“We must take adventures in order to know where we truly belong.” ~ Author Unknown
As I boarded the bus on Thursday to travel into Rome alone, I was actually scared. Why am I scared? I have traveled solo to foreign countries many times, let alone a city for a day trip! Just as I was feeling like a big chicken, I realized I have not been alone, even for a moment, since we left on this journey. The result is that our family is closer than we could have fathomed.
During our adventures this year I felt insulated, protected and invincible because we were together. Because of this strength, we have chartered unknown territory with courage, and tried out foods and friendships that would have felt a bit too foreign at home.
There is strength in numbers.
So what does alone look like?
As I ate my lunch, I heard my knife and fork clink against my plate. I tried clothes on without “whisper yelling” at my kids to not peek under the wall into the next stall. I went into two free museums and a church with no objections. I missed my husband and children and felt so thankful that we make each other feel heartier.
I also realized venturing alone, hearing my own thoughts, eating when I am hungry, leaving when I am done, makes me stronger. I know this because the freedom scared me, which means it was time to flap my wings only for a few hours, before returning changed, to where I belong.
