I had no idea that I would be able to survive traveling between 3 countries in 3 days. Or that I love soup as an appetizer even though it’s 80+ degrees outside. I also never thought I’d be into podcasts (send me your recommendations) or that I enjoy waking up at 5 am.
When you’re no longer concerned with the opinions of others, you start to realize your likes and dislikes; whether you’re a morning person or a night owl; if you like beer or tequila; you know, the important stuff. Maybe you start to travel because you see everyone doing it on Instagram, but as you continue to travel solo, you realize that you actually enjoy learning languages, or sleeping beneath the stars. Maybe you used to own a ton of shoes, drink a lot on the weekends, and hated missing out on fun events. Then you traveled solo and realized that shoes are cute, but your money could be spent on an experience instead, or that hangovers are death, and you’re sick of the same tired events. Whatever it is, when you spend time alone, you do what you want to do because you know yourself. You know what motivates you and that makes you want to do more for yourself instead of others.
As soon as I returned from my first long-term solo trip through Southeast Asia, I got my car fixed at a dealership knowing that it would be expensive. I ended up using the bargaining skills I had gained in Southeast Asia to lower the price and even had the front desk walk me back to the mechanic in the garage so that I could look under the hood with him. No f***s were given. Oh, and I was wearing heels. I felt important.
I also found myself talking to more strangers than I had before. Oh, and at the end of my trip through South America? Definitely believed in my ability to get any man that I wanted. Because every guy loves a girl that doesn’t know how to wink…
I’m serious, guys. I think I’m the one. I am a full supporter of love and still believe that I will fall in love with someone. I am not a traveler that thinks that relationships suck or that since I’m traveling I’m better than the average person in a relationship. No. I just know that I won’t be able to fully love someone else until I learn to love myself first. Otherwise, I’ll be a psycho b*tch and no one wants that. I think that if someone loves you, then they will support you, they will believe in you, and they will not attempt to change you for their own benefit in any way. When you support yourself, you believe in yourself, and you don’t feel the need to change yourself for others, you’ll find that you’re in love with yourself.
Then there’s the physical aspect: You’ve hiked mountains, driven a motorbike through Vietnam, maybe you did some yoga, or haven’t worn pants in weeks because you just love your new active body. Your life has taken a turn for the better. You’re brave and you’re confident. What’s there not to love about yourself?
