Solo Traveler & Outlander
I was born in Peru and have lived in over 25 homes in the USA during my life. I thought I was afraid of traveling alone until I realized - I’m an Outlander! Yes, a foreign stranger because my home is the world.
This blog is about taking the courage to start traveling alone, even after fearing the idea of solo activities. It turns out I’m brave, and I know that you’re ready to take the plunge.
My husband Jimmy often tells me, "You cannot be brave unless you are first afraid." Traveling alone has undoubtedly been a process, and I'm a person who loves to do everything in the community. And flying is one of those things that I enjoy doing in big groups.
I love having friends in different rows of the plane!
So after traveling in a big group to Russia in 2018 for the World Cup, I decided to take baby steps to take my first solo trip to Oregon in 2019, which has led to many solo trips until 2022. I must confess that this decision was also motivated by Jimmy's inability to fly with me.
So Jimmy booked the flight!
I know, so much for independence; back story first. In 2017 I fired myself from booking flights because I booked my flight to Vancouver, Canada, instead of Vancouver, Washington. And a year before that, I booked a cruise for the wrong dates.
I'm a big-picture kind of girl.
So the details are annoying. You can trust me with the big traveling plans; please keep me away from the details. So we decided to do that for the winter/spring of 2019.
Three cities, three conferences, and three states
And that is how I got started. I made my first solo trip to Portland, OR for a conference and a conference for my Nutritional Therapy Association. This trip was my 2nd time in Portland, and I was excited to also support a colleague at her EXPO booth.
One of the things that helped me the most was painting the picture for my Season outcome. For spring 2019, networking was my outcome. I know that when I'm with a group I know, I'm less motivated to meet new people even though I gain energy from hanging out with people.
When I network alone, I set the tone!
Even though I knew some people at the conference, I challenged myself to walk around and meet new people. So when I returned to my hotel room, I had time to reflect on my new connections, which made my trip more fun.
My daily intention matched my season outcome!
If you’re an entrepreneur reading, sales is crucial to our businesses. Now, if you’re triggered by the word “sales,” allow me to share my definition, “sales is creating win-win scenarios.” At this conference, I was there to help support a colleague who’s mission I believe in.
Aligned mission/vision is a win-win.
And I also know that people like to do business with their friends. Therefore, networking and getting to know people is the critical function of my role as owner of YSuperstars. When I am afraid, I focus on my strengths and what I love to do if I want this to be a long-term activity.
Working from your strengths is sustainable!
Your strengths are your anchor and keep you steadfast and stable. The more stable we feel, the more confident we become in our strengths, which will encourage us to continue. And, of course, detours and stops come along the journey, and we get to turn those lessons into wisdom.
So are you ready to take the plunge?
Now, if you’re a reader of this blog and you’re opposite from me, and you love traveling and doing things solo, how about a plunge into a group trip or something else?
You got this, Superstar!
Choose ONE activity and challenge yourself to take a different turn/take on it. And find ways to utilize your strengths to support this challenge. Baby steps count! Remember, an Outlander is a foreign/stranger, and it can be applied to any activity.
Risk a new way
To my girls who are afraid of solo traveling like me, set your calendar and pick a weekend. Set an intention and see how to utilize your strengths during this time. Superstars, let me know what your thoughts are on this topic.
What is or has been your experience with solo traveling?
Please drop it in the comments below and let us learn from each other. And if you’re the Queen of Solo Trips, help us out!
Love,
Me.
