Warm greetings to the ever-gracious @jane1289, our judge this week! I sincerely appreciate the thoughtful two-part prompt you have given us—those questions carefully and gently nudge us into reflecting on something deeply personal: as women, do we consider solo travel a form of "Me Time" and self care?
For me, the answer is a heartfelt and resounding yes.
I have traveled countless times with my beautiful family and amazing close friends—each journey was filled with shared laughter, new adventures, and incredible memories, I often find myself giving and attending to everyone else, making sure others and every body are completely happy, comfortable, and fully cared for. You know what? That's actually the exact beauty (and burden) of being a mother: the nurturer in the group.
But then, a rare opportunity for a solo trip emerged—a decision I made almost on a whim. Surprisingly, it actually turned out to be an absolutely refreshing and healing experience. It was the kind of trip that didn't require any kind of preparations, schedules, explanations, or even negotiations. It was just me, my thoughts, and the open road filled with a cool breeze that blew through my hair and kissed my eyes as they were shut. That very moment resonated with my feelings of calm, something in that moment saying "Girl, you got this. Just relax and have fun. Life is beautiful and too short to be all stressed out."
No school runs to plan around, no work calls to attend to, no grocery lists to buy, no screaming and crying from my charming, fun, and beautiful kids(Monsters). No calls from my ever- patient, helpful, and gorgeous husband, no hangouts with my amazing, calm, and understanding friends—Just freedom, just me, myself and I. Doing solo. I found myself reconnecting with a part of me that had grown quiet under the weight of everyday responsibilities and the anxieties of life.
Please don't get me wrong—I am not trying to be selfish, nor do I wish to isolate myself from my family and friends. As a matter of fact, they are my heartbeat, my priority, my happiness, and joy. I am absolutely nothing without my family. Nothing can or will ever take their place or change that fact. However, stepping away—even briefly—helps me return to them more whole, refreshed, and fully energized for the challenges aheard and for refined and profound love and care.
Solo travel, for me, is a precious and amazing act of self-care. It's a way of actually listening to my own voice amidst the noise of everyday life. The truth is that, solo travel is not about escaping but about recharging. I truly hope to experience it again soon. Just a few days of silence, beauty, and freedom—my "Me Time."
This is my humble entry to this week's @ladiesofhive community Loh-Contest #238.
Thank you again, @jane1289, for this beautiful opportunity to reflect.
THE IMAGES ARE VERY MUCH MINE
