that you could give them, YOUR TIME.

all images are mine, taken from Canon Snapshot

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