I was going through some life changes a few years ago, but my life still felt incomplete. There was so much I wanted to do and so much to explore, but I never did because the people I dated never wanted to, or we were just too busy. And when I became single, I still struggled to get myself to do what I wanted. One day I took the leap and bought a kayak. Soon camping equipment. I decided if I wanted to be happy and independent like I’ve always desired I have to start now! And I cannot wait for others to make me happy either. I truly had to figure out how to be happy alone. My want for independence needed to happen. So I took the plunge and went on a 10 day vacation alone in the Upper Peninsula. It pushed all my boundaries and tested my self confidence. It was mentally taxing as well as rewarding.
So I figured I’d start a blog, even though I travel once a year and thus for about 10 days each time. Alone because well I am alone and I’m not going to wait on people to be around in order for me to enjoy and see life. And surprisingly I enjoy being alone on vacation, I enjoy leaving all my personal and daily emotions and feelings at home. I enjoy keeping work at home. I enjoy this time I have with myself. I do oddly enough, enjoy writing and telling the world of my “emotions” but I like keeping my personal life private. I feel talking about my vacations and it’s challenges and experiences as a solo traveler would be a good place to write, vent and express in all its fullness while still keeping me private. Not that I have much going on in my life. I have no idea where this will lead or if at all.
Some things to know about me since I’ve started traveling alone, I take my vacations very seriously. I almost wish I couldn’t receive a single text when I am out. Even tho it was hard the first year, I realized it was the best experience I’ve ever had, taking a vacation with no cell service. Except for my mom, I like to text her and send pictures. But when other people, friends, work, text me, it stresses me out. I am on vacation because I work a 60 hours a week. Therefore when I go on vacation it is vital to my mindset to be in my absolute zen mode. No interruptions. I need the reset. Traveling alone is challenging enough as well as rewarding, I don’t need my real life to jump in and mix everything up. When I am on vacation, I realize the more I am out here the harder it is to return to life. Do I want to return home some days? Yeah sure. But return to my daily life? No. And I have no attachments nor friends that are there to make me want to go back. Sorry not sorry for offending those who thought your presence was vital for my return.
Hopefully these trips will inspire me emotionally and spiritually so I can put it into the work I do enjoy and also into my freelance artwork. The day where my camping becomes my everyday life will happen. Some day and somehow.
Eventually I’ll add last year's journey but let’s start with right now.
But this is me. 10 days a year. All my frustrations, Challenges, rewards, beauties and more importantly my growth.