“It seemed an advantage to be traveling alone. Our responses to the world are crucially molded by the company we keep, for we temper our curiosity to fit in with the expectations of others... Being closely observed by a companion can also inhibit our observation of others; then, too, we may become caught up in adjusting ourselves to the companion's questions and remarks, or feel the need to make ourselves seem more normal than is good for our curiosity.” Alain de Botton, "The Art of Travel."
A close friend and mentor has always advertised to benefits of traveling alone to me. He says that you can move at your own pace, meet new people, explore what you really find interesting, and are more inclined to try new things without the pressure of your group. I find the idea of traveling alone horrifying. The thought of not having someone to share my experience with and relish in the good moments makes me question why I would want to experience them at all. However, traveling alone has some undeniable benefits and as I learn to internalize more of my emotions rather than rely on the approval of others for happiness, time alone is becoming more realistic.
As a runner, I found myself relating traveling with races I have run in the past. It seemed to me like cross country is similar to traveling with a group, and track is similar to venturing out on my own. That may seem a bit backward because cross country is on a course, and track is racing close to others, but the battle is completely different. In a cross country race, you are racing for your teammates, your brothers, you want to do as well as possible for the team. When you cross the threshold of the start line, you toe the line next to the people you feel most comfortable with. You begin the adventure with a group and constantly gain motivation from the group you started with. Each race is the journey of a lifetime with your group by your side, but you are always competing for something greater than yourself.
Track is different. When I toe the line, all I see is the track ahead. I look to myself for the motivation to win and look past myself as my own greatest obstacle. I race for me. I race to make all my dreams come true and to make my countless training worthwhile. Track is different; track is for me. That is what I imagine traveling alone is like.
The moral of my story is to be comfortable doing what you love -- regardless of what others do -- and you will be happy. It may be intimidating, at first, to venture out on your own, but sometimes that is what is necessary to find people who have common interests with you. The world is a massive place with infinite new adventures to embark on, but sometimes the hardest part can be taking that first step. Stepping outside of your comfort zone and just doing what you love not only leads to good spiritual health, but some great stories to tell your friends when you get back home. So take your next break to do something wild that only you are passionate about because it may change your perspective on life.
