Lessons from Homer: The Beauty of Solitude
In the spring of 2020, I made a life-altering decision to trade in my conventional ‘downtown girl in the city’ lifestyle for the exhilarating unknown of skoolie living. Converting a school bus into a tiny home on wheels, affectionately named 'Homer the Roamer,' was my ticket to an unconventional journey filled with adventure and self-discovery. I had no idea just how deeply this experience would impact my personal and professional life. In this series of posts (Lessons from Homer) I will delve into the MANY lessons I’ve learned and how my life has been forever changed for the better.
Before I set out on my journey with Homer the Roamer, my life was a whirlwind of social engagements, and every evening seemed meticulously planned with people, places, and activities. I was caught up in the idea that a bustling social calendar was a sign of success. I believed that being alone equated to failure, loneliness, and unfulfillment.
However, Homer had other plans for me, and this journey has been instrumental in transforming my perspective on solitude.
Embracing Solitude:
Living life on the road often means you're on your own, and there's a certain solitude that comes with it. Initially, I struggled with the idea of being alone, fearing it meant I was missing out on the social connections and activities that had filled my life BH (Before Homer). In those early days, I had this nagging sense that solitude equated to loneliness, as if it were a testament to my inability to maintain a bustling social life. However, the more I embraced this solitude, the more I realized it was far from a lonely path. I actually began to cherish time on my own. Out in nature, at a local brewery, walking along a beach, cooking, or reading (listening to) a book. I learned to savor the moments of quiet, relishing the uninterrupted conversations I had with myself. (Side effect - I now talk to myself - so there’s that :))
Self-Discovery:
Homer the Roamer provided me with the perfect backdrop for self-discovery. Away from the constant distractions and noise of a busy social life, I had the opportunity to delve deep into my own thoughts and feelings. I began to heal from things I didn’t know I needed healing from. I accepted truths in my life that brought about a sense of calm and growth. I let go of relationships and people who’s presence in my life wasn’t positive, and made space for people I was going to meet who were. I found a strength inside myself to prioritize my feelings and make decisions based on the path I wanted for myself, no longer for others. I found that being alone allowed me to explore my passions, set new goals, and align my life with my true values. This inner journey not only enriched my personal life but also influenced my professional choices.
Creativity and Productivity:
Solitude often fosters creativity. With time to myself, I discovered a new sense of inspiration and innovation. I could focus on creative pursuits I didn’t know I had, engage in hobbies I'd neglected, and enhance my skills. This newfound creativity transcended into my professional life, allowing me to approach challenges with a fresh perspective and find creative solutions to work-related issues. I was eventually lead back to entrepreneurship that for me, soothes my soul on the deepest level. I can’t express how many times I’ve said the phrase “Happy as a Clam” when I’ve been working, which makes me smile so hard.
Self-Reliance:
Being alone taught me to rely on myself in ways I'd never imagined. From maintaining and troubleshooting Homer, to navigating unfamiliar places, and meeting new people from all sorts of walks of life, I became more self-reliant and confident. These qualities carried over into my professional life, where I learned to trust my abilities, make independent decisions, and take calculated risks.
Thriving, Not Just Surviving:
Homer didn't just teach me to cope with solitude; it showed me how to thrive in it. I began to appreciate my own company, even finding joy in it. This shift in perspective has allowed me to be more selective about my social engagements, ensuring that they add value to my life rather than being driven by the fear of being alone. I began to open my arms more to intentional connections rather than sheer volume. I have found an appreciation for differing viewpoints and life paths, and realized the value this inconsistency can bring to my life.
Homer has been a transformative journey that has taught me to not only be comfortable with solitude but to find immense fulfillment in it. It has shown me that being alone is not a mark of failure; rather, it's an opportunity for self-discovery, personal growth, creativity, and self-reliance. This newfound appreciation for solitude has transcended my personal and professional life, making me a more content, self-assured, and balanced individual.
As you can imagine, this life has come with plenty of lessons. Some harder to learn than others. I created this series to explore them all - be vulnerable and real - and allow you a glimpse into a side of me you may not always see. Stay tuned :)
