If anyone asks? Tell them I said you could…

Have you ever thought about what your life means to you? Actually stopped and thought: who am I? What am I here for? What makes me happy?

I just took a trip to Colorado to ski alone. One week. Just me. I almost missed it by letting the unknowns talk me out of it. Instead, I opened my computer, chose the condo I wanted, and hit “reserve.”

I picked the condo I felt excited about. It was steps to the Gondola at the base of Keystone Ski Reaort. No partner. No back up plan. No one to lean on except myself.

I have a van. I travel alone all the time. I go mountain biking, hiking, and golfing alone a lot. Short trips. Weekenders. I dip away and I dip back quickly. I bought the van to be free. And I was, but I realized those trips were tied to what didn’t go “right” about the past. This trip was different.

All the past trips have been me, biding my time. This one was about spending time alone, in a big way. Committed to listening to my own inner rhythm instead of negotiating it. Every moment, reinforcing something deep and steady inside of me.

And I found that I don’t need permission to live life fully.

There was a time where traveling alone meant sacrificing something - admitting I didn’t have what I thought I should have by now. But even before the snow covered mountains and quiet evenings, that old story fell apart. Being alone didn’t make me lonely. It made me present. Strong. Clear. Whole.

This trip wasn’t an escape, it was a return.

A return to trusting my instincts, honoring my boundaries, and choosing experiences that expand me. Instead of waiting around to be chosen, I chose me.

Going to Colorado alone wasn’t a consolation prize. It was a declaration.

I am capable of creating joy without waiting. I am safe in my own company. And I possess a strong foundation that is strengthened by the decision to choose myself.

This trip changed how I see my future. I’m no longer asking, “Will someone come with me?”

I’m asking, “Where do I want to go next?”

And you know what that is? That’s freedom.

So I’ll ask you what Colorado asked me: if you dare spending time alone, where would your freedom take you?

Love always,

Happy Amy