by 
“The happiest of all lives is a busy solitude’
Voltaire
I am watching a segment about “A Grown-Up Gap Year.” A 54-year-old woman left her husband and two kids behind and took off around the world. This enabled her to become a better version of herself and able to improve on her personal relationships. Of course, not everyone can take off, especially for an entire year, but whether you can afford a trip, or just able to retreat into your garden or your work room, it is so important that we all take that time to be “me.”
I used to feel guilty about wanting my own space. I am a person that enjoys and thrives in their own company. It does not mean that I do not love my husband or my children or my friends. What is wrong with travelling on your own, or shopping on your own or lunching on your own. I have been doing these things for years and have often felt (or made to feel) like there must be something wrong with me.
I recently discovered that I am an introvert (this does not mean I am not funny, loud, outgoing, and confident.) I am all those things, but being an introvert means that I enjoy my own company. It means that I thrive in my own company. The best version of myself appears in my own company. I think, I dream, I work, I achieve – in my own company. I do not need noise, or buzz or the sound of my own voice. I often travel between our two properties which are over 2 hours apart. I often listen to audio books, but I increasingly find myself switching the radio off all together. I love the silence.
I really believe that we are on this journey called life for a purpose and whether that purpose is to nurture others, grow crops, protect the public or create beautiful music, we are all on this journey effectively, on our own – the same way we came in and the same way we will exit. Take time out of your day, to spend time within yourself.
I have recently started swimming laps at the local pool. It all started to strengthen my knees and my back, but I find that time alone to be so cathartic. Sounds around me become white noise, the other end of the pool becomes my target, I listen to my breathing as I am deep in my thoughts.
So, take time (and often) to read, to paint, to garden, to take a walk. For me, I take pleasure in the smallest things now. However, having said all of that, I am planning my next “wonder” trip to the UK and to Italy for 2026 and part of that will be on my own through London and West Yorkshire until I meet my family in Venice. It does help that I have a very understanding husband {wink ????}
Gabi xxx
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