People sometimes ask if I get lonely doing things by myself. It’s a fair question.
Some people hear “solo weekend” and imagine empty restaurants, awkward moments, or wishing someone else had come along.
Years ago, I probably would have imagined the same thing.
But this past weekend reminded me that being alone and feeling lonely are two very different things.
After living in Florida for a year and a half, I realized there was still so much of this beautiful state I hadn’t explored. So I booked a long weekend in Anna Maria Island.
Just me.
And my dog.
The Version of Me Who Would’ve Waited
There was a time when I probably would have postponed a trip like this until I found someone to go with me.
I would have thought it would be more fun if I shared it with someone else.
Maybe.
Or maybe I would have missed out completely.
One of the unexpected lessons of getting older is realizing that life doesn’t always wait for the perfect timing or the perfect travel companion. Sometimes, if you want to experience something, you have to be willing to go anyway.
But over the years, I have learned that if I waited around for other people, there are a lot of things I would miss out on in life. So I booked a condo and headed to Anna Maria Island with my canine travel companion.
Filling the Weekend with Wonder
One of the things I was most excited about was paddle boarding somewhere completely new.
Because I didn’t know the area, I booked a guided eco tour through the mangrove tunnels. It ended up being just me and the guide, which made the whole experience feel even more peaceful.
We paddled through the narrow tunnels where the mangrove branches curved overhead, creating quiet little passageways that felt almost hidden from the rest of the world. Along the way we spotted a tiny shark, baby cownose stingrays, and just before heading back, three manatees gliding beneath the surface.
It reminded me why I fell in love with paddle boarding in the first place.
It’s never just about the exercise.
It’s about feeling completely immersed in nature.
One of the biggest highlights of the trip for me was getting to swim on the back of a horse! I had been researching some things to do in the area and came across this company who offers this and knew I had to do it.
She was much bigger than any horse I’d ever ridden, and I won’t pretend I wasn’t a little intimidated climbing into the saddle.
But once we reached deeper water and Nemo began swimming, the nervousness gave way to pure joy.
The funniest part was every time we stopped, she’d stick her nose underwater and blow bubbles like a little kid entertaining herself.
It’s such a small detail, but it’s the one I keep smiling about.
Sometimes it’s the little things that stay with you.
The Quiet Moments
As wonderful as the adventures were, some of my favorite moments were the simplest ones.
Walking around the island with my dog.
Laying on the beach soaking up the sun. The water was unbelievable! It is the clearest, most turquoise beautiful water I have ever seen!
Listening to the waves.
Watching the sunset paint the sky.
Finding a different restaurant each evening and realizing that eating dinner alone wasn’t awkward at all. It was actually… nice.
I lingered over meals.
People watched.
Ordered dessert without feeling rushed.
(Yes, I found a different ice cream shop every night, and I have absolutely no regrets.)
One evening, while my dog and I were watching the sunset, a young guy walked by, smiled, and said, “Your dog must get her good looks from you.”
I laughed.
It was unexpected, completely harmless, and one of those funny little moments that becomes part of the story.
What I Realized
I wasn’t waiting for the weekend to end. I wasn’t wishing someone else had come with me. I wasn’t lonely. I truly enjoyed the activities I did, as well as just laying on the beach by myself enjoying the waves and the beautiful water.
I felt peaceful, content, grateful.
There’s a freedom that comes from realizing you don’t have to wait for someone else to enjoy your life.
Being alone isn’t the same as feeling alone.
Sometimes, being alone is exactly what allows you to notice the beauty around you.
The Bigger Lesson
This weekend reminded me that meaningful experiences aren’t meaningful because they’re shared.
They’re meaningful because you’re present enough to fully experience them.
Would some of these moments have been fun with another person?
Of course.
But they weren’t any less special because I experienced them on my own.
If anything, they reminded me how capable I’ve become of creating joy instead of waiting for it.
Years ago, I might have postponed this trip until someone else was available.
I’m so glad I didn’t.
Because a full life isn’t measured by how many people are standing beside you.
Sometimes it’s measured by how fully you show up for the life that’s already in front of you.
💌 Your Turn
What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do but have been waiting for someone else to join you?
Maybe this is your reminder that you don’t have to wait.
Some of life’s most meaningful moments happen when you decide you’re enough company for yourself.
If you’re ready to take your own gentle first step, I’d love to invite you to subscribe to my newsletter. You will receive a free download of my 5-Day Self-Care Reset Plan. It’s a simple way to start making space for yourself again, in just five minutes a day.
Feel free to visit my Etsy shop for resources to help you on your journey. I also have a free private self-care interactive Facebook group for women that you can join here.
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