I am learning so many things. I know how to pronounce the name of my street: Acequia Madre (ah-sayk-ee-yuh mod-ray). I know that the streets of Santa Fe are not a grid because they started out as horse trails. Santa Fe has 300 sunny days per year. Native American reservations are often called “pueblos” now. When you see a cluster of trees, there is a river underneath. Don’t look a leopard in the eye because he assumes that you cannot see him, and you don’t want to disturb that assumption.
Today I went on a hike with a singles meetup group. My daughter said that I was courageous to do that. Even though I try new things, I am often afraid or apprehensive before doing them. I woke up in the middle of the night anxious about this hike. Would I be able to keep up? Would the people be friendly? What if I had to pee? What if I had to turn back? Where would we meet? What would I do if I couldn’t find the group? How cold would it be? I had a choice. I didn’t have to go. I consoled myself by saying that I would try it one time, then I would know more. It ended up being a lovely afternoon. I found the group in a parking lot, they were all friendly, I was able to keep up but tired by the end, we all peed in the bushes, the weather was sunny and warm, and we stopped for lunch on the top of a ridge overlooking beautiful land formations.
After the hike, I came home for a shower, then went to a movie and out to dinner myself. Conquering the strangeness of going somewhere alone has opened many doors. When I was finally able to feel comfortable in a restaurant alone without needing a book to make me look occupied, I became braver and more willing to go anywhere by myself, and that created many more opportunities. Sometimes when I hear conversations around me, I appreciate being in my own company, and prefer that to being with others in a boring or offensive conversation.
How about you? How do you feel about going somewhere alone?
I enjoy it, too!! Love this blog!
I am going to find out in April how it is to go alone. Thank you for your thoughts because I was having some of the same. I will be in Dublin for about 8 hours and I can visit a castle near by. I discovered there are buses I can take, with one transfer. I’m already wondering if I can navigate my way there and back to the airport. Maybe I should just stay safe in the airport, I’ve been telling myself. But the other half of me says that people are friendly, helpful and kind and they do speak English. So what if I miss my connecting plane, there will always be another, but maybe not another chance to explore Dublin.
You have an inquisitive spirit. With some advance research, it sounds like you are ready to jump. At least it will be an adventure. And, what we know for sure is that you will not know what its gifts will be until you do it.
I completely relate! Love your observations. I often prefer the quiet, or music, or a book to ordinary conversations – especially the ones I over hear! Yikes. Who are these people? I go to so many meet-ups. Yesterday I joined an outrigger canoe group on the bay. It was intense. I don’t feel nervous before- just a little deflated after. Often. So much effort, so many new people…
xo