Get Lost
“Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost.” Erol Ozan
I’m a wandering soul. When I was a kid the songs that spoke to my soul were tunes about hitting the road, taking off into the unknown and heading west. After three long summers of hard work and saving, on my 17th birthday, I bought a brand-new Camaro. You can guess what happened next, I took my first cross country road trip just like my heroes. I found myself lost in Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run driving on the open road, that’s where I learned that being alone wasn’t lonely at all.
Even now I crave adventure, I need solitude to feel whole again. This past year I traveled to Hawaii for 10 days by myself. Those who know me well were not surprised that I chose to go solo. Getting lost, especially in nature, helps me reconnect and find myself. In the past I would over explain why I wanted to travel alone. I always felt guilty. This resulted in me developing burn out, I was not being honest with myself.
In between being a free-spirited kid and an adventurous middle-aged woman, I lost myself. So, I did the only rational thing one should do… I lost myself even more so I could find myself again.
Taking a solo trip isn’t for the light hearted but I promise you that the growth you will experience will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Remember to embark on your journey with an open mind and heart, don’t be closed off to the experience.
“One day you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the things you’ve always wanted. Do it now.” Paulo Coelho
5 Ways to Find Yourself
- GET LOST
Pick a destination you’ve always wanted to see and go! Life is short so start checking places off your bucket list right now. If traveling alone makes you uncomfortable, it’s okay to start small. Try a weekend getaway by yourself to reflect and recharge. But the key to finding new things about yourself is to not have any distractions, immerse yourself into your journey and be present in the moment.
- JOURNAL
Write down how you’re feeling, things you notice that you may not have before, anything that will help your mind come back to the destination long after you’ve gone home. I love to reread my journals from adventuring, it really helps me to bring the feeling of joy and peace that I found in solitude. If you’re artistic, drawing in a sketch book or taking photographs is a great alternative to writing.
UNPLUG
It’s tempting to browse the internet, check in on friends on Instagram or answer work emails. Especially when were alone. This kind of behavior has become a default setting, most of us aren’t even aware were reaching down to check our phones. Avoid technology and tune in to your own consciousness. I cannot stress this enough, put down your phone.
- BE SPONTANEOUS
One of the things I enjoy most when I’m traveling alone is throwing out the itinerary. I always find the most unique places when I let go of a plan and see where the day takes me! Try ignoring your watch and be open to experiencing something organic and spontaneous. Maybe you’ll find something new and special while you’re out there getting lost.
- RECONNECT WITH NATURE
Growing up in rural New Jersey I spent a lot of my childhood outside. My happiest memories were created exploring the woods surrounding my house. There’s no better place to find serenity and peace like the great outdoors. Take a moment to reconnect with your inner child, go feel the grass between your toes and the sunshine on your face. You’ll be amazed how mother nature can renew your spirit.
I was absolutely honored to meet Roz Savage and interview her for my Positive Forward Motion Podcast (Click Here To Listen). Roz’s book , Stop Drifting and Start Rowing, is about her incredible journey across 3 oceans all by herself. Roz worked in an office for most of her adult career when she realized she didn’t love what she was doing. She quit her job and became the first woman in history to row solo across 3 oceans! She traveled 15,000 miles by herself… rowing in a boat… with no motor. Every single time I reread Roz’s story I’m jumping for joy and longing to leave it all behind and travel again. Roz found who she really wanted to be by taking a solo journey into the unknown. She is an amazing example that you don’t know the incredible things you’re capable of until you find the courage to get out there and try.
More of my favorite reads about solo travel adventures…
