Solo for the Soul

Imagine a place where time stands still. There is nowhere to be and nothing to do. Present and in the moment, a deep sense of peace and ease wash over, alive and in flow. I call it Solo for the Soul; it’s when I purposely spend time with myself doing things I love to do. 

I've had many opportunities to stay alone in hotels, travel to other countries and hop in my car for a solo road trip. Yet, it has always been for work, friends, or family visits. But last year, that changed when a planned trip took a turn I didn't see coming. 

My best friend and I were set to embark on a three-day snowshoeing trip in Banff National Park. We booked a beautiful Airbnb and were ready for an all-out girls' weekend adventure. However, the morning we were ready to hit the road; she had to cancel. With our accommodations cancellation window closed and time booked off, I was faced with a choice. I could stay home and sulk, or I could go alone. So I decided to go alone. 

As I left the city, I was in an emotional figure eight of frustration and sadness. But the closer I got to my destination, the more my curiosity sparked; what if this was supposed to happen? What if it's a blessing and I have the best time? And it was, and I did!

I savoured the quiet mornings, drinking coffee. I rolled out my yoga mat under the window sun. Three days in the mountains alone in a crowd, I snowshoed, hiked, and sat at tables for one. It was the first time I had ever travelled for leisure alone. I took it all in with gratitude and awe. It was both refreshing and nourishing—a gift I wasn't expecting.

I gained a new perspective that weekend—one of possibility and fun. There are two places where I do my best thinking. One is with my coach, and the other is alone in nature. That weekend brought 'alone in nature' to a whole new level.

Solo for the Soul was born that weekend, an opening for new thinking and a fresh way of experiencing my world. I was reminded that every moment is an opportunity to learn and grow, and although we can't change what is out of our control, we can always decide where we want to go. I have always seen the value in taking a 'me -day,' but this raised the bar, and I have since made solo overnight trips a regular part of my life. I create time to restore, relax and integrate the insights I gain through being undistracted and unavailable. It’s something that benefits not only me but also my family and clients, and the ripple effect is priceless. 

So where to next?

Emerald Lake lodge, here I come!