Goddess

 I’ve solo traveled quite a lot within the last 2 years. I’ve met all kinds of people, tried learning all kinds of languages, and had so many types of foods. It’s been a unique and interesting experience. However, it has not been easy.

    Like many people say, you learn a lot about yourself as you go out there and discover the world. You think you’re running away from your problems, but they all come with you. And that’s the catch, because it is all a part of you. You see the world as you want to, as you are. Your outer world reflects your inner world, and solo travel amplifies that. You are suddenly faced with ample amounts of time alone in your thoughts. Roaming the streets of Paris, standing outside of cathedrals, sitting in Lisbon cafes, flying on a plane, you are experiencing amazing things, but you are also alone with yourself. There may be people around, strangers to chat with, tour guides to ask questions from, but there is a natural solitude in solo-travel. How does one survive?

    This may sound like a beautiful dream to the common introvert, and I do have my own introverted characteristics, however, it does not make this time simple. Too much time alone with one’s thoughts can affect the person, and you have to choose what you do with that. I’ve chosen the road less traveled- feeling one’s feelings and facing all the demons. There is no good use in numbing and ignoring the pain or thoughts that come up in your reflective period. It’s shadow work. It’s necessary, otherwise you will repeat the cycles and remain stuck in your very own jail cell. The world tells you to numb, distract, medicate. And although distraction methods can work when in a mental crisis, it does not heal you in the long-term. I know because I’ve tried. I’ve never been a person that could be alone for too long because then I didn’t know what to do with myself. I’d be miserable. And don’t get me wrong- my love language is quality time and so I still need good friends and people in my life. But I have also learned that I need to create a safe space, a home, within myself where I can always be loved and at peace, a place I don’t have to run away from.

    I never expected traveling to coincide with shadow work when I think about it. I knew it wouldn’t be easy for me, but I was willing to be brave and do the courageous thing and buy the plane ticket. Wherever you travel to, you bring your brain with you, and if you haven’t healed the way you think and see yourself, you’re going to see others and the world in the same way. Your thoughts truly do create your reality. Gosh, has that rung true during my travels. If you expect for things to go wrong, for others to treat you badly, for travel plans to go awry, then you are manifesting that reality. The beautiful thing about all of this is that I’ve been learning lessons out here that I can apply in my daily life back home. I don’t think I ever would have gone this far in my healing journey if I hadn’t traveled.

    Traveling in itself throws you into a different world, into a different culture, and you are on high alert. You are aware of all your surroundings. You are in culture shock. You don’t understand the language. You are trying to figure out where you’re going and how to get there. And once you’ve settled down, you are quickly faced with the reality that you are completely alone in a new country, a new continent, and there’s no one you know there but yourself. Welcome to solo travel. It is not for the faint of heart. I did the brave thing and stepped out of my comfort zone. The moment I did, however, I began healing old wounds without even realizing it. All of the negative self-beliefs you have about yourself have to go out the door when taking a leap of faith. You have to let go of the notion that you’re not good enough, that you can’t do it, that you’re too weak, and so on. You not only have to be mentally and physically brave, but you also have to be emotionally brave, realizing you are capable and worthy and strong. And once you do the hard thing, you realize you had this in you all along.

    There is so much time for self-care and reflection in solo travel. I have found these times to be great opportunities for yoga, meditation, and journaling. Bouncing from city to city is going to naturally exhaust you, so you may find yourself staying in sometimes. These are the perfect times to rest and pour into yourself. Sit alone with yourself and let the thoughts and feelings come. Realize why they’re there. They’re trying to tell you something. I once read a quote that said, “Feeling down is an indication that something within you is seeking to be released.” So don’t suppress, don’t push it down. Be honest and vulnerable with yourself, it’s the perfect opportunity to do it. You have the time and the space away from people and from your responsibilities. Retreat to your own inner safe space. And if it isn’t safe yet, you can make it safe. 

    You can also self-reflect outside in the world. I find myself in deep thought when I’m sitting in a restaurant in Rome having pasta, or when I’m walking down the streets of Florence, or when I’m swimming in the Mediterranean Sea in Southern France, and so on. You never really stop thinking, so why not create a positive thought life? Why not have great conversations with yourself (even if that may sound crazy)? Why not dive deep into your mind and figure out why you think the way you do? Why now journal about it and self-therapize? While you’re at it, why not dive deeper into your spirituality? Not only are you traveling alone, but you are also healing yourself. You are showing yourself and capable and courageous you are. You are getting to know your higher power which is helping you get to know yourself. It all comes full circle. You traveled all across the world just to come home to yourself in the end, because it was within you all along. 

    So, yes, I would say my mind has changed quite a lot.