Go Alone: The Joy of Solo Adventures

When no one’s free… go anyway

On a recent trip, I stumbled on a beautiful view I would’ve completely missed if I had waited for someone to join me.

Me and the beautiful view

Yes, human connection is beautiful. Going somewhere with friends is usually more fun, but as adults, it’s hard to find people who share your exact interests and have the time. You might love hiking, but your friends don’t. You might crave a spontaneous road trip, but they’ve got other priorities.

So… do you just stay home? Wish you could go? Hope one day someone’s free?

My answer: don’t wait. Go alone.

And here’s why that’s more powerful than it sounds.

Being Alone Doesn’t Mean Being Lonely

We often associate doing things alone with loneliness. But there’s a difference between isolation and solitude. Being alone doing something you love especially outdoors, gives you space. A moment of clarity. A chance to reconnect with yourself.

When we’re alone at home, we’re more likely to spiral into overthinking. Every problem feels bigger. But when you’re out hiking, skiing, even just walking through a park, you’re surrounded by movement and beauty. Your thoughts shift. Problems shrink.

Alone doesn’t mean disconnected. It means re-centered.

You Set the Pace

One of my favorite things about going solo is the freedom.

You move at your own pace. No pressure. No compromises.

If you’re someone who’s used to putting others first, you probably adjust a lot waiting when you’d rather go, skipping things to avoid slowing others down. But solo time means you can stop where you want, linger where it feels good, or take detours just because.

And that’s exactly what I did on a random weekend in April.

The Ski Day That Almost Didn’t Happen

The original plan was to go skiing with a friend. But they canceled.

Ski season was almost over and this was my last chance… so I went anyway.

I bought my ticket, drove up alone, and ended up having one of the most unexpectedly joyful days of the season.

The snow? Terrible.

The vibe? Amazing.

Why? Because I was free to just be. I wasn’t rushing. I wasn’t waiting. I wasn’t compromising.

I Wasn’t Alone

Here’s something that surprised me: I wasn’t lonely at all.

In fact, I probably had more meaningful human connection that day than I would have if I’d gone with a friend. Why? Because I was open. I had no comfort zone to retreat into, so I started conversations with strangers on every ski lift ride.

✨ I talked to two guys who turned out to live near me.

✨ I met a girl from Switzerland who hadn’t been home in 10 years.

✨ I chatted with a dad and daughter getting their first run in.

✨ I met someone who came with her sister but stayed on the slopes solo, just like me.

None of these conversations would’ve happened if I wasn’t by myself.

The Spontaneous Lake Moment

On the drive home, I spotted a peaceful spot by the lake.

The lake I stopped by on the way back, ignore my lovely hair

If I’d been with someone else, I probably would’ve asked, “Hey, do you mind stopping?” And maybe we wouldn’t have.

But that day? I just pulled over. Sat in silence. Took it all in. No rush. No second opinion. Just stillness. And it was beautiful.

Why You Should Try It Too

Doing things alone doesn’t mean you’re missing out.

It means you’re showing up, for yourself.

You don’t need someone to validate your plans. You don’t need company to feel connected. You don’t need permission to pursue joy.

Solo time is a gift.

To explore. To reflect. To heal. To just… be.

So take yourself on that hike. Go to the concert. Book that trip.

Pamper yourself by doing what you want at your pace, on your terms.

You’ll be surprised by how full it can feel.

What About You?

Have you ever taken yourself on a solo date? A solo trip?

How did it feel?

Or what’s one thing you’ve been putting off because no one else was free to do it with you?