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What Alone Time Teaches You About Family

July 10, 2014 by Colleen Mariotti

Bianca alone time at IPini pool

“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.

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Filed Under: Italy, Personal Growth Tagged With: Alone Time, Day Trips, family travel

About Colleen Mariotti

Colleen is a mother of three, teacher, leadership coach, writer, and co-founder of Livology. The observations on this site come from a deep desire to share, practice and continue to learn and grow by being present in the world every day.

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