Traveling with Me, Myself and I

I’ve always enjoyed and been comfortable with my solitude. Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with my friends and I have some of the best. I would consider myself quite independent and I love spending time by myself, whether it’s going on long walks or spending the day alone, it’s something I need. Unfortunately in our culture being alone is often paired with feelings of loneliness while being with others is seen as bringing happiness. For me, there is a different kind of happiness for when I’m alone and when I’m with my friends. I try to embrace my alone time and find it an important aspect of being happy and healthy.

I’ve gone to the movies, concerts and dinner alone and I’ve recently wanted to try traveling alone. Having wanderlust has been a great true love of mine and what better way than to spend it with myself? A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to visit Los Angeles to see two close friends of mine. While my friends were working during the week, I had most of the day to travel on my own, which was a new life experience. I was a bit nervous about the whole idea but through that came excitement and wonder. I put on my brave big girl shoes and rented a car for the week and each morning, I would decide where I wanted to go and typed it in to my GPS, having an Australian woman guide me through the Los Angeles area.

I was concerned I may feel lonely at times or have a scary encounter or wonder what the hell I was doing but thankfully, neither happened. Except for that one sketchy bus encounter but that’s a story for another day. It was wonderfully freeing going where the wind blew me each day. Not only did I see many beautiful sights but I also learned something important: I’m good company on my own. May we all be good company and a good friend to ourselves. It was during my alone time on my travels that I learned more about who I am and that was a true gift.

I discovered how much I happily enjoyed exploring a new city with me, myself and my camera lens. I now feel ready to tackle a whole new life experience, one where I travel to a place where I don’t know anyone and see how I do. While being alone, whether traveling or just for the day, it’s incredible what you can learn about yourself while gaining a newfound independence. You don’t need to travel far away to do this. Take yourself and explore your town or near by city and try and be open to all the wonders that you have yet to discover. Put on your brave shoes, be safe and see what is waiting for you, it just might be yourself.

by Lucy Fisher