I regularly take holidays alone. And when I say alone, I don't mean booking a room at a fancy hotel for a couple of days R&R. The last trip I took I chose to walk about half of the world famous (and gorgeously beautiful) Great Ocean Walk in Victoria on my own.
While I'm a born hiker, I've never walked on my own. While some of my friends and family were concerned, I just knew I would be okay. I just knew it.
The thing was. I craved solitude.
Why it was joyful
I loved the solitude because I deliberately chose it. It didn't have any tinge of loneliness because it was self imposed and intentional which felt positive. It allowed a settling of thoughts and a burst of creativity. It allowed me to simply let ideas and concepts float to the surface.
Walking with butterflies
I didn't need to fit in with other's priorities or needs, just my own. So often in our lives - personal and professional - we can walk on paths that others choose for us - or that circumstances of life chooses for us.
As I was walking all I could hear were my footsteps, the crashing of waves against the massive cliffs and the rustling of gum leaves in the trees. At times, I was joined by butterflies as I walked my path. It truly felt like my path.
Connected but isolated
Even though I was on my own I felt really connected. So incredibly connected to the world around me, to my creativity, to my thoughts and ideas, to my sense of self and to the people who texted me every evening to make sure I was safe.
Seeing the beauty
As I walked I took the time to create ephemeral sculptures. Finding interesting sticks, stones - whatever caught my eye, I created sculptures which I simply left there. This practice represents the transitory nature of our lives, our problems and issues we face. We can create beauty from simple things around us.
My walk was a gift to myself. My limbs were aching, my toenails bruised, and as I finished the last few kilometres I felt like a warrior woman. You know the "hear me roar" kind of feeling. I'm now back in front of my computer with renewed energy for myself and my business.
About the author
Catriona Pollard is the author of From Unknown To Expert, a step by step framework designed to help entrepreneurs develop effective PR and social media strategies to become recognised as influencers in their field. www.unknowntoexpert.com
Catriona is also the director of CP Communications, which merges traditional PR tactics with cutting-edge social media strategies that engage consumers as well as business. www.cpcommunications.com.au
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