Taking a Solo Trip
Today marks day four of my latest solo trip. As I was heading across the South this week I stumbled across a retired couple at the Anchuca Bed and Breakfast in Vicksburg, Mississippi who commented how they thought it was incredible that I travel alone. I’ve actually been doing this most of my adulthood. It began in late college where my previous husband suggested I take a study abroad trip to Europe. Yes, Europe. I just turned 21 and decided it was perfect to spend a few weeks overseas with no one I knew. You do not have to take your family every where you go. Whether you are in a relationship, marriage, have kids or a family I want to give you permission to book that trip by yourself! Family vacations are incredible but traveling alone is where I renew myself. That trip I hit three countries six cities in two weeks. It changed my life for forever. I no longer feared travel or being by myself but instead looked forward to future things where I could explore.
Fast forward a few years and I’d soon be traveling from time to time for work. I discovered that having an extra day before or after helped me feel refreshed for my work activities. I would stay through the weekend at the end to explore and sight see. Occasionally having my other half join me, but sometimes it was just me. After my divorce I decided to take it a step further and book trips completely alone for fun. Road trips across Texas to the Medina River and Bandera, TX. I took a greyhound bus to Florida to meet someone in Panama City once. I’ve hopped on planes for three day weekends and hit cities where I met up with friends for a day or two in Chicago, Boston, and other East Coast cities. Then, last December I took one of biggest solo trips and drove all the way from Texas to Florida alone. I loved it - I toured the historic area of Pensacola, spent time journaling on the beach and ate really amazing food at George’s Bistro.
I am now a single mom who needs downtime. I love having my daughter and would give her anything but I also have an immense amount of pressure to be and do all. I work a pretty high-stress job and could feel myself in need of time away a few weeks ago. I am writing this to tell you there is a way for you to be a good parent, spouse, family member and have time to yourself. Maybe it’s a far-fetched idea right now. Maybe you think you have no one to watch your kid. Maybe you’ve never left your hometown alone. Maybe you can’t imagine leaving your spouse alone for the weekend. Well, sister or brother - YES YOU CAN. When there is a will, there is always a way. Everything is figureoutable and I’m here to tell you if you need a vacation - you have permission to take one.
Top and Pants - From my sweet friend’s online boutique - My Ry Styles
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