“If you’re lonely when you’re alone, you’re in bad company.”
― Jean-Paul Sartre
My car’s name is Winifred. Winny for short. She is my travel companion. She is bumped and bruised and always covered in a layer of dirt inside and out. I may be the only person on the planet small enough to sleep in a smart car but I have done it comfortably on more than one occasion. Just me and Winny.
If you had asked me to travel alone a decade ago I would have been terrified. I would have thought “no, that will never be me!” because I was the person who always wanted a companion. I needed someone to be my security blanket. In new situations I would whisper, “please hold my hand and don’t let go.”
I always admired the women who moved through life by themselves. I always looked up to the strong feminine figures who walk their own path, who bask in the sunlight of solitude. Finally I decided to stop admiring and to become one of them.
When I started the terrifying journey of being alone I had no idea how much it would change my life. My first adventure mobile was a cute red scooter that took me to the beach every day. I had her at a time in my life when I was learning hard lessons about the dangers of relying on others. I remember the freedom I felt with the wind in my hair, the sound of my music playing, and the pure joy of having absolutely no one around to tell me how to feel, or what to do, or how to appreciate the moment.
Since then I have found that the most magical and transformational adventures happen only when I am alone. I’ve also learned that life is to be lived fully whether you have companions or not! I will never again be the person who turns down a chance because I have no one to accompany me. Take yourself to dinner, go to concerts, have an adventure, live your life and chase your dreams whether anyone comes with you or not.
Sometimes going alone is scary but there is no greater feeling than conquering that fear. There is empowerment in the journey. So take that first solo step. Bask in the sunlight.
What are you going to do alone?
Much love,
Jenny the Time Traveling Pirate
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Jenny, Thank you for this post that was just what I needed to hear today. I’ve disappointed a few friends lately as I declined offers to do things together. It’s sometimes hard to explain the joy of traveling alone to others without hurting their feelings. It’s one thing to choose to go it alone because you have no companion ready at hand, and a step further to decline companionship even when it is available. This has nothing to do with being anti-social and everything to do with self-discovery and inspiration and art – all of which are clearly seen in your photographs. I find it comforting that we are each walking our own path.
Yes yes yes!! I’m desperate to go on mini adventures again with my boyfriend like we did last year, but he works 7 days a week now so we have no time to go anywhere that isn’t a supermarket or a cafe. 🙁
He keeps saying that I should go alone and I keep thinking about the love I had for everything when I did travel alone years ago but now I’m with him I just want to share all my experiences with him!
By reading this post I’m slowly starting to convince myself I’ll be okay on my own. 🙂
Jenny, such a wonderful reminder for us not to be afraid of our own company. Thank you for sharing your wise words.
Ah, this is my jam! LOVE this so much. Your beautiful photographs are only enhanced by the words. Thanks for sharing.
So many things I can think of doing alone… Wishful thinking, lol…