We’re all a little afraid of being alone, whether we want to admit it to ourselves or not. Your fear of being in solitude may not be even be super obvious to you, or maybe you’re that person whose fear of being alone is so apparent you’d never go to a restaurant or concert by yourself (I feel).
I was always kind of that prideful bitch who swore I didn’t sweat being single or not having tons of mates to go to brunch with, but at the end of the day I sweat it loneliness more than I’d sweat at the gym. It probably doesn’t help that I don’t go to the gym much, but you get the point I’m trying to make.
A year ago, I tried to organise a holiday with some friends, and they just weren’t down for it. I was bloody devastated, but the concept of traveling alone was not there. I felt like if I went somewhere alone I’d definitely get kidnapped or have a Brittney Spears in 2007 level melt down. So I stayed home comfortably unsatisfied.
I love to travel. It’s a necessity for me to get out of town, get out of work, and take sometime enjoying life instead of always working for something. If your life feels like a constant compromise, traveling alone might be for you. Here’s how and why you should to do it.
#1 Taking Baby Steps Is Okay
If you have a deep fear of traveling alone, start small. Retreating to a different city for the weekend or even just a day trip all alone is great way to get your feet in the travel door. If that concept is too daunting, try going to a concert alone or take yourself out to eat. Do the things you want to do that you’re holding yourself back from. While these may seem like small steps, these moments of conquering anxiety are a big deal. Anytime you conquer a fear, you’re making yourself bolder.
#2 You Seriously Need Space
Life can hit you like a tidal wave, I’m sure you know what I mean. One week can be fine and the next all your friends are fighting, you’ve consistently had bad days at work, and you feel like you’re stuck in a rut.
You’ll know when it’s time to be alone. Even if it’s scary, getting away from all the drama can be the best therapy. Being in solitude, away from your comfort zone, totally puts things in to perspective. Whether it’s intended or not, being away from home let’s you know who you miss and who you could comfortably not see for at least two years.
On top of that, you deserve totally deserve a little getaway.
#3 It’s Time To Calm the Fuck Down
My first time leaving the country alone felt like I was signing up for my own death. I had about three good-bye parties, sobbed at everyone of them, and couldn’t look at my dog without my heart shattering. Yet, I was only leaving the country for two months.
My first day in a new city all alone I spent in a total state of panic. I thought everyone was staring at me, judging me, or planning to keep me in their basement for the rest my life.
In reality it’s important to remember the only person who knows you’re in a new place alone is you.
When I became comfortable being alone in a new place I was so fucking happy. If you’re skeptical about traveling alone, know you could so proud of yourself for conquering your fears. Finally, you’re not the one scrolling on Instagram being envious of everyone else on vacay. You’re that bitch everyone else is envious of.
#4 You’ve Never Been Alone Before
If you’ve basically never done anything alone before, give yourself time to become your own best friend. This is so incredibly important because at the end you’re spending the rest of your life with yourself, so you may as well do everything you can to make yourself comfortable with you.
Best of all— picture this, you choose the restaurant, you pick the beach, you talk to cool strangers, and you can be whoever you want to be.
Traveling alone is like having an alter ego. You can be the most extra form of yourself you want to be. You can wear whatever you want, you can talk to whoever you want, and you can do all that weird shit you look forward to doing when you’re alone at home at any time.
#5 You’re Tired of Waiting For The Perfect Moment
If you’re tired of waiting, you should be. Your life is happening now, not in the future. If you’re ridden with envy that yet another person you follow on Instagram is vacaying with their S.O, be your own S.O and have a better fucking time.
Image Source: Giphy, Unsplash.
