Life is a journey filled with countless opportunities to grow, learn and enjoy!
Embracing new experiences – like travel – usually pushes us out of our comfort zone and challenges us to tap into our hidden potential. How can you discover what you are truly made of without expanding your horizons? How many times have you been surprised at how strong you can be, or uncovered a hidden skill just by not letting fear hold you back?
I have done both. Over the years, I have held myself back by foolishly listening to my insecurities – for example, turning down my dream study program in New Brunswick to stay closer to home in Ontario, and I have also achieved success by going beyond those fears – like the day I decided I was ready to be a Regional Manager and move out of province..
My conclusion is that as long as I remind myself that I have the resources, the skills and the wherewithal to do accomplish what inspires me, whether its moving, writing a blog or a book or travelling solo, it will go well if I set my mind to it.
Fear is a barrier. Of course, many things can go wrong, but that is why you plan and prepare, and why you assess and mitigate possible negative outcomes. Most importantly, you remind yourself of all that you have overcome, you list all of your skills and attributes, and you move forward.
I am a seasoned traveller, and before I retired, I often travelled alone for business. Dragging my own luggage, arranging cabs and checking into hotels is second nature to me. So, when I decided to embark on my own on a 32-day combination cruise and tour of Portugal and other stops I did not hesitate, even if I had never cruised solo before.
Believe me, stepping out of your comfort zone and embarking on a solo adventure can be incredibly liberating. Not only does it allow you to discover new destinations, but you meet interesting people, and learn more about yourself in the process.
I have just started the trip, and already I have met five beautiful woman of my age who will be my dinner companions for the trip. I am eager to get to know them, and learn what empowers them, how they have lived their lives, what fears we share and together reflect on our proudest moments as women.
Not only am I sailing to new destinations, and meeting new people, but I have also given myself the task of finishing my book “Pairing Passion with Purpose” (still a working title). I am writing it for women like me, who are pondering how to invest their life for the next 30 years, after accomplishing a career, raising a family, being a caregiver etc. Its a book that will hopefully inspire women to go beyond their fears, and live the secret dream they have tucked away in their wishing well.
I am documenting how women have turned a passion or talent into an occupation (not necessarily paid) that brings them joy and gets them out of bed every day. They secret ingredient I think, is combining that passion with a project that benefits others, whether its your family, your friends or your broader community.
Those who know me, know me as independent, curious and able and are not surprised at my readiness to go out on my own. Traveling solo offers a unique sense of freedom and self-discovery, allowing me to explore the world at my own pace, and meet diverse people along the way. Already, I feel empowered and deeply connected with desires and potential. I am ready to reflect on my journey, and gain valuable insights about myself and about life. Most of all, I am eager to share it with you, in the hopes you will be inspired.
Here are some of my skills and attributes that I listed to travel solo and not feel lonely, homesick or sad.. How many of these do I share with you?
- Cruising brings me so much joy.
- I have cruised before and I know what to expect.
- I enjoy my own company, and like being on my own most of the day.
- I haven’t visited some of the ports of call, but I know it will be safe if I book reliable excursions through the ship or well known tour operators.
- I am connected to the internet so I have the ability to be in touch with my family and friends daily.
- I have travel and medical insurance if anything goes wrong.
- I brought many of the comforts of home, to keep my routine.
- I am resourceful and can think problems through.
- I know how to make friends.
- I know my way around airports, terminals, ride shares, tour guides etc.
- I understand about money, safety, and being a smart tourist.
- I am flexible, and can pivot with most unexpected situations.
- I have managed many complex trips, and projects and can get through any situation.
And I subscribe to a couple of long standing principles:
- In the end, it will be ok. If its not ok, then, its not the end.
- I am so blessed, and grateful for all that happens to me.
- Everything is always working out for me.
We are in Coco Cay today. Its a waterpark-private island in the Bahamas just for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruises. I am no longer the beach type, so I opted out to do some writing, and some reading out on the deck.
