Lessons from Solo Traveling in Bali

There's something about traveling that allows me tap into who I really am. Where being my true self happens effortlessly. There are no influences of who I should or shouldn't be. The experience is mine and mine alone, and with this comes a deeper understanding of who I am and the woman I want to become.

As I write this, I’m sitting on my balcony gazing out at Ubud, a place that exudes beauty in all that it is. From the people with their big smiles and giving hearts, to the sounds of the birds and the geckos, to the vibrant green rice paddies, and the offerings they handcraft daily.My heart is filled with gratitude that I get to experience such a wonderful place for a second time.During my first trip to the Island of the Gods, I was a much different person. Last time my journey was about seeking. I was searching to find my purpose and myself. This time my journey is about being; being myself.There's something about traveling that allows me tap into who I really am. Being my true self happens effortlessly. There are no influences of who I should or shouldn't be. The experience is mine and mine alone, and with this comes a deeper understanding of who I am and the woman I want to be.

There are always lessons to be learned, here are few Bali has taught me this time around...

If you're going to hurry, hurry slowly.

Bali can seem hectic with its congested motorbike streets, but when you get to the layer underneath the crowded streets, the most beautiful culture is revealed. A culture rooted in family, faith, compassion and an old school way of living.  They sell gasoline in Vodka bottles on the side of the road, bamboo is used as scaffolding, and everything happens slowly. Even the Internet is slower. The Western way of life is rooted in do, do, do and it can be a challenge to slow down. We’re often in such a hurry to get to the next moment (vacation, goal, promotion, etc.) that we miss the present one. In Bali there’s no choice since living slowly is part of the culture and the way of life. Slooooowing down creates space to fully live in the present. The future is not a concern and neither is the past, but sometimes we need to take a step away from the busy street of life to live in the present.There’s no rush to get to the future and accomplish your goals. You are exactly where you need to be. If you’re in a rush to get towards the future, just make sure you hurry slooooowly while enjoying the present.  

Let go of the "either or" mentality

I’ve been on a quest to find home, a place where I want to put down roots and stay awhile. I’ve been torn between a vision of living in California with my man and pups, and then one of being an expat in Bali. I have always thought that I had to choose, that I couldn’t possibly have both, that it needed to be either or. Stepping away from my daily life allowed me to connect with my intuition, and she knowingly whispered to me, “Emily you don’t have to choose”. The ego tells us that we must choose, but the soul knows there are no limits to what we can have, be, or do.. By letting go of the “either or” mentality a world of possibilities has opened up and the space has been created for a bigger dream.  

Ask for what you want.

My girlfriend and I decided to spend a few days in a beautiful area by the coast and booked our accommodation without knowing much about the area. When our driver dropped us off, we looked at each other and the look “oh shit” crossed both of our faces. As we began to check in we were both hesitant. The place looked gorgeous, but it was far removed from anything.  No shops, nightlife and the nearest restaurant was a 5-minute motorbike ride or 20-minute walk. A perfect place for honeymooners or couples, but we desired to be closer to a main area with more going on. We felt bad and didn’t want to voice our concerns to the receptionist for the fear of being rude, but once we did, she greeted our concerns with a beautiful smile and a solution. We asked for what we wanted and were hugely rewarded. Within an hour we were swimming in our private pool, in our own villa with the biggest smiles on our faces. Turns out they had a sister property 30 minutes away. How many times do we hold back in life from asking for what we truly want in fear of being rude or hurting somebody’s feelings. Don’t settle and ask for what you truly want! 

Sisterhood is key (in every culture)

The Balinese create accommodation for Westerners in their home compound called a homestay. It’s a unique experience as you get to witness the ins and outs of their daily life. I became quite close with my homestay family, particularity the wife, Wayan. During a conversation, Wayan mentioned she didn’t have many friends and was feeling sad about me leaving. The truth was, I felt sad too. Even though our lives are very different, we are very much the same and regardless of our cultural differences a deep bond was created between us.  Women thrive off sisterhood and women need other women. Sisterhood is key in every culture.  Cheers to traveling & being our true selves!

XO, emily