Sometimes we need to step away in order to find our way back to ourselves.
Recently, I've been reflecting on the deep-seated human fascination with embarking on a JOURNEY. It seems that many of us, at least once in our lives, feel an undeniable pull to set out on a solo adventure. Whether it’s after a breakup, the end of a career, retirement, or entering a new life phase, there's often an inner longing to go on a journey alone, seeking to rediscover ourselves and find new meaning in life.
The Hermit - These journeys aren’t the same as vacations with loved ones; they’re deeply personal experiences where we consciously choose to venture out on our own. We step out of our comfort zones and into the unknown, seeking something more profound than just a change of scenery. We might even welcome the loneliness that comes with it, using the solitude to connect with our inner selves in ways that everyday routines seldom allow. It’s a time to confront parts of ourselves we may have neglected or feared, and to engage in inner dialogues that bring new insights and healing.
Alone But Together - During these solo journeys, we may encounter friendly strangers who, like us, are on their own paths. With them, we might share stories and secrets that we wouldn’t share with those closest to us. These interactions remind us that despite our differences, we all share similar hopes, longings, and struggles. This realization brings a sense of relief and hope, knowing that we are alone but also connected to others in our shared human experience.
A Personal Ritual - Going on a solo journey, especially during times of transition, is like a personal ritual. It marks a significant transformation, a bridge between who we were and who we are becoming. As we journey, we carry the baggage of our past—our pains, confusions, and regrets. But along the way, we begin to unpack these burdens, re-examining and letting go of what no longer serves us. By stepping out of our comfort zone (which might not be all that comfortable, but at least feels safe and familiar), we open ourselves up to new experiences, new hopes, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Transformation - The journey often mirrors the classic "hero’s journey" found in myths and stories throughout history. Like the Fool in the tarot, we start with curiosity and a willingness to face the unknown. We may not know what lies ahead, but we feel compelled to take that first step. This drive to explore the unknown becomes the catalyst for our personal growth and transformation.
Transcendence in Life - Many of us have felt this itch before—the urge to chase after the unknown, to leave behind what no longer fulfills us, and to embrace the possibility of something new. In doing so, we reconnect with something greater than ourselves—the essence of life itself. We realize that while we are alone, we are also deeply interconnected with the world around us—the trees, mountains, rivers, and all living beings.
So perhaps the solo journey is an essential part of our life’s journey, a way to find ourselves and, in the process, discover our place in the universe.
My Personal Story: A Healing Journey
In early 2017, I set out on a solo journey during a major transition period in my life. At the time, I was still grappling with the pain of a breakup that had left me emotionally shattered for over a year, I also left two jobs and moved away from the city/country I had been living in for six years. Weekly emotional breakdowns had become my norm, and I knew I needed something drastic to help me move forward. So instead of celebrating Lunar New Year with my family in China, I decided to take a solo trip to Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria—three countries I had never been to before. As a young Asian woman in my mid-twenties, I felt a deep need to break free from the pain and find myself again.
The trip was full of uncertainties. My knowledge of German was almost non-existent, and I relied heavily on Google Maps, which often led me astray. I remember one freezing day in Berlin when I got lost trying to find a street art site outside the city. After taking the wrong train and getting off at the wrong stop, I ended up walking for nearly an hour in the snow. Google Maps wasn’t much help either, and I soon found myself in a forest, completely alone except for a few birds chanting. Fear crept in, and I wondered if I should turn back. But something inside me urged me to keep going, to trust the process even though I was scared. Finally, after what felt like forever, I reached the top of a hill and was greeted by a stunning, peaceful view of the sky. That moment gave me a renewed sense of hope and faith in both myself and the journey ahead.
Inspired by that small victory, I decided to take a spontaneous trip from Munich to what I thought was a beautiful Austrian lakeside town. But because of few letters difference in the town’s name, I ended up in a ski holiday village on the other side of the country. I arrived late in the evening, exhausted and dragging a broken suitcase, after walking 40 minutes in the dark up a snowy mountain to reach my hotel. Despite the frustration and exhaustion, the next morning brought an unexpected gift—an awe-inspiring view of the snowy mountains, like something out of a fairy tale. It made me realize that sometimes the best experiences come from unplanned detours.
During my stay, I spent my days walking alone on the mountain roads, surrounded by nature. These walks gave me the time and space to reflect on my life, and all the emotions I had buried started to come out. I cried by a waterfall, imagining the flowing water washing away my painful memories. I wrote a letter, folded it into a paper swan, and buried it in the forest—a symbolic goodbye to my past. I also challenged myself to face my fear of heights by walking across a high bridge on top of the mountain, which helped me build the confidence to confront my fears head-on.
As my stay came to an end, the hotel staff, who had been so kind and friendly, asked about my journey. I shared my story of how I ended up on that mountain, and one of them said to me, "Maybe you were meant to be here. Perhaps next time you come back, you’ll be with someone you truly love." She handed me a small jar of local salt, saying it could serve as a reminder of my experiences and give me the courage to embrace future adventures.
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