Hi Reader,
This week has me thinking about solo travel, about how it has changed me, and how many different ways it can look. Part of that is because I’ve been talking about it more lately, on my podcast and in a couple of guest conversations.
Solo Travel Retreats
The latest episode of the podcast is with Gina Cambridge. Gina lives in New Zealand and has led more than 30 solo travel retreats and tours in a variety of countries. What I appreciated most about our conversation is how she makes space for a version of solo travel that does not require you to do everything alone.
You can
- Fly by yourself and join a group.
- Make friends and take space.
- Share a room or book your own.
- Go to lunch alone or talk to someone new.
It still counts.
You do not have to do solo travel my way for it to be meaningful. So if solo travel has been calling you, her episode is a good place to start.
Link: https://freedomlookslikethis.com/wanderlust-solo-travel-retreats/
Meeting Yourself on the Journey
On my recent trip to Cambodia, I met a woman who told me she was searching for herself. I had to stop myself from saying anything because one important rule in coaching is to only coach people who ask for it.
But I’ve thought about her a few times since because what I’ve learned is that the shift is often not about chasing or going further away. It is about tuning in instead of out.
That is what I talk about on Talkin About Midlife with Kellie Stirling. We get into the difference between escaping yourself and actually meeting yourself.
If you have ever wondered whether travel could give you more than a break or if you're ready to meet yourself fully, this conversation is worth your time.
Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-65-meeting-yourself-on-the-journey-with/id1490365703
Lessons from Travel
A Sufi teacher in India once told me I was watching my life from the window of a train. I still think about that because it was a jolt that I needed. I moved to India for my first big overseas experience and came away thinking, after this, I can do almost anything. But it's true that in many places of my life, I was waiting to be chosen. I was waiting for my boss to offer me a promotion, for people to want to be my friend, for other people to define my value. I waited for a long time before I realized that I could choose myself, that my life didn't need to be on hold.
I didn't realize it at the time, but I was building a lot of self-trust by doing things even when I was scared or didn't know what to expect. I found the wonder and exhilaration of going to new places, and I learned that the feeling of excitement is a lot like fear. After that, I stopped being afraid of fear. I realized that fear was a signal to pay attention, not to give up but to get laser-focused. The things that we're most afraid of are the things that have the capacity to have the most impact on our lives, things that could help us live joyous, exhilarating lives. Yes, heartbreak is possible too. But for me, I'll accept heartbreak if it means I also have the opportunity to laugh out loud with so much joy that I can barely contain it all. What if being open to heartbreak is the only way to access such joy?
For me, solo travel makes so much possible, both heartbreak and immense joy. If you have been thinking about solo travel but have not quite taken the step, I have a workshop for you, coming May 30.
You are all welcome. But I want to be clear: I will be focusing on women over 40 who want to get in touch with themselves and figure out what their first or next solo trip could look like.
We will look at what is keeping you stuck, what kind of trip actually fits you, and how to take the next step without waiting to feel ready.
Join the workshop here:
https://freedomlookslikethis.com/training/
Your turn
I would love to hear from you.
What is one cool, surprising, or meaningful thing that has happened because you traveled, even if the trip was small?
Hit reply and tell me. I'll enter everyone who responds to win a VIP Pass for the solo trip decision workshop on May 30. I'll be pulling the winner on May 24 whenever I start my day.
Warmly,
Damianne
P.S. If solo travel feels more like a thought than a plan, start with the workshop. Sign up here.