Just a few months ago, in Havana, Cuba, I met a fellow world traveler. And over our shared meal, the topic of Anthony Bourdain popped up and she told me, “He always pushes the limits. He isn’t afraid to say and show the truth.” I added my enthusiasm for his approach to storytelling and love for his travel show, and we saluted in our shared mutual respect and admiration for him. A man I never met, yet felt so close to, inspired me, in part to take my own one-year trip around the world to discover new cultures, food and people of the world.
Anthony Bourdain had a public personality as big as the life he lived. A world traveler, famous chef, show host, New York Times bestselling author, storyteller and women’s right activist, he knew how to make the most out of life.
It’s hard to comprehend someone with such an appetite for life ending it, what feels so prematurely, but his greatest accomplishment was his life itself. He knew how to fill each moment to its absolute potential. He thrived on the unknown and pushed us all out of our comfort zone with him. He had a gift for bringing people together, through food, travel and enriching stories.
Even if he might not have recognized it — he was one of the world’s greatest teachers. In his tenacious focus on being better than he was before, humbled by the world and his place in it, and his deep love for food, culture and connection. It’s these lessons that will continue to touch, inspire, empower, and challenge us to embrace our own lives more fully.
His influence on the travel, food and journalism industry was extraordinary. Inspiring a generation of globe-trotters, aspiring writers and dreamers. We may have lost one of the most recognizable personalities on the planet, but we didn’t lose the lessons and inspiration he left in our hearts.
Photo @symbologyclothing
Here’s what Anthony Bourdain can teach us about living an extraordinary life.
Allow Yourself to Evolve and Grow
He always pushed the envelope and tried new things. His goal was to just keep moving forward whether it was a food show episode shot in black and white or his relentless quest to share the truth by being accountable. We can take note by recognizing when we feel bored in life. When we no longer feel moved by our own experiences, it is time to change things up, shift and grow. The goal is to be who you really are instead of what the world says you should be.
It Doesn’t Matter What People Think of You — It Only Matters What You Think of Yourself
Anthony was a man who didn’t care what people thought of him and this added to his success. When you aren’t desperate for attention or the spotlight, when you don’t need fame, success or money, when you can stop worrying about what people think of you, you are free to do what you truly want and be who you truly are meant to be.
Plan Less So You Can Live More
John Lennon said, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans,” and Anthony lived by this motto. He said, “Letting the happy accident happen is what a lot of vacation itineraries miss, I think, and I’m always trying to push people to allow those things to happen rather than stick to some rigid itinerary.” Whether we are traveling or in our own community, planning everything out can often stiffen our own creative expression. Life can’t surprise us; there are no wow moments to be experienced in having a planned schedule. Instead of trying to control everything, relax a little and leave room for surprises. You never know, they could turn out better than you ever thought.
Don’t Fear the Unknown: It’s Where Our Potential Lives
Anthony was a renegade in going places never gone before, physically, emotionally and socially. He was interested in the pursuit of unmet potential. He challenged his own beliefs and pushed into new territory in a commitment to personal growth. Most of us are afraid of what we don’t know and this keeps us playing small in our own life. But we can take note from Anthony’s approach to life that when you live outside your comfort zone, you start to become more comfortable in the newness of your expanded worldview.
You Get to Create Your Own Reality
Often quoted in interviews that he felt like he had the best job in the world, he was able to take his love of food and sharing it through stories to a full-time, wildly successful travel show. He made a living out of doing what he was passionate about. He showed us all that you don’t have to stick to what is or follow the beat of society’s drum. You can break out and be your own hero by blazing a path with your own passion.
Food Is Love
As someone who used to suffer from eating disorders, the idea of food being our friend was foreign to me. Until I saw how passionate and loving Anthony was with his food. Food for him was a currency, a passport into connection, and helped bridge gaps and bring people together. It was a passionate love affair that we can all participate in. Learning to see food as our friend is important on your self-love journey. Food is nourishment and it can connect us all together.
Travel More, Judge Less
“If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food. It’s a plus for everybody.” Traveling helps us see things, learn things, become more than we could have been. It is a glorious adventure that we all owe ourselves. The more we learn about others, the more connected we can be. Traveling is more than a luxury; it is a requirement for people dedicated to personal growth.
We may never fully understand the depths of his inner world, but what he showed us through his actions and lifestyle will forever be in our hearts. Thank you, Anthony, for showing us how to fearlessly go into places unknown.
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I work with individuals to overcome depression and anxiety and have written four bestselling books on the psychology of getting unstuck and being true to yourself. If you’re feeling suicidal or know anyone who is, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the United States.
