My thoughts on Traveling Solo
Many individuals often commend my courage in embarking on solo travels, admitting that they themselves could never dare to do the same. It seems that fear plays a significant role in hindering us from fully realizing our capabilities. Truth be told, there are moments when the mere idea of journeying by myself sends shivers down my spine. It’s scary and hard sometimes, but it is also incredibly enlightening and healing. Before embarking on this new adventure of mine, I cried my eyes out one night. All I wanted to do was stay in my bed and continue to live in my comfort zone, surrounded by my friends and family. I got scared, I let fear overwhelm me at that moment and that’s okay. Taking a deep breath, I reminded myself of the growth and self-discovery waiting beyond these initial doubts and insecurities. We need to allow ourselves to experience the entire spectrum of emotions; a lesson I internalised over the past year. Previously, I tended to suppress everything, leading to overwhelming breakdowns as repressed emotions clamoured for release simultaneously. Now, I consciously embrace fear when it arises, allowing myself to acknowledge it and accept the feeling for what it is. This journey of self-discovery has opened my eyes to the power of vulnerability and resilience in shaping who I am becoming.
Right now, as I type this, I am over halfway through a 14-hour flight to my new adventure. Am I a little scared? Yes. However, I'm also feeling a mix of excitement, nervousness, calmness, and readiness to immerse myself in all the new experiences awaiting me. While having a companion by my side would make this journey easier and perhaps more exhilarating, traveling solo offers a unique opportunity. It pushes me to step out of my comfort zone, form connections with the people I encounter, and discover hidden facets of myself that I never knew existed.
Its healing, challenging, and allows you to truly live. It's a privilege to travel freely, making you grateful for the life you have and urging you not to waste it. My most memorable travel experiences have been solitary or with transient companions. Listening to others' stories, experiences, and challenges enriches the journey and is one of my favourite parts of traveling.
I wish everyone could experience traveling alone, even if it’s just for a weekend getaway. Take yourself away for 2 nights and truly immerse yourself in your own company. See how you feel, journal your thoughts, rest if you feel like it, disconnect from the world, and just be with yourself. Feeling a bit scared or nervous is okay - stepping outside your comfort zone is often where growth happens.
One question I often encounter is, “Don’t you feel lonely while traveling?” The answer is yes, there are moments when loneliness creeps in during my journeys. However, the truth is, loneliness can find us anywhere, even in the comfort of our homes. It's a shared human experience that we all go through at some point. Despite this feeling, it's crucial to push past it and continue embracing life. It's essential to remind ourselves that while we may feel lonely, we are never truly alone. Keeping this perspective in mind is vital for our well-being.
