As I start my yearly retreat in Ireland I thought I’d answer the question that I get asked frequently.
“Why do you travel alone?”
When was the last time you took off on a trip by yourself? I’m not talking a movie night or going to see relatives, although these are a great place to start. I’m talking about a week or weekend where you don’t have to answer to anyone or anything. The job and responsibilities are left behind and the phone isn’t by your side.
Each year I challenge myself to experience a time like this as I head to Ireland for an exhibition and a self-designed residency for six to eight weeks. The first time I did this was a real awakening experience; I had decided to spend an additional week in Ireland after traveling with my sisters and mother. When they left me alone in our last hotel I suddenly realized I had no one but myself to rely on, which was a bit unsettling in a foreign country.
The feelings were both scary and empowering all at the same time.
I knew no one in the entire country that I could have called upon if I had needed help. Once I got past this paralyzing feeling I began to experience the biggest rush of an adventure. Each time I accomplished something I told myself “Look that wasn’t hard and you did it all on your own!”
Traveling on your own comes with some wonderful perks. YOU decide which exhibitions you attend, what architectural marvels you walk past, how long you linger in a space and what direction you walk.
Good or bad, right or wrong each decision is yours…ALL YOURS!
Over the years I have found this time to be very cathartic. I spend a great deal of time soul-searching, writing, creating artwork and gathering information which later is translated into works of art in my Huntsville, Alabama studio. Writing was never something that I considered myself to be good at but it has really given a lot back to me over time. I force myself to reflect on my life and all the riches that it provides on a daily basis and what I’d love to add to it over time. These discoveries always manage to find their way into my work either through my writing or creative manifestations. I spend a great deal of time observing nature while climbing the mountains and sitting by the sea. The freshness of the breezes whipping my hair from side to side give my skin that freshly touched feeling.
These times of solitude feel like a baptism, allowing me to open a new chapter in my life. I can’t wait to see where this year challenges me to go!
How do you reset or challenge yourself?
Yes I can identify with traveling alone. I used to go on Elderhostel tours alone…sometimes I’d find people to enjoy and sometimes I was just alone. I did go on trips with 2 sisters but they clung together because they lived in the same place so I was alone at times. Good to clear my head at times. Yes Margaret do your own thing…and you do it well.
Thanks Shirley! Elderhostel trips sound like a wonderful time as well. Traveling alone really is a great way to clear your head and work through things. Happy travels!