Getting the eff out of dodge: the benefits of a solo vacation

I’m a pretty outgoing person and I’m very comfortable in my own skin, but I haven’t taken a solo vacation since I was 27. I actually went on a Contiki tour to Hawaii where I was grouped with 30 other 20-30-somethings, so in a sense, not truly solo. But I didn’t know a soul and two of the women I met on that trip are still friends (albeit more Facebook friends) today. So I mingle well.

But this past year has been one of self-discovery for me. I took time off from dating and trying to find someone and instead focused on myself. Not on ‘finding’ myself, as I know who I am, but rather just making myself the best me I can be. If you’ve followed my journey you know I’ve discovered CrossFit (and no, I won’t shut up about it), which has given me a whole new confidence and a whole new body to boot. But not dating has also allowed me to enjoy being a Mom to the most amazing 9-year old on the planet. My relationship with my son is beyond special and I love getting to know him as he becomes a young man.

And although I’m separated, and therefore get a fair amount of “me” time, I haven’t been away by myself since before my marriage. And it’s time. Yes, I did a girlfriend getaway with Cindy back in June, but I haven’t had a more than 5 day vacation since 2013. So I booked an impromptu trip to Jamaica. In January. For 6 days. By myself. On a beach! With a tap in my room! (this could be dangerous) And I couldn’t be more excited.

There will be cocktails.

I may speak to no one. I may dance on the bar topless (kidding, Mom). But whatever happens, I get to decide because it’s just me. My hotel is known to have a fairly lively atmosphere, so I’m sure there’ll be plenty of fun to be had, but I also know that a good pair of headphones and my Kindle app will ensure I get plenty of quiet relaxation time.

I will probably do one or two guided excursions, and I’m trying to find a box in Montego Bay (any of my CrossFitters know of one?) but mostly I will be enjoying the salt, sun and surf. Oh, and taking selfies. Lots of selfies.