Last updated: 30 July 2023
Originally published March 2013. Retrospective writing. I woke up one day and found myself suddenly single for the first time in a decade. I was heartbroken and feeling very alone. I would drag myself to work every day just for something to do. The daily grind was taking its toll and I just had the to go. To go somewhere, ANYWHERE.
The next thing I knew, I was online trying to find somewhere to run off to. I spotted Hawaii on sale and it was done. Booked and I was on my way.
I’ve travelled solo before but this was the first time I’d really felt lonely. I spent three days by myself. I didn’t talk to anyone, I ate alone and I trudged my way around Waikiki feeling very isolated and depressed. I even had a moment sitting under a palm tree where I considered changing my flights and going home early. I wasn’t enjoying my time and felt like I’d made a huge mistake.
Sitting under that tree I thought, I haven’t even tried to talk to anyone. I’m lonely because I haven’t tried. From that moment on I was a woman on a mission. To make a friend.
I gathered activity brochures and ventured out to seek out people. I found myself on a bus on my way to Waikele Premium Outlet mall. Shopping makes everything better you see! I jumped on like a local and hoped I’d gotten the directions right. On board was a woman eating prawns/shrimps (shell and all!) I wasn’t horrified until she devoured the head too. I cringed and remember thinking the traveller mantra:
‘its not wrong, its just different’…
Then my ears pricked up to an accent I knew, they were Aussies! I got up the courage to approach this young couple on the bus. We quickly developed a rapport reminiscing about the prawn eating woman and found we had common interests. I’d done it, I’d made a friend! Or two as it seemed!
I shopped my heart out spending more money than I had and found myself at the bus stop at the end of the day waiting to return to the civilization of Waikiki. The boys from the bus approached with more bags than I had which made me feel better! We ditched the bus and splurged on a cab chatting the whole way about our shopping extravaganza. My trip had just improved 10-fold and there was no way I was going home early now!
The next few days were beach days, dashing between beach facing resorted sunbeds (unless you stay there you can’t use the sunbeds). I’d stay for half an hour and then get moved on by the hotel attendant.
It seemed to be the trip of new beginnings. I had conquered by aversion of people, so now it was time to do something drastic. It was time to try my hand at skydiving! Like most spontaneous decisions, it seemed like a good idea at the time!
My trip came to an end not long after that. The boys and I still remain friends. I use this to remind myself that rarely nothing happens unless you MAKE it happen. I could have gone home after sitting under that tree. If I had I would have never met some wonderful people or thrown myself out of a very fine functioning plane!
Be a yes man/woman. Say yes to opportunities. Step outside your safe-haven shell, go out on a limb and embrace the short life you have.
