Meira's Memoirs / Chapter 4 / Going Solo

 After I dropped my daughter off at her college in Sept 2015, I remember deciding - for the very first time - to go into a London pub on my own. I remember feeling terribly awkward and yet forced myself, thinking that I needed to get used to doing stuff alone. I distinctly remember finding a corner seat, ordering a beer and smoking whilst trying not to make eye contact with anyone; gradually the nerves eased and I looked around and saw I was not the only one sitting on their own. In about 20 odd minutes, I had even started making conversation with some of them! It wasn't so bad at all. I recall the smile on my face as I walked back to my hotel that night. Another first, and it made me more courageous .... 

I was ready to go solo!


Extract from Meira's Memoirs - Mar 2016


It was six months since my nest turned empty and I was just about wrapping my head around this new phase of life. I had completed the inevitable internal conversations on being lonely vs being alone and I was beginning to get really comfortable with my own company. 


One fine day, as I walked out of a spa treatment with my friend, I suddenly had a vision of me admiring beautiful snow capped mountains. The wanderlust in me sprung its eager head and for the first time in my life, I decided to go off and find those snow capped peaks - on my own.  


I had read about solo travel and had always wanted to try but never had the opportunity. Now was the perfect time. I researched and found a country I barely knew anything about - Georgia. It had, I discovered, a ski resort that could barely qualify as a “resort” but had majestic slopes all around. And soon I was on the plane …





One of the most feared things for us humans is being alone; we are social animals and seek comfort in being around loved ones. 


I believe this is not entirely true ; in my opinion, we humans worry about loneliness and being alone doesn’t always have to mean being lonely. Loneliness can lead to despair and darkness. Being alone can be beautiful and liberating. 


A lot of this is a mindset that needs rewiring so that when required we can let go of dear ones and not just survive but flourish. We can find unknown strengths within ourselves and little by little, gather courage enough to walk those roads less travelled in our self discovery process.


I firmly believe we all should try solo travel atleast once in our lifetime; it will push you out of your comfort zone, you may need a heavy nudge but once you are on the move, it’s exhilarating and most importantly, when the journey is over, the boost to your confidence levels is unimaginable. 


You will realize that at most times, all you need is within you. You can and should be your best friend. Going solo brings out your vulnerabilities and deepest fears - at times your feet will refuse to move and your mind will be numb - you just have to power through and when you do, a weight will be lifted from your shoulders, a weight you probably didn’t even acknowledge. And you will feel free…..


 



Within minutes of landing in the very dilapidated and practically empty hotel in Gudauri, all I could hear was the sound of my own breathing and I was ready to immediately dive into panic mode. I somehow dragged myself to the window and watched the mountains and reminded myself why I was here. 


The white peaks soon worked their magic and embraced me, giving me reassurance and slowly and sheepishly, I started to explore the place. I relished the peace and solitude and actually felt the calm descending on my soul. 


From then on, I was hooked; I still am…..

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