interview by: Prime Sarmiento
A lot of us would like to go on own journeys but fear is holding back. In this interview, writer and coach Tara Sophia Mohr discusses how to release the fear of traveling solo:
Q: Why are some women reluctant to travel on their own?
Where does this fear come from?
A: There's a fearful, instinctual part of us that is very attuned — and over-reactive to – any possible risk. While the physical and safety risks of solo travel are important to realistically assess, we should all be skeptical about the fears that come up around the emotional risks.
We're afraid of being bored. Of just being with ourselves. Of difficult feelings coming up. Of having empty, open, downtime alone – what I call "white space" time. It's important to know that it's natural to feel some fear or resistance about having white space, especially if you tend to run around very busily, or surround yourself with other people all the time. We often keep our schedules "overfull" with activities and people, because it can feel uncomfortable to just sit with ourselves and deal with whatever feelings, questions, truths about our lives come up. And yet, if we can trust that we'll be able to handle whatever comes up within, that the truth can only lead us in a good direction, then we can begin to cultivate a very exciting, ever-unfolding relationship with self – and solo travel is a way to really experience that relationship
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Q: How can a woman release those fears? How can a womn travel alone and yet accept that fear can be her traveling companion?
A: Know it's normal. Name it when it arises. Just name it: "Oh, right now I'm feeling scared of just being with myself." That will help you get some distance on it.
Know that if you sit through the fear – it will eventually pass.
Ramp up – spend some silent time on your own in your day to day life – journaling, just staring out the window, etc. – rather than reaching to always "do something" or pick up the phone. You can increase your time doing this so that when you travel solo, all the alone time won't come as a shock!
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About Tara: Tara Sophia Mohr is a writer, coach and personal growth teacher. She received her MBA from Stanford University and trained in The Coaches Training Institute.
She is the author of the blog Wise Living.
If you want to fulfill your dream of traveling solo, I encourage you to sign up for Tara's Goals Guide, "Turning Your Goals Upside Down and Inside Out, To Get What You Really Want" . This is a free and beautiful gift that you can give to yourself.
photo credit: Margot Duane
What are the fears that's keeping you from traveling on your own? Want to get over your fears? Come back here and get free advice on how to release the fear of traveling solo 🙂
