Jump Start Your Life Part II (More Confessions)
Many of you have asked me about my get-out-of-my-comfort-zone trip to St. Kitts. I did go and it was fabulous, although there were some scary moments.
Traveling solo can be lonely (especially when you go to such a beautiful and romantic place), but the rewards are tremendous. Since I was alone, I spoke to everyone – making lots of contacts and new friends. I ate meals by myself which gave me a great chance to talk to the chef, the wait staff, the restaurant manager, and many of my fellow diners. I discovered that everyone has a fascinating story if you only take the time to listen. I met people from all over the world and had some crazy adventures!
Theresa and her husband Ritchie from Queens were my favorites. We climbed up a dormant volcano together (one of the toughest hikes I’ve ever done) and we were bonded for the rest of the trip.
We were given a wild island tour by a Scottish woman we met who literally drank her way around the island with us in tow. We saw monkeys, salt ponds, rain forests, bizarre bars, and met the most colorful assortment of Island dwellers you can imagine. I would have never had this adventure if I hadn’t been a solo traveler.
What was scary? Scuba diving on my own. It’s something you really should do with a partner, but soloists don’t always have that option. I learned to admit how much I didn’t know and to ask for help.
Life really is an adventure, but you have to take it! I could have come up with a million reasons NOT to go to St. Kitts (it’s expensive, I’ll miss work, I’ll be lonely), but I’m so glad I went. This is my life and I want it to be as big and as exciting as possible. Take the leap, push the envelope, or live with your regrets.
