Traveling solo sounds super freaky, am I right? But it really isn't. It give you some time to relax, take things slower and actually do things that YOU want to do as opposed as a dreading feeling of always having to say yes to everything. 

Recently I did my first solo trip and it wasn't anything big by any stretch. I got the idea from a FB group I am apart of..."Single Women Solo Travel".  Within that group, quite a few women were wanting to become something else but were a bit afraid to do so. The thought of traveling alone, as a female, perhaps to an unfamiliar area is somewhat intimidating.  The encouragement that was given over and over again was "just do it" and "start small, close to home and see how you do".  Then of course you have the women that have been traveling solo for decades and are seasoned pros. 

I took that nudge I needed and booked an overnight stay for myself at a quaint B&B in Sturgeon Bay. Black Walnut Guest House is within walking distance to the downtown area where you will find cute shops and busy bistros.  It all screams slow and quiet life. 

On my way up to Door County, I had heard alot about Cave Point Park so that was my first stop, but not before I sped into the parking lot of a winery that served up freshly made cherry pie. YUM!  After I got my slice of heaven, I made my way to Cave Point Park and there is where I found my peace.  Normally, I do not feel comfortable walking around wooded areas by myself but there were enough people up there, families included, that I could relax and enjoy the scenery without the feeling of always being on alert.  

As I was sitting on a rock near the water, I thought about the hellish year I have been through and how God was carrying me through the deeply low times of my life.  Slow deep inhales through my nose and slow full exhales from my mouth are what I teach during my Pilates classes as it helps to reset the body. And that is exactly what my body needed. Time to reset, relax and not be on high alert.  Five sets of breathing exercises, with my eyes closed, allowed me to process things I didn't even remember or think about before.  Memories flooded my mind, the good and the bad, what I did do, what I didn't do and the guilt of what I could have done but didn't do. The time I spent on the rock was a part of a healing point for me.  It gave me closure to some things. Made me acknowledge areas in my life that aren't going to be the same and realizing that I successfully went out of my comfort zone, as small as it may be, was the first step in the right direction. 

The more intimidating part of my trip was dinner!  I had grabbed dinner by myself but never at a nicer restaurant, it was more of a quick grab, sit down and eat then leave type of place.  Back at the B&B, I got myself ready as I contemplated just cancelling my reservation at Donnys Lodge on Glidden and giving into my fear.  I knew I had to check this off my list and so I did. I thought ahead and instead of sitting at the table waiting, looking around, I brought a book with me and chose to focus on each word and soak in what I was reading.  Little by little, the nerves went away, I enjoyed my dirty martini and savored each bite of my meal. Of course, I ended my time there with a massive piece of cheesecake that I had taken 3 bites out of.  

My mind was at peace, my heart and body were recharged and I had taken a leap of faith and stepped into the unfamiliar world of traveling solo. The trips don't need to be grand or expensive to be meaningful. Sometimes you just need a night, or a few nights, away to be able to relax, do something for yourself and reset your body, mind and spirit.  

So, how are you going to reset and recharge yourself?  Comment below!