24 August 2012

How a Solo Vacation Can Light Your Fire

The pen sits comfortably in my hand and yet my handwriting is wobbly. But not because I haven't written in a real notebook for ages. I woke up at dawn to catch a bus that will take me on a long, 7-hour journey to the seaside of my childhood.

Things have been changing in the past 20 years but somehow I have stubbornly failed to notice. I am touring a country that now exists only in my childhood memories. So, writing on a notebook with a pen is the most appropriate way to document my thoughts. Computers and childhood memories don't go well together.

Spending 2 weeks with family is quite exhilarating but only now, at the first step of my journey alone I can hear my thoughts.

Photo: kanelstrand

Have you taken a solo vacation?
Or have you ever spent a single day deliberately enjoying your own company? You should! Especially if you're afraid of it. Your fear is a sign that there is much to be explored. If you love company, make a change - go out alone! Challenge your prejudices and habits and set out on a date with that part of you that you've been systematically neglecting.

Take it slow
Being on your own will let you get out of the comfortable routine of always being surrounded by people. Once in the stormy sea of the unknown you will feel unexpected delight. Even if you can only afford a day, make it worth - walk slowly, notice the details, listen to your thoughts and write them down. They will feel flattered and will repay you with creativity.

Enjoy
Remember to аbsorb every little detail along the way. Try to be present in the moment and to appreciate all sounds, aromas, or anything that comes along. Not all will be perfectly set but remember, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". If you are positive you will be able to see the beauty around. Forget your daily woes and concentrate on the moment, be it just climbing a tree or looking at a floating leaf. These are simple pleasures that will talk to your soul.

Make it a routine
Try to spend a deliberate solo vacation once a year. It is not necessary to be a full-fledged two-week luxury vacation. It can be a few days, or even just one. The point is to give your mind space and tranquility and to start following its rhythm. And you will be enchanted by the results, I promise.

Me? My fire is lit, even though I am still on my first day. My creative juices are flowing and I am impatient to see what follows. I am grateful to my husband who almost forced me to go on a solo vacation and proved yet again that he is my guiding light.

How about you? Would you take the solo vacation step?




22 comments:

  1. I haven't taken a proper solo vacation in a long while, but I do cherish solitude and have no problem being completely alone.The world is experienced so very differently when it's just you and your senses! :)

    Enjoy your family and your escapade!

    -Ana

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    1. Thank you Ana, I hope I am enjoying it to the fullest!

      Yes, the world turns into quite a different place when it's just you!

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  2. I love spending time by myself. Time to reflect and enjoy the solitude. Have a wonderful time.
    Laura

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    1. Thank you Laura. It is so exciting to be surrounded by people who love solitude as much as me!

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  3. I'm often astonished how hard it is for some people to do things alone, even only having a lunch or going to the movies. I also like to go on a vacation alone.

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    1. Yes, there are people who are very attached to human presence, and while I understand that they have their own battles to fight, I am glad I am on another battlefield.

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  4. This is a pretty smart idea. Sometimes I go running in the morning while the sun comes up and it's SO relaxing (surprising to put relaxing & run in the same sentence) but being alone in my own head while watching the world wake up is so wonderful. I think a whole day or even a few would be something to really enjoy.

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    1. You are quite right, though it may sound weird that running can be relaxing I totally relate to what you share. Spending time alone doing even the hardest physical work is relaxing because it gives you space. Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. I would love a solo vacation, and hope that someday I will make the time for one. You've shared some great tips here, thanks for sharing. Enjoy your time alone, and your family!

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    1. Thank you Trina! I wish you to have your solo vacation just at the right time!

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  6. Solo vacations are the best! It's nice to do everything on your own schedule. You don't have to ever wait on anyone else to get up, you can eat whatever and whenever you want, you can read every single info box on museum pieces without anyone else shuffling their feet and sighing... ;o)

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    1. Yes! That is exactly what I love about the idea!

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  7. I love the idea of a solo vacation. It's actually one of my private goals for my 30s - to go somewhere completely on my own. Maybe somewhere I've been, maybe somewhere new, but definitely alone. Just take my journal and my Kindle and my iPod and go. A nice hotel, good food, treats...it sounds idyllic.

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    1. Yes, I am sure you can do great even without the gadgets - in this way you will have time to really concentrate on yourself.

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  8. Love this post and love the comments. I've traveled alone for my entire adult life, sometimes spending many weeks and even months abroad or in a different American city. It's the only way to travel, in my opinion. Priceless. Rejuvenating. A meeting with your true self.

    Thanks for another excellent read, Missus!

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    1. You know more than us then! And we can definitely learn from you, so you have to share more!

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  9. I stand by this post completely, it is so good to just explore the world by yourself sometimes. Before married life and our son, I visited Chicago a few times and went to London for a week. Now the most alone time I get is the occasional movie but I definitely appreciate it!

    Hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy it all! Have you ever read Travels With Charley by Steinbeck? He goes across the country on his own and documents it, really interesting.

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    1. Thank you Holly. I believe that you are in dire need of more time alone but it is great that you can appreciate the little you have. That's the way to go and a lot of us can learn from you and start feeling grateful for the little things we have!

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  10. I have never done this before but I can see how it could be enjoyable. Perhaps I'll do it sometime.

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  11. I love taking time to get away by myself. I travel a lot by myself and I find that time alone really rejuvenates my spirit. Great post!
    Valerie
    Everyday Inspired

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    1. Thank you Valerie! Following your blog I have always believed that you feel great by yourself!

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