I think everyone should plan one vacation to be alone with themselves and learn how much fun and liberating it can be. Make time for a minimum of forty-eight hours to do or go wherever you like and experience whatever moves you.
The freedom that comes from only planning for yourself and immersing in an activity that you like to do that gives you inner peace. The whole experience is about you; and only you. Do not think that this is a very selfish act because on the contrary to give to yourself allows you to give more to others. Go for a walk, run, hike by yourself or even a drive. Keep driving until something moves you. If you see a quaint little restaurant, stop at the location, and experience it by ordering the daily special, you may be surprised that it was the best meal you’ve had in a long time.
In this fast-paced society we are so afraid of missing out on something that you are in fact allowing yourself to lose out on genuine experiences. We don’t take the time to explore locally, but if we do, we want to do it with someone else because in society it is looked down upon to be alone. It’s as if, if you are alone then there must be something wrong with you because you do not have someone beside you to share a moment with, however it is very liberating to do things on your own.
When doing things by yourself, you are the sole timekeeper, you’re not being rushed or shuffled onto the next thing because the person with you is impatient. Sometimes we limit our experiences when we do them with others because you are either concerned that you are taking too long or you’re not taking long enough for someone else. Imagine going to explore something new and you can see, feel, hear and touch to your heart’s content. Wouldn’t that be awesome? You can choose to go slow, fast or even cut it short if you’re bored without offending someone else who may have gone to great lengths to plan this event for you.
The freedom of making these solo decisions are truly a gift to oneself and each and every one of us deserves to be nice to ourselves and place ourselves first in order to best give to others. Even if you start with a twenty-four-hour time block to take time away from what you call home on a monthly basis to have a meaningful experience doing something that rejuvenates you then you should make the time and not allow excuses to get in the way. Make it a habit and take the time to get to know yourself and you will be rewarded with realizing how freeing this can be.
Joanne Robinson
