Reboot. A Solo Traveler’s Spirit Renewed
I made it to the very top of Mayan Pyramid, Tonino, Mexico.
Today is the third anniversary of Solo Traveler. It’s been an incredible journey. So much has happened. So much has changed – not just with the project but with me.
Solo Traveler has been good for me personally. It has revived me. All the travel, the chance to write in my own voice, your comments on the blog, your willingness to share on the Solo Travel Society on Facebook and connect via Twitter — all this has recharged my spirit.
Before Solo Traveler I was seeking my next venture and adventure. I was having trouble seeing where my life was going. When I started the blog, I had no idea that it would lead me to such a fantastic community.
I want to thank you for your kind support over the past three years. As you have shared Solo Traveler with friends and family, the network of solo travelers has grown and allowed me to expand what I do. I hope that this will continue and that I find new ways to support you as you have supported me.
Then and Now on Solo Traveler
I want to share how Solo Traveler and you have changed my life. Here’s a look at “Then” (three years ago) and “Now”.
I volunteered at the Sundance Film Festival and went skiing on the same trip.
Then – I felt like I was standing on a bridge without a view of the other side. I was in transition
Now – I now know where that bridge was leading me. It’s a great relief.
Then – I was vulnerable to bouts of grief as I describe in the intro to The Solo Traveler’s Handbook.
Now – I do not grieve. I still miss my husband but I am definitely past the grief that can be overwhelming.
Here at The Dead Sea in Jordan at Mujip Nature Reserve
Then – I did very well financially.
Now – I make about half of what I made before. But I’m more than satisfied.
Then – Travel was a once a year occurrence completely restricted by my finances.
Now – My writing has opened the door to travel six to eight times a year to places I never thought I would see. I’m experiencing luxury hotels and budget hostels. It’s all great.
Clam digging on the Nova Scotia side of the Bay of Fundy.
Then – I was restricted to writing according to the needs of my non-Solo-Traveler clients.
Now – I’m free to write in my own voice and on whatever subject interests me.
Then – I was able to help non-Solo-Traveler clients with their businesses. Each project had some satisfaction but it was very short-lived.
Now – I feel I am doing something to help people and their lives. This is much more satisfying.
Hiking in Torres del Paine in Patagonia, Chile.
Then – I knew nothing of the online world and little of technology.
Now – I find my way around social media and take on new technical challenges every day.
Then – My friends were more or less bound by geography.
Now – My friends are all over the world. These are friends I have made traveling and online. I meet them on occasion in person but also via Skype and Google Hangouts.
With a lovely man selling leather books in Udaipur, India.
Then – My creativity went into other people’s projects.
Now – It goes into my own projects.
Then – I had no idea where this project could go.
Now – I still don’t but I know that there is a world of possibilities.
Relaxing at Hacienda Tres Rios, Riviera Maya in Mexico.
