Going Solo

Hey there! I just wanted to share something with you today. Lately, I’ve been feeling like I want to break out of my comfort zone and explore new places. I’ve always had this strong desire to travel on my own, simply pack my bags, and head somewhere. You know, venture into new places, step out of my comfort zone, and break from the same old routine.

I’ve been yearning to visit New York for a while now, not to settle there but to experience the city. I would love to see a Broadway play, visit Times Square, have a touristy time, and take the subway for the first time. The thought of starting anew, packing up, and never looking back excites me. I’ve never done it, but I would enjoy exploring uncharted territories, discovering hidden gems, and experiencing different cultures. However, I was scared to travel alone due to the horror stories I’ve heard on the news about women who have found themselves in dangerous situations.

My biggest fear is not necessarily someone hurting me but getting lost, running out of money, or getting robbed. I know you’re supposed to save extra for trips, and Moreover, I hate looking stupid or drawing attention to myself. In the past, I used to avoid going to the gym because I was afraid I wouldn’t know how to use the equipment and make a fool of myself. However, I realized that every unique experience, good or bad, teaches us something worth learning. And even if you make a mistake, it’s likely to be a life-changing experience.

Although I always thought about traveling with some friends, I don’t have any close ones who would like to accompany me. I even need help convincing my boyfriend to join me to visit my family, so I know going out of the state is out of the question. If I wait for others, I’ll never go anywhere. Every year, my desire to travel grows stronger. The more I yearn to do things and fail to achieve them, the more I realize that my life is unfulfilling. I feel stuck and bored, and I crave a renewed sense of vigor. I am determined to change my current situation and travel before settling down, even if my partner can’t join me. Although my finances may not allow me to embark on a grand journey of self-discovery like in “Eat, Pray, Love” or “Wild” with Reese Witherspoon, I refuse to let that stop me.

I’m planning to start small by taking a few weekend trips to some new cities in California alone. I hope to become more comfortable with solo travel with each trip. In the past, I had the urge to run away, leave everything behind, and never look back. But I’ve realized that running away from problems doesn’t solve them, and most of my problems are caused by me. Even if I left, they would still follow me. Although I’m not interested in going away forever anymore, a mindful retreat focused on my soul would be incredibly beneficial at this point in my life. Traveling alone can be very liberating and empowering. I’ve read about other women who have traveled alone and how they discovered their strengths and capabilities. I want to experience that same sense of independence and prove to myself that I’m more capable than I think.

I think my desire to travel is driven by my search for a place where I belong, much like the song from Hercules. Feeling like an outsider is a common experience for many people. We all yearn to find a place where we feel at home, but unfortunately, we do not all have that opportunity. The idea that there’s a place out there where we’ll be wanted and welcomed with open arms is comforting. We can embark on an adventure to explore the world’s vastness and discover more than we ever planned.

I am planning my first trip to Solvang, California, to celebrate my birthday. Wish me luck! My inspiration for this trip is Liz from “Eat, Pray, Love.” I hope to find strength in my independence and welcome new experiences, just you know, without going through a divorce. Though it may take some time, I am determined to make this dream a reality.