In my recent blog, “From Silence to Self-Love. In My Journey Through Loneliness’, I revealed the emotional and mental journey that led me to a pivotal moment – my first solo activity holiday in Wales. But why was this adventure so transformative? Here I dive deeper into my journey.
The Challenge of Booking My First Solo Holiday
It took a year to build confidence, enjoy my days alone and now, it’s time to up the ante by booking a weekend away. My criteria for this adventure were specific, perhaps challenging:
- Activity-Centered: Focuses on sports and physical activities
- New Experiences: Includes activities I have never tried before
- Social Opportunities: Includes group activities to avoid complete isolation
- Central Hub: A location with a socializing point for the evenings
- Proximity: Within a few hours drive and somewhere unknown
- Affordable: Reasonably priced
After extensive research, I found the Preseli Venture, ticked 5 out of 6 boxes and thought, “This is it!”
If, like me, you have a taste for adrenaline or just crave new experiences, I can’t recommend this break enough. From the moment you step into Preseli Venture, there is a palpable sense of community. Read more about coasteering in North Pembrokeshire and my exciting holiday in Wales.
My First Solo Hike: Facing and Embracing Stress
When I found out I would be doing a 4.5km hike by myself, anxiety quickly set in. But with maps and directions in hand and a beautiful, sunny bay in front of me, I whispered to myself, “You got this. ”
Have you ever watched ‘What Women Want’? There’s a scene where Mel Gibson, who plays Nick, delves into the thoughts of a woman running solo. As she runs, she contemplates her life’s desires and the ways to achieve them. She seems free, stress-free, stress-free, pressure-free. It’s the only place where she can be herself. He can look, dress and think as he pleases. Despite its authenticity, this scene resonates with me every time I run, and now, during this walk. All negative thoughts evaporated, giving me space to reflect on my healing journey. I learned to love my own company and it was at this moment that I realized I had achieved the milestone of “solo travel”. I felt incredibly powerful and free, really able to have fun with my own company!”
A Serene Pause: Embracing Solitude on a Pebble Beach
As I wandered along the path, I came to a pebbly beach where I allowed myself a moment to stop, soak up the sun and watch the world go by gently. I dipped my toes in the ocean, even managing to get my bottom wet while trying some creative camera phone antics – a moment that got a hearty laugh from me.
There was no judgment, no fear and no insecurity, just me, embracing being alone in the majesty of nature. I found myself wishing for a life by the sea where the soothing sounds of the waves could be a daily tune.
As the sun began to descend, casting a warm, golden hue across the landscape, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the day’s surfing and hiking adventures. I continued my journey through enchanting forests, across open fields and through a quaint village, even spotting a few palm trees along the way!
As I returned to the welcoming embrace of the community at Preseli Venture, my heart was full!
The walk, with rocky coves, coastal cliffs, a natural spring and even seals sunbathing with their pups, was probably the most healing few hours I’ve ever spent alone
A Transformational Journey: From Fear to Freedom
This solo adventure was not just a physical journey, but an emotional and mental one as well. It was a turning point, opening doors to endless possibilities and erasing the dark cloud of loneliness that had lingered for so long. I was so proud that I shared a selfie with friends and family, captioning it, “I had the best day.” My smile said it all!
If you fear solo travel, I invite you to explore my journey over the past year. I could never imagine doing that. Start small, discover what brings you joy, set small goals and follow your heart.
Pembrokeshire walking map
Here is the map provided with the routes of the North Pembrokeshire Coastal Paths. I walked the 4.25 mile route from Abercastle to Aber Mawr Beach and then back to the Preseli Venture.
The benefits of hiking: A step toward wellness
Embarking on a hike is more than just an adventure. it is a step towards holistic wellness, both mental and physical. A study reveals that a simple 50-minute walk in nature can significantly reduce stress, moderate negative emotions and maintain an optimistic outlook.
Furthermore, there is hard evidence, according to this research, that immersion in the natural world has tangible health benefits, particularly in enhancing emotional well-being. But the benefits don’t stop at mental health. Endorphins released during physical activities such as hiking cause uplifting feelings, acting as natural pain and stress relievers.
Regular exercise it is not only a shield against stress and anxiety, but also a boost to self-esteem and energy levels, acting as a natural deterrent to feelings of depression. So lacing up those hiking boots doesn’t just get you on a trail. guides you on a path to improved well-being.
bibliographical references
Landscape and Urban Planning Research
The Journal of Positive Psychology
Research on endorphinsmedically reviewed by Smitha Bhandar
