Discovering Personal Growth
As a mum of three living in a rural area, my social interactions are often limited to school mums, the butcher, and my kids' music teacher. The thought of traveling can feel both expansive and a bit intimidating. Even the pre-travel phase can be a challenge: booking the car at the airport, sorting out visas, and getting the flight times right—all of it is done independently.
I invariably make mistakes, but that teaches me independence and sharpens my attention to detail. Traveling alone is vastly different from organizing family trips. It allows me to reconnect with myself, stepping out of my routine, skill set, and environment. With no one to talk to or depend on, I face the challenges myself. This environment fosters resilience and a gritty attitude.
Wobbles may occur, but you push through them. There’s no one else to lean on; it’s just you. These moments of difficulty lead to personal growth.
The Kindness of Strangers
Another beautiful aspect of solo travel is the kindness of others. Humans are, for the most part, wonderful. People genuinely want to help you; they assist with bags or guide you to your gate. Conversations often spring up in queues about the high prices of airport food.
These little micro-connections can be delightful, especially with fellow solo travelers. Unlike traditional ways of meeting people, where it might take time to open up, deeper connections often blossom quickly at retreats or training programs. We're in a vulnerable space where emotions run high, and it’s refreshing to shed our masks and simply be ourselves.
There’s an innate understanding among women—from younger participants who remind us of our past to older women who reflect our future. We bond over relatable life themes: purpose, family struggles, relationships, and career choices. Life really does bring us together.
The World Is Big, but We are All Alike
Traveling solo offers a chance to see that the world may be vast, yet we share fundamental similarities. If I were with my children, my attention would be solely on them. Traveling on my own allows me to encounter diverse experiences that go beyond a typical all-inclusive vacation.
Whether I'm exchanging flirtatious banter with local coffee shop owners in a quaint Mexican town or discussing cultural differences with a Balinese driver, I’m reminded of our shared humanity. Often, despite varying backgrounds, our humor and family values unite us.
Appreciating Home Sweet Home
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I wholeheartedly agree. I spend considerable time at home, where small annoyances can overshadow the positives—like the messiness and dependency of my family. Traveling helps to illuminate the blessings in my life.
Returning home after my trips makes me realize how lucky I am to have a family and a life filled with small, mundane joys. Sure, I grumble about the chaos of socks and laundry soon after arriving back. But, deep down, I feel an overwhelming gratitude for my everyday life. Stepping away often makes it easier to appreciate what I've got.
Celebrating Achievements
Travel has become a source of empowerment. Not long ago, even minor tasks felt overwhelming due to my struggles with depression and anxiety. Low confidence kept me from believing I could travel, let alone go halfway around the world for a training session.
Now, returning from a trip, I feel a sense of accomplishment. I navigated this journey, enjoyed new experiences, and emerged in my own identity beyond just 'mum' or 'wife.' I was Rachel—a woman exploring her passions, and it was a marvelous experience.
Encouraging Other Women
I wish more women, especially those my age, would embrace solo travel. I sometimes meet younger and older travelers, but not as many women with children who find themselves "in the thick of it." They truly need these experiences.
Traveling solo challenges you. It helps grow your confidence and reaffirms your strength. You begin to see yourself as capable and likable, realizing that the world is your oyster. You're not merely a mum, wife, or employee; you are you! This newfound space allows for reflection, breathing, and dreaming about what comes next.
So, when will you embark on your next adventure? My Cornwall retreat is now open for bookings! Feel free to reach out to me with your questions or concerns about attending solo! Email me and let’s chat!
Comments