“I’m sorry but we have to part ways” were the only words I remember from that day. That’s what my manager had to say who wasn’t really sorry. Everything was great until one day it wasn’t. It was the biggest slap in the face from a company I had been loyal to for two years.
Worst thing is, I had just returned from an epic trip in South America, touring the Amazon rainforest, hiking Machu Picchu and exploring the Galapagos Islands. Though Peru and Ecuador are relatively inexpensive compared to my hometown in LA, I’d blown a lot of what I considered to be “play money”.
The next day the realization set in. I was being forced to make my next big life decision and I didn’t know even where to start. What I needed was a job but the last thing I wanted to do was look for a job. So before the hesitating could set in, I booked myself a ticket to Europe. The questions flooded in from loved ones like “Are you sure that’s a smart idea”, “Don’t you need to save your money” and without fail “ Are you sure it’s safe to travel solo as a female” and the face cringing “Are you in need of soul searching”. It’s only cringing to me because anyone who knows me, knows I’ll take any opportunity to travel.
Despite everyone’s doubts, what I’d known was that I may not have a job for a while and that I needed to use this as an opportunity. Traveling is the best gift I can always give myself. It’s the best way to learn about other cultures, languages, food and meet like minded people who I will continue to stay connected with. You get to experience a different lifestyle and excursions you can’t find within your own country. How could this ever be a bad move?
Two weeks after everything happened, I flew to Europe. I hiked the tallest mountain in Ireland, toured the Guinness Factory, met some of the coolest people and mastered the art of traveling solo as a female.
I realize that we all have a different story, traveling isn’t for everyone and may not even be an option for some. My point and biggest take from this experience is that life will throw curve balls your way. It can be unexpected and cruel but don’t let it keep you down. Remind yourself to take a time out for what you love, take care of yourself and always look for the positive in the negative. Seize every opportunity and remember that even if the journey is longer than you’d like, eventually you will get there.
Check out my solo travels here Solo Travel like a BAD ASS
