I grew up as the 2nd child of 4 so time alone for me was next to impossible. I jumped from that time to marriage and quickly had my first child before my husband and I celebrated our 1st anniversary. Soon thereafter in less than 10 years, I had 3 more children. So again, time alone just didn’t ever happen. Since that time, with my children grown and my husband no longer my husband earlier on, I continue to value time alone. 

I’ve taken many trips in the middle to late part of my life. Most of the trips are to visit family and to places I’ve traveled to before. But in addition to those trips, I relish the time when I’ve ventured off to parts unknown, and mostly alone. 

When I was 50, I took off for camping in upstate New York at Woodstock ’99. I brought along a tent and set it up among strangers. For 3 days, I enjoyed music and the company of a wide variety of people, many my age, re-living their younger time at the 1st Woodstock in ’69. If anyone knows about any of the history of Woodstock ’99, then you know that besides really great music sets, there was trouble. Sanitation just didn’t happen after day 1. The younger among us got somewhat out of control and set fires, here and there. It was unseasonably “Texas Hot” for this area so living in a tent was uncomfortable. Food prices were through the roof and one could go broke just purchasing bottles of water. But despite all this, I learned a lot about myself…that even though I enjoy creature comforts, I can survive, at least for a little while, without them. 

After this trip, I’ve not hesitated to take trips to places that peak my interest, whether or not I know anyone or have been there before. None of my trips have been as rugged or wild or primitive as Woodstock, but I’ve used the experience at that event to claim my fearlessness, even today. 

Besides the birth of my children, and the death of my sister, my attendance at Woodstock when I was 50 has been one of the most pivotal events of my life and I’m so glad that I continue to not be afraid to travel alone to new places and new experiences. 

People wonder why I continue to travel places alone. I’m no shrinking violet so most places that I go to alone, I can choose to not be alone if I want to reach out. Thankfully, I’ve met some wonderfully open and friendly people no matter where I go. But being alone with myself offers me the time for introspection, reflection, and contemplation…a silent retreat, if you will. Very valuable and beneficial for me.