I left the country, and my life changed.

[@PlagueOfGripes]

On a related note, I hope your new year resolutions are all positive ones that will make you happier! I never really bothered with the things myself. If I need a change, I need it.

[@karameru880]

I will try to become an artist because it's the only thing I feel like i can accomplishing in my life Happy New year plague

[@ceruleansunrise8261]

My new year's resolution is to not buy any more games until I finish my shame pile.

[@akiraishin7141]

Still trying to get mine from 4 years ago, to get a steady job as an animator, done. Hopefully this year will be the one

[@Nilon241]

Wishing every one a hale and hearty new year 🤠

[@zadok1337]

My goals are to try out more of my weird/specific ideas for ttrpg campaigns, and cultivate "watermelon" crushing legs.

[@ghostmutton]

Every so often it's nice to be reminded that you're not the only one with these kinds of strangling anxieties.

[@Reck]

My life also changed after I took a risk and got on a plane. Never flown. Never had a passport. Terrified of baggage sizes and getting over charged. Not sure if I ever had enough money to be allowed in the country. I Didn't know how to do the most basic things and the fear that I kept running into almost stopped me. It would have been so easy to give in. But I wanted to experience life. I went on a plane. I met a girl. We are now married and the shut in who never experienced life due to fear is now married living in the USA. My life did a full 180. When I returned from the trip I wept at the loss of all the experiences my anxiety kept me from. And then the realization that there are millions of people who are stopped from experiences for the same reason. I actually cried watching this because it was so relatable. Thank you Plague. P.S - Take the risk.

[@joeclarke7982]

Thats an awesome story dude

[@AJlord1]

Thats beautiful man thanks for sharing

[@TFC_Chance]

I hope I can do this too. I have an on and off relationship with a girl I adore from Germany but I'm in the UK, it's always been in the back of my mind even if things work between us I'll have to move there eventually because she has a daughter and I couldn't bring myself to make them move here to England. I'm also having to relocate homes for the first time in 10 years. Maybe it's time I use this as a catalyst.

[@MALICEM12]

Damn, happy for you. You made it. I could only imagine meeting a wife overseas

[@gabrielsilverwolf]

You have no idea how much watching this, at this specific point in time in my life, was important. I'm literally at a very delicate and crucial juncture, where one path might lead to a terrifying and uncertain but potentially amazing future, and the other to the calm and dark comfort of stagnation. This video might have just helped save my soul. Thank you, thank you so much.

[@ericphillips100]

You and I both friend! I have been agonizing over it for months and will need to make a decision within the next 1-2 years. I have a lot to lose but potentially even more to gain. A new life with a new job in a new city or my "comfortable state of discomfort" within an abyss of my own making.

[@MALICEM12]

Seems many are in this stage

[@korinoriz]

Really nitpicky, but it seems you made your choice with how you describe the second option. Sure, the first option is essentially an amazing chance that might end up being nothing but, again, the second choice sounds 100% negative and not as potential regret at the cost of a calm and quiet life which I think you might be trying to say.

[@4Phrez]

I was very depressed for the past few weeks and I cried watching this for some reason. I guess it reminded me the good things in life. Wish you nothing but the best Eli, and happy new year.

[@PlagueOfGripes]

It builds up over time and needs to release. For me, it's the feeling of others acknowledging I'm going through it. I think empathy and acknowledgment has a way of getting to us.

[@Nilon241]

Plague's got a real talent for suddenly emotional relief.

[@HaberdashingRogue]

@@PlagueOfGripes Thanks for always being so honest with your audience. I discovered you through TBFP, and your words and journey have kept me around long after they disbanded the group. It helps to see someone I admire dealing with the same crap I am, and with a heck of a lot of grace, too.

[@chugwater2745]

Way to go Plague! People don’t realize how valuable it is to have normal, middle class parents to teach you these things. If your parents don’t travel, it’s a lot harder for you to learn on your own.

[@tunykun]

Proud of you Plague, I'm glad your efforts turned out well. Very inspirational (Just thinking about the situations you describe are enough to get me feeling dizzy/sick as a fellow anxious/sheltered/hermit-ish person). Something I've learned about anxiety is that anxiety = uncertainty / confidence. I think goes with what you were saying with control. Sometimes we just have to try and ignore our inability to fully control the outcome. Otherwise, for people like us, control means safety in isolation. Yeah, super proud of you man. Glad things are looking up.

[@pencilsnpowerp-wq4nv]

I can't believe what I'm watching.....I am so utterly excited and inspired by this video and what you've done it plasters a giant grin on my face and makes me want to cry and gives me hope for my life. Eli you have done it and I'm so unbelievalbly happy for you!!! Never give up or give up hope! I'm gonna make this the best new year of my life and start living my dreams and I hope everyone here does too!

[@care6994]

Plague: I have been finding it a lot more difficult to complain lately Also Plague: This is a video about growing. Here is an itemized list of every thing about and around my traveling experience that was terrible. Your antics never get old Plague. I may not watch your streams but thanks for all your content.

[@__________8997]

As a fellow hermit who was fortunate to have been able to go to Europe with siblings many years back, but felt conflicted to contribute to the planning process from not being able to financially support myself in general thinking it would be wrong morally, and likely ADHD addled so planning has been non-existent for much of my life, this was touching to hear your experience (I've rewatched your videos on the topic of horror for many years). I'm glad you're similarly getting to a point in your life where shit's coming together and getting out of your comfort zone after trials and tribulations. Your blunt jadedness has been peppered with more enthusiasm over the years and has made me take pause to reflect on things I need to improve with myself. Been awhile, congrats on the girlfriend. I guess the farmer's dating profile came through that Pat made passing mention sometime back 😂

[@TimPoultney]

Anxieties aside for a moment, I'm very glad you had such a good trip -- Cardiff is especially interesting as a historic city, plus it connects to other great cities like Bristol and Bath, each of which have utterly different vibes and architectural styles to them. So many people go to London and that's it, that's their whole experience and it's criminal. The photos of the arcades (out little historic malls) are just brilliant, and the Warhammer shop! You met a Stormcast Eternal! Especially good on you for doing it despite your angst -- You really did it, and had great reflections about who you are and what you accomplished, and I hope from here you expand your horizons even further. The World Ends With You isn't JUST a game title, it means something. You ARE deserving of good things like this. That's a message to everyone, one we need to manually remember now and again.

[@DR3ADER1]

That's because Wales and the Westcountry, though unique architecturally in the city centres, look the same the further North (in Cardiff's case) or East (in Bristol's and Bath's cases) you go, due to the horrible local governmental mismanagement committed in the mid-20th century. Couple that with industrial and trade decline in the region (which never recovered in the 21st Century because most of that went up north to Liverpool and Manchester because they're larger) and you have a cluster of locales people tend to avoid, even the locals avoid a lot of South Wales due to the poverty and crime there. Turdtowns has a couple of videos that rank some of the shitholes there (some were even recommended by GeoWizard due to his activities in Wales).

[@YourPrinceStolas]

As someone from Kentucky stuck in the same boring routine I've been in for going on 11 years now, my anxiety has kept me from doing stuff like this for much the same reasons you mentioned, I hope you had lots of fun! I hope to be with my significant other and growing both as a couple and a individual soon enough, financials withstanding.

[@ahame94]

Thank you Plague. Trying not to dump stuff onto you but this past few months has been a time and a half for me. Everything you said about being alone, being mr. Second place, etc. Poignant as hell. I needed this video and I think its going to help me, proverbially and literally, fly for the first time. I'm going to change my life. You've been an insightful helpful voice for a long time but this is a very special video. Happy New Year Plague. Hope its full of change that YOU create, not change that the world just so happens to put upon you.

[@ericphillips100]

I see so many people here with similar struggles. I am so glad you can take heart from his videos. I have too. Sometimes I have had to just try to stay on my feet and keep life from knocking me out. It's a hell of a fight. I hope you win and bounce back from this. I know it's tough as nails but I would love to hear it worked out for you in the future. Good luck!

[@silverroddo1468]

I am doing something that scares me: building a house, a modest and small house. “Affordable” to use coded-language. I have little to no idea how it will turn out, or how long it will take. 2 years at the most i hope (i live in northern canadia-so i got 5 maybe 6 months to work on it-until winter). I got a Lot (some land) that i had to pester the people at the local Land office but it was the only way to get them going on my case. I annoyed them enough, I suppose. I’ll report back on it some day. Eli, you are and have been an inspiration. It was good see your vacation! It look so fun, well, fun as in new and exciting to see new places. I imagine it’s the most fun with the people you spend time there. Awesome video, you got to see a Dark Souls building!

[@PlagueOfGripes]

I considered doing that for a while. But after looking up all the zoning and code difficulties, I decided it was too expensive for the goals I wanted at the time. One of my most important dreams I never mention is to own my own land one day. It got very hard here because the price per acre skyrocketed in the past 10-20 years by about 5x what it was.

[@N0DN4RB7]

I'm all for this characer development. I make frequent trips to Scotland, Wales and Englands lake district on my own. Every time I go there is anxiety, but every time feels like a milestone in overcoming it. Exploring new things is good for my brain. What you did was bigger than anything I've done in terms of distance and life experience. Since I live in the UK, its not that far for me. I'm gonna plan a trip to the US next year and I'm trying to optimistic about it but watching your experience with travel makes my plan seem a bit more realistic. So thanks man! I hope you and anyone reading this has a lovely new year!

[@press_x_tojason]

I really needed to see this. In a few weeks, I'm finally taking the risk of moving out to the city more or less on my own, after living in the same small town for nearly 30 years. It's terrifying. I've had anxiety forever, and it's always controlled how I engage, or, really, how I don't engage, with the world.

[@dath1886]

How's the move going

[@PinkDino]

I've moved from the southeast US to the UK only for a few years now; and it's amazing to see so much I can relate with you. Seeing the food and drinks you experience for the first time, and knowing them now, and being so happy to hear you enjoyed them too. It's also eye-opening to see how much we have set up for transport that we expect everybody to just understand, and is unkind about those that did not grow up with parents doing this constantly. I'm really proud of you, you did an incredible thing for yourself.

[@PlagueOfGripes]

If I might ask, how'd you manage to move? Student visa, marriage...? Since they exited the EU it seems like it'd have a massive barrier.

[@PinkDino]

@@PlagueOfGripes The answer is @Kenashcorp (and actually marriage visa) months of waiting and a lot of money that you don't know where it's really going. On the "many months" part, I started the application, and paid, in September 2021- went into an interview in December 2021 (paid some more)- then heard nothing at all until Dec. 22 to submit further tax info, then silence again. Until they just suddenly, right before February, sent me my passport back and a $5 sim card for the UK inside of it, with no prior correspondence. And should you get accepted for this marriage visa, then you promise to marry within 3 months or redo the process all over again- then do the paperwork and money AGAIN to get your National Insurance Number (basically our SSN) and stay for another 2 1/2 years.

[@Nilon241]

For what it's worth, not much in immigration haschanged if you weren't European. I know a couple of yanks who've migrated here permanently and one of them was post brexit. FYI none of them married to live here.

[@Canadish]

​@@PlagueOfGripes UK immigration isn't that strict, if you're a well off American, you won't have too many issues especially from what my friends in the immigration department have said (regardless of rhetoric, there is a privilege being from the Anglo-sphere in practice). Most people in the UK want to get out however, speaking as a Canadian who moved over,prepare for a million questions beginning with "WHYYYYYY"

[@AtheAetheling]

@@Canadish It's not that we want to get out, we just like complaining. Moving here you need to be prepared for the fact that Brits like complaining about everything, but don't realise how good we have it in a lot of ways.

[@funebure]

Is always somehow meditating to listen to your videos, enjoyed this one this last day of 2023. thanks for sharing the experience.

[@mrbubbles6155]

Godspeed Papa Plague, and best wishes to a new year!

[@nickpowell2337]

Plague, this is so cool. I know its incredibly corny to say "I've been following the channel for a while and first time I've commented and etc. etc." but honestly, having watched your videos through the playthroughs and the art streams, I think it's really important to say here how good it's been to hear that you've been doing well, and how happy seeing an IRL museum walkthrough made me. It can feel near impossible to get out of the house when things don't align. Throw that in with the natural anxiety of people you know and respect giving you any kind negative feedback, on top of individual anxiety and...well it can quickly become a mess. To break free from all of that is great, and to push out of the house and into an airplane into another country is nothing short of inspiring. It's a great mentality to start the New Years with, and I really appreciate that you've shared all the struggles that went into it with the viewers. Excited to see what the New Year brings!

[@ericphillips100]

This is the first time in life i have ever made it through an entire comments section on yt. I've watched the video 3 times. I really need this right now! My family trusts me and supports my decisions so i feel intense pressure to not fuck things up for them. Whatever job and city i eventually choose i hope to face it with as much grace and wisdom as Eli. Thank you Eli and everyone in the comments for sharing your stories.

[@doesntno]

Hey Plague, I'd catch you every time you were on Pat and Woolie's podcast. This video popped up in my recommended and thought I'd see how you're doing. I'm glad to hear you had this experience and that you seem to be doing ok? Good? You had the time and money to take a vacation out of the country, lived to tell us about it AND you have a girlfriend. That's pretty good in my book. Happy new year. I wish you all the best.

[@leonix9882]

dude i am so glad to hear that you are doing great and had a good time once you got there, its a really inspirational video to listen, great stuff

[@Xhriss_Xhross]

Thank you for this vid, Plague. I don't usually watch travel vlog videos, but this certainly hit different, especially with the end. I've recently been struggling with my future, fearful of taking chances and pushing myself because of the 'what if' of failure. Glad to know even someone as cool as you has had these same feelings. I'm very comfortable flying, but failure has always been a sore spot for me, rather to not try than any other avenue. Again, thanks for this perspective and your words.

[@Jugg4n4ut]

I really needed this Plague. This video has given me the extra courage to stick to my New Years Resolution of finally committing to putting out my webcomic idea ive been stewing on for months. I have such a strong gut fear of failure that i often just never try to begin with, and its up to me to change that.

[@thesquishbar8414]

This was a pleasant departure from the usual. Much love man.

[@calvinregan5753]

Well done. Excellent video. Thank you.

[@vitore.sanches7712]

I just wanna thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Really, you have no ideia how much those simple moments and those honest words impact us in a deeply meaningful way. I'm a long-time fan of your work. I'm going throug some hardships in my life at the moment and had serious thoughts about taking stupid decisions that would... Well, prevent me from taking further stupid decisions. I just wanted to say that your video had a huge impact on me right now. I cryed and smiled as you shared just how scared and anxious you felt, and how happy you were when that part wss over. I'm truly happy for you. You deserve to be happy. We all do. Happy new year

[@ericphillips100]

Hang in there! I can feel the empathy coming from you in your comment. Having that in the world makes it a better place for all of us. Which means that you are making the world better. I hope you take that to heart!

[@vitore.sanches7712]

Thanks man. From the bottom of my heart, thanks. And don't worry, I won't do anything stupid. Happy new year

[@jettthewolf887]

The UK is honestly one of my favorite countries to visit and I've visited many other places around the world and in Europe.

[@Globorbo]

Old Mout Cider heck yeah Plague! I moved to the UK half a decade ago for work and faced a lot of the same stresses you did for this trip, I really enjoyed this video, its been a journey staying here, I hope to some day be able to share my experience with friends

[@Dracodeumonis]

I'm glad you had a little adventure, sorry you felt awful getting there but you did something a lot of people can't. Congrats man

[@ctg6734]

This video was very inspirational. It speaks to me on a personal note as I find my self older, and alone, full of regret from allowing fear to control my life. You're so right in that we need to try to implement change in our lives if we desire a greater outcome.

[@ericphillips100]

I hope you get a chance to implement that change. Deep fear can be a paralyzing and suffocating experience. I sincerely wish you success enough to eclipse your regret.

[@ctg6734]

Thank you for your kind words. I hope the new year brings good tidings to you and your loved ones.@@ericphillips100

[@ClockworkCandle]

Damn, that outro landed on me. Congratulations on your trip Plague, we're proud of you and happy for you, and I hope you get to have another experience like it again.

[@bazzjedimaster]

To be honest hearing you never travelled outside your country before was quite surprizing, I don't know why but the way you carry yourself always gave me an image of a well travelled person, and i mean it as compliment.

[@drksideofthewal]

You can be “well traveled” within the US, the country is huge.

[@kevetwilight]

Yo plague thats amazing man! Im glad you got to have this experience and hope you can continue to do so in the future!

[@yamizureyx]

This all makes me so happy to hear, Eli. I'm so glad you overcame anxieties and experienced new freedoms and joys. Seriously pleased for you. You're always welcome here in the UK!

[@SodaOgre]

Glad to hear you enjoyed our little island, hope you come back again someday and have more great experiences! With regards the end of your video, I've had similar times in my life where I've felt alone and isolated and at the end of my rope, I mention it because you're actually one of the people that helped me during those times, specifically with your Dark Souls videos. They really gave me something to look forward to and offered me a chance to laugh instead of brood in silence. You're a top dude Plague, thanks for all the good you put out there.

[@meyerpictures]

As someone who will be flying alone for the first time in a few months, this was a really cathartic video; especially the point about all the websites having vague and contradicting definitions for things like what qualifies as "carry-on".

[@Arrowdodger]

I am really glad to see you becoming more and more proactive about your own happiness and encouraging it in your fans as well. My experiences mirror a number of yours, and I won't lie, you're helping me see some of this as more possible than I would have thought years ago.

[@KiraSlith]

Thanks Plague, I really needed to see this video. Happy new year, big guy.

[@Nidair]

Your story resonates with me so much. I am 40 as well, and while I don't live in the US, due to my past I haven't been able to really be alive for most of it. Only when I started to be more active and meet more people did I feel like I was worth something. I still have days when it's rough, but I'm slowly starting to feel more alive than before.

[@crybirb]

I'm so unbelievably happy to see you doing this. Coming from the first appearance on Friendcast and small videos to this. I think you're great Plague.

[@baku270]

This might be one of those vids I end up watching over and over again. Thank you for sharing the experience. Happy new year

[@TheNskul14]

Good on you for pushing yourself travel can be scary and yet wonderful. I'm from Australia and I had an amazing trip to Italy then went to Greece with my sister and she had a series of epileptic seizures and it was the scariest day of my entire life got to the hospital and long story short ended up ok. Ever since then I have had PTSD of travel going wrong. Later I pushed myself to do my bucket list of Japan in April of 2020 ... That failed but afterwards pushed myself and managed to go to NZ last year and Japan this year they were amazing! It's so worth challenging yourself even if you are afraid.

[@ariesthefool]

This was inspiring, I have recently taken a major change to my life though not as dristic as traveling countries. Am a hermit and don't usually socialize with people at all outside of replying to social media posts. But I got into D&D 5E and got tired of playing the games on my own like a weirdo and found a group online, I was really nervous, still am actually. but I had to try and get out of my shell if I wanted to play games like D&D so I kept at it. met a nice GM who was supportive and patient with me being new and soon I was playing D&D. am going to be playing a play by post game tonight in fact. I know that traveling has to be much harder then simply joining a group online for D&D but I felt like this video mirrored by first time socializing since high school. Great video and I hope your doing well.

[@Helmasaur_King]

Proud of you. I, too, live in a tiny ass retirement village in the middle of nowhere, and I know it hasn't done me any favors. All the more, I've been pushing myself these last few years to go out and do things, all of which require a lot of travel. I've still yet to make it off continent or even see the ocean, but once you realize you can just go places and do things, it's kinda wonderful. Expensive, yes, and it requires a lot of planning, but as long as it won't kill ya, have at it :]

[@PlagueOfGripes]

Community is incredibly important. You feel way more in control when you know you can do anything!

[@SNESThebest]

Fantastic video, can't wait to hear about your next adventure.

[@DoggyDisk]

My favorite thing about this is realizing just how much crazier city traffic is to someone not adjusted to it. All the complaints were valid, especially the expressway nonsense. I’m just numb to it at this point as a rideshare driver in Chicago. Thank you for sharing this Eli. This is a powerful video. Very grateful for the insight. Taking this risk was an amazing thing to do and I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@InfantAmygdala]

Absolutely amazing to see, everyone is glad to see you thriving Plague

[@AdjacentHominid]

Thanks for showing and encouraging people to be better versions of themselves, and actually doing it by example. May you find peace and contentment.

[@colbyhalker5359]

Its crazy that after so many years, I'm revisiting some old TBF videos and Plague videos for some nostalgia feels and I was so hoping you were doing well. It fills me with comfort and joy that you continue to do well for yourself and I hope life continues to be kind to you.

[@Gilbals]

I've had to battle agoraphobia for the past 10 years, I had gotten to a point where I could get out and drive to about 1hr away. I then had a harrowing move that was mishandled and the after effects have left me in the negatives from where I started in 2013. Life has been terrible and hard. I recently decided to try getting out again. The anxiety of driving again is a nightmare. At most I've been out for 40mins round trip. It's painful trying to force myself out to drive, and I'm far off from my goal of crossing TN to go to a convention in Oct in NC. (I've dealt with the hell of Nashville traffic before as well, before my agoraphobia developed.) I don't know if I'm gonna make the goal I've set, and I probably won't, but I'm proud of myself for taking the steps out of my home for the first time in months that didn't involve an ambulance. It's gonna sound lame, but just going and getting fast food for the first time in over a year was liberating and the agency I feel doing it does a lot for my mental state.

[@PlagueOfGripes]

No matter how you do it, the power is absolutely yours. I don't know much about dealing with agoraphobia, but if it's like other fears, you'll discover methods of management, the root of your triggers, develop your own mental moves of control, and have smaller victories that allow you to grow more powerful. I've been in deep depressions before that made just getting to my car feel like a trial and victory. I'm proud of you for choosing to take control and then doing it!

[@Demonwiththetophat]

I'm glad this worked out for you Plague. I get the whole anxiety thing, its a big thing to conquer and despite some of the setbacks it sounds like you did it with flying colors i'd say.

[@TheArchon1]

This was a nice surprise, Plague. Especially 36:00 as someone who's currently stressed out in a new strange city in a new strange state going to school for a career I'd never even thought about till last year, I can definitely relate. You've always been good at putting to words how I feel. Been following you since probably 2012 or 2013 and I really appreciate all your advice. I've always been afraid to try because of the fear of failure but I'm really pushing myself. I know if I get thru this I'll have opened up my life to incredible opportunities. Thanks for being one of my internet uncles, Plague.

[@thepickles8833]

Good going, Eli. Sounds like a great adventure!

[@EggBastion]

The Pickles!

[@whatsupwithyoudude]

The fact that your growing and trying to grow is amazing. I'm very proud of you for taking those steps.

[@loiawhil]

i don't know you Eli, but every time you make a video i'm happy you're putting yourself out there and I'm a fan of lifeadvice/musings especially . it's kind of shocking the sheltered life you've lived, you always came across as someone more worldly but perhaps you've had more adventures in reading/your own thoughts. wish there was a way for you to make it to cons and have some form of stronger financial backing .i don't know how but i hope i can meet you some day . keep on keeping on

[@frost8077]

Inspiring message. I've been feeling like no matter how much I try, I never really get anywhere, stuck in a poverty loop. Glad to hear you got to go on an adventure.

[@ericphillips100]

You have my compassion. I spent most of my young life in that poverty loop. It's painful and extremely difficult to escape. I hope you make it out though. Nobody should have to be poor.

[@GremlinKetchup]

The realization that change only happens when you make it happen is at first terrifying then empowering. I feel like so much of my life has been wasted not because I was sheltered or put down by others, but because I made myself afraid of trying. I've only very recently started consciously taking steps outside my comfort zone. Maybe it's time I try travelling. Thanks for making this video, Plague.

[@X_Blake]

I'm very proud of you and happy for you. I hope I get the opportunity to go somewhere out of the states by myself one day.

[@izzy891103]

This was a special one. Thanks for sharing!

[@blakechildress944]

This is so inspiring and encouraging to see! Thank you, for sharing this experience! You have no idea how many of us are able to relate and get inspired by you taking on a new terrifying chapter in your life.

[@newguy574]

Glad you were experiencing something new. It's good that you got a new point of view now.

[@CptKirby]

> Raven MAG Is there an off chance I know you?

[@newguy574]

@@CptKirby Pistolhappyman at your service. Hmmm PSN? Uncharted 2 multiplayer? Maybe a Vtubers fandom?

[@Plight_]

"Often times more disturbing than the unknown is the distortion of the familiar" - some magic the gathering card One day I'll work up the courage you found

[@ITZKappaKAP]

Had to go through similar things so it was great to hear you share a story like this.

[@GremlinBridgeDoom]

I live near Cardiff, grew up in the area. Amazing to hear you talk about everything I've taken for granted I guess. Familiar locations and vibes. Glad you made it over, wish our paths had crossed, I could have showed you some mad stuff.

[@StigmataTickles]

Not sure if they're available out in Kentucky, but I share the opinion that Angry Orchard tastes like piss, so if you can find it I highly recommend Schilling or 2towns. I live in the Pacific Northwest and we're spoiled for cider and craft beer choice over here.

[@noahrichards2093]

I've been watching you for years, Plague and I have to say I'm really happy for you doing this. Also feeling very inspired and I want to thank you. Things haven't gone great for me in a long time and I've shut myself away for a long time. Really cool video and thank you for always being you over the years. On an unrelated note, I'm waiting for a separate hour video on the lore of those bricks in the beginning lol. Thanks for doing what you do, and I hope 2024 is kind to you sir.

[@ericphillips100]

I hope things turn around for you soon. Plague's video gave me some hope and improved my mood. Take care!

[@131rns]

@PlagueOfGripes if you ever get another chance to fly to Europe, you might want to consider flying out of Cincinnati. They have a lot of international flights and the airport isn’t too bad to navigate

[@serialexperimentsdave7213]

I'm also from a small town, and it drives my crazy how difficult it is to find simple information like "how does payed parking work" or " if I already bought a plane ticket can I still pay for an additional bag and if so where?". I don't have any anxiety, I know i can figure this stuff out or or bypass the problem, but it frustrates me when I can think of 5 different ways something can be done, and everyone seemingly knows the secret way to do it.

[@Void-qz1zd]

Dude tell me about it. I'm 30 and just moved to a larger population city for the first time last year and I had to pretend I knew how city parking worked for a long time while internally sweating.

[@DaemonOfSocrates]

I'm happy for you Plague! That last bit was very inspiring. Although I have to say, if you're someone that hates flying (like me) it doesn't get easier unless you do it regularly. The bit about forcing yourself to change really resonated with me, I wasted my 20s thinking I was a loser and would never amount to much, it was only recently that I forced myself to change. To anyone that feels like they're wasting their life, stop thinking about how bad it would feel if you failed. I did fail, several times, but even those failures felt good, because I was actually doing something, working towards a goal. Every failure makes you stronger until you eventually succeed.

[@Holesale00]

In 2016 after spending my whole life never leaving my state, I went to japan on a whim somewhere i never even dreamed about going, with guys I barely knew from a job I just started working at and it was my first time flying and enduring multiple 12+ hour flights. I enjoyed it, I had a great time and after 3 days figuring out the train system i was down to stay even longer very good experience and the food was amazing compared to the stuff we get here regularly, I wanted more and want to go back at some point. Leaving the country opened my eyes about a lot of things and showed me a lot about my self and what I Can do, Ive experienced really bad anxiety growing up and the trip was some what transformative to me, its good to experience a different perspective once in a while. Sometimes you just gotta say "Yes" to things you wouldn't normally wanna do and just live in the moment, no second guessing no over thinking. Just live and it will be okay.

[@JorgenVonStein]

Glad you made it out Eli! Travel, post secondary, and other large milestones/adversities are catalysts for personal growth. The world is still a fantastic place that is worth exploring. (Even though the travel experience sucks) My wife and I rented a 3rd party camper van on our last vacation and that alleviated a lot of the anxiety from booking cars, hotels etc. and allowed us to spend as much time as we wanted at each place of interest.

[@kaygeo]

I've been fortunate enough to travel frequently throughout my life and it's really cool to see someone take their first steps outside of their surroundings and hear your thoughts on that experience. For what it's worth I started following your solo stuff around the time those Dragonball gripes were first being made and in general watching your videos helped get me back on the creative train that I had derailed out of fear and self hatred earlier in my life. I'm working hard on getting an Indie game made now and draw every day even if it's only for a couple minutes. I guess what I'm trying to say is I've been on planes my whole life but thank you for helping me learn to fly.

[@NoelleValentine]

Hey Plague I hope you see this! I know it may not mean much but you have been, no exaggeration, the biggest inspiration for me. When I was a young teen about 13 or so, your channel got me to pursue my curiosity in writing. Then, at the age of 19 I came to terms with the fact I'm trans. Which I doubt I could've done without your talks on being content with not trying the things that scare us. Now, at 21, your same advice moved me to change university from writing to programming, a thing I told myself I could do, wanted to do, and yet only tried now after hearing your advice once again and seeing how scary things can be worth pursuing. All of this to say that you've been a quite literal life long influence on me that has allowed me to grow in a healthy way. I hope you keep doing the things that are daunting, just like the people you inspire. Also hope I didn't make you feel old lol :3

[@PlagueOfGripes]

So happy to hear that! We end up fighting our own barriers more than actual life it feels like sometimes. I'm glad to hear you're making life your own!

[@NoelleValentine]

@@PlagueOfGripes So true! And thank you for the kind words your reply has made my day! :3

[@KingArkanis]

2 years ago after not great life events left me homeless for the second time in my life I decided to move to a completely different corner of the country so i have similar understanding of that anxiety you talked about, things still aren’t where i want them to be, but it’s getting there, your sagely wisdom has always been appreciated throughout the many years i have been watching your content, and it is very heartwarming to see you (anxiety aside) enjoying life and thank you for everything you do❤.

[@WoRabbit]

proud of you buddy. I'll have to follow your lead and get out a bit more.

[@TriptoBlues]

I love hearing stories like these. I am happy for you Plague. I have sort of the opposite problem. I have gotten to travel for a good chunk of my life, so now I want to stay in one place, build some stable foundation (as best I can with the way things are). Just like many of the other comments have stated, this video gives me hope I can eventually reach my goals. Thanks Plague! Can’t wait to see more vids like these (if you feel up to it)

[@kelendalkazama9926]

Your natural inability to smile will have you naturalized to the UK immediately!😂 Best of luck on your new digs, Plague. Love ya, man.

[@TheAquarius87]

Good for you, Plague! And happy new year

[@tostisgood]

As a longtime watcher, I’m really happy for and proud of you, Eli! Thank you for sharing this transformative experience with us.

[@Jetstoanywhere]

Im taking this to heart , in WI where I live there is a place called "The house on the rock" and in that place is a giant sculpture of a whale fighting a giant squid. I am terrified of that sculpture. in spring near my birthday I am going up there , and I am going to stare that thing in the face.

[@ericphillips100]

I just checked it out online! That thing is absolutely metal! Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

[@Deekman]

Really hope you get to travel more and make videos like this. Loved hearing your experiences

[@kinowoah]

best wishes for the new year! hope to have an out of country experience one day

[@Lizardman0354]

This video really captured the burden of anxiety and how it makes seemingly normal things into these overwhelming challenges sometimes. I myself am also very sheltered and struggling through my own anxiety and depression but I hope I'll be at the level where I can take a trip like that one day. I really liked your final message, it resonated with me more than I'd like to admit. Thanks for sharing.

[@Sbeas19]

I learned so much about Plague in this video, really great video man. Hope you have more adventures somewhere.

[@aeo-gard]

As someone who moved to Kentucky due to financial woes with parents, and now seems stuck here.. There's a lot about your experience of talking about your town (even though I live near one of the biggest cities) that still hits home, and I really needed to see this. Thank you, Plague. I hope I can make the solo travel trip that I've been saving up for soon, and have an epiphany like yours.

[@Makeni-san]

I’m absolutely proud of you dude! Being able to push past anxiety and fear to take a trip and experience something new is awesome! Hope the next goes well 😄

[@Neo-The-Blitzer]

Phenomenal video my dude and thx for sharing your trip with us, it really helps with folks that have travel and other anxiety problems plus I'm def gonna try traveling when I can.

[@KWG-001]

Thanks for making this, Plague. From a fellow hermit who's been going through exactly these same feelings, it's good to see one of us get out there and figure that shit out.

[@ericphillips100]

I felt compelled to come back and leave one more comment. I am not a perfect father but I do the best I can for my daughter. One of the most important books we read together was the story of Rosa Parks. You're an amazing person Eli!

[@NireFuster]

You're probably the only content creator where I don't really care what type of video you decide to make, a timelapse, a video essay, a creepypasta narration, a vlog, I'll watch it anyways because it's always a good time to hear you talk about stuff and express yourself and your views on things. Sucks that you experienced so much anxieties throughout the trip, but glad that you had a good time regardless and tried something wildly new and scary on your own. Wishing you and all the peeps here all the best for 2024 ✌

[@jeans4460]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. I enjoyed all of the beautiful footage and photos, and i feel really inspired after hearing about your trip and how you handled all of the challenges you faced. I can relate a lot to the anxiety around planning and travel - Im about to drive several states over to my new home and job… it’s terrifying. A month ago i was scared of overpaying, ending up with a terrible roommate, and being completely on my own. And before that, I was feeling so beaten down by the job search that I lost all motivation to socialize and take care of myself. But now, making it to my new city is all that’s left to do, and I feel at peace with every choice I’ve made about moving up until now. It’s a fresh start, and it’s a stressful time, but it’s my best opportunity to grow right now. Maybe I’ll listen to this a few more times in the car… that will keep me sane through 14 hours on the highway

[@Kidbizzaro6]

Courage is simple in concept, but excruciating in practice. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us.

[@Leodude723]

Incredibly great video, enjoyed it a lot. When I went to Scotland I passed by a Warhammer store years before I got into it and kick myself for it.

[@marekarazien]

This quality Plague content is just what I didn't know I needed to start the year. It certainly puts into words things that I'm working through myself, so thanks.

[@adthebad09]

I'm glad that your visit to the UK and Wales went well, congrats on trying. I'm trying to work on that too.

[@Flippopotamus]

You're still one of my favorites on the net. Glad you're still here, making stuff, sharing you.

[@DuneCarrots]

Thank you Plague for sharing your trip and being that weird pseudo youtube brother that I never had, you brighten my day more than I can describe!

[@GelatinPangolin]

ive been stuck in this shitty log cabin these past two years, basically being a hermit like you describe early in the video. 2024 is the year im moving out, on my own terms, and everything in this video is exactly what i needed to hear. thanks, plague, for teaching me somethin about courage!