Listen to Episode 85 of the One Girl Travel Podcast on Apple Podcasts
Listen to Episode 85 of the One Girl Travel Podcast on Spotify
Watch Episode 85 of the One Girl Travel Podcast on YouTube
Reflections on Turning 40, Gratitude, Solo Travel, and Bold Life Choices
Turning 40 marked a powerful milestone in my life, one filled with gratitude, solo travel adventures, and meaningful reflections. As I celebrated this special year, I wanted to honor it with a solo getaway—a journey that deepened my appreciation for the freedom and personal growth solo travel brings. In this post, I’ll share my reflections on turning 40, embracing gratitude, and making bold choices that add meaning and excitement to my life.
Turning 40 with Gratitude and Milestones
A Year of Bold Changes
This past year has been one of the boldest and most transformative of my life. I kicked off by making a huge decision: I left my 14-year corporate career to pursue my passion as a full-time entrepreneur. Walking away from a stable job was a choice that took incredible courage, resilience, and self-belief. Over a decade, my identity had become intertwined with my corporate role. It provided security and predictability, which were hard to part with. However, I knew deep down that I was ready to move forward, to pour my heart into something purely my own.
This decision became the foundation of how I wanted to approach my 40th year. I wanted to enter this new decade with openness and courage, following my dreams wherever they might lead. I hope my story inspires others contemplating change to take that leap of faith. It isn’t easy; there are days of doubt. But the feeling of stepping into something meaningful is unmatched. This year, my 40th, is all about celebrating courage, growth, and building something that reflects my values and passions.
A Solo Celebration
When it came time to plan my birthday, I wanted to do something special just for me. So, in true spontaneous style, I booked a solo getaway to a charming boutique hotel on Long Island. It was a quick decision but felt right in my heart. Spending my 40th alone, immersed in nature’s quiet beauty, was exactly what I needed. It allowed me to reflect on everything that led me to this moment and served as a powerful reminder of why I love solo travel.
This trip reconnected me with the core reasons I cherish solo travel: freedom, quiet, and invaluable time for self-reflection. With no one else to answer to, I could journal, stroll by the water, and enjoy the knowledge that I was giving myself exactly what I needed. Solo travel has been a constant teacher, showing me how to find joy in solitude and the strength to embrace my own company. For anyone who’s never taken a solo trip, I highly recommend it. There’s an independence and empowerment that comes from spending time with yourself in a new place, fully immersed in your thoughts.
Turning 40: Finding Gratitude Through Solo Travel.
Why I Love Solo Travel
Solo travel is a gift I’ve given myself many times over the years, and each trip reminds me why I cherish it so much. The experience of solo travel is unique—it offers a sense of freedom and spontaneity that’s hard to find anywhere else. You can wake up and decide exactly what you want to do, without considering anyone else’s plans. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with your desires and focus entirely on what makes you happy. During my birthday getaway, I spent my days journaling, walking by the bay, and reflecting on all the moments that led me here. I could simply “be” without feeling pressure to “do” anything, which was a gift in itself.
I often hear people say they’d love to travel solo but feel hesitant. My advice? Take the plunge. Start small if you need to—a weekend getaway or a nearby destination. Traveling alone teaches you so much about yourself. You get to explore at your own pace, try new things, and discover who you are without others’ influence. It’s a chance to become your best company, and that’s a relationship worth nurturing. My spontaneous solo trip was a powerful reminder of how empowering solo travel can be. I hope it inspires others to experience it too.
Tips for Solo Travel Lovers
Over the years, I’ve picked up tips that make solo travel even more enjoyable. One of my favorites? Reach out to your hotel before arrival to request upgrades or early check-ins. This small step can make a big difference in comfort. I also recommend exploring last-minute travel deals. For example, I recently booked a spontaneous cruise and scored a great deal by staying flexible with dates. Spontaneous trips bring unexpected surprises, and budget-friendly deals make it feel like a bonus!
Also, schedule moments of connection during your trip, even if you’re traveling alone. Joining a local tour, taking a cooking class, or dining at a communal table offers a balance between solitude and social interaction. Solo travel doesn’t mean isolation—you can choose when to connect and when to recharge.
Reflections on Solo Travel and Gratitude
Journaling and Gratitude Practices
Reflecting on turning 40, gratitude and solo travel were at the heart of my journey. My birthday wasn’t just a celebration; it was a chance for deep introspection. I used several journaling exercises that helped me reflect on where I’ve been, what I’ve overcome, and where I’m headed. Here are a few journaling exercises I found impactful:
- Thank You Letter to Self: I wrote a letter of gratitude to my past self, acknowledging everything I’ve accomplished and the resilience it took to reach this point. This exercise was a beautiful reminder of how far I’ve come and gave me a deep sense of appreciation for the journey.
- Letting Go List: As part of stepping into my 40s, I made a list of things I wanted to leave behind—the self-doubt, the limiting beliefs, and the habits that no longer serve me. Creating this list was freeing; it allowed me to clear space for new, positive energy to flow in.
- Gratitude List: I also took time to list the people and experiences I’m grateful for. Writing down everything I cherish filled my heart with joy and centered my mind on positivity. Gratitude has been such a grounding practice in my life, helping me focus on the good even in challenging times.
These practices brought me a sense of peace and clarity, grounding me in gratitude for all that has been and excitement for what’s to come. Taking time to journal, especially during milestones, has been a transformative part of my journey, and I encourage anyone looking to deepen their self-awareness to give it a try.
Capturing Personal Growth with a Video Message
In addition to journaling, I recorded a video message for my future self—a time capsule capturing my thoughts, hopes, and intentions. This practice serves as both a motivational reminder and a way to document growth. When I look back at this message in the future, I’ll see how far I’ve come. It’s a practice I’d recommend to anyone marking a significant moment in life. Capturing who you are in the present is a powerful way to honor yourself and stay connected to your intentions.
Building Community and Connection: The One Girl Travel Community
Creating a Space for Solo Travelers
Beyond personal reflections, I’ve been working hard to build the One Girl Travel community—a supportive space for solo travelers seeking guidance, resources, and camaraderie. The community is more than just a platform; it’s a place for travelers to share experiences, support each other, and build the confidence to embark on their solo adventures. I’m passionate about creating a network of individuals who uplift each other and share in the joys of solo travel. With reduced annual memberships and resources like the Solo Selfie Masterclass, I hope to inspire others to embrace the beauty of solo travel.
The Power of Gratitude
Gratitude has become a lifestyle for me, and it’s a practice I encourage everyone in my community to adopt. Through my November newsletter, I’m focusing on gratitude, hoping to inspire others to embrace an “attitude of gratitude.” Focusing on what we’re thankful for can transform our lives, helping us see the good even in tough times and attracting positivity. Gratitude isn’t just a fleeting feeling; it’s a mindset that shapes our experiences in profound ways.
Setting Intentions After Turning 40
Setting Intentions for a New Decade
As I step into my 40th year, I’m filled with a sense of purpose and clarity. This decade is about living intentionally, setting goals that resonate with my true self, and staying open to growth. From the big decisions, like leaving the corporate world, to smaller daily practices like journaling, I’m committed to a path that aligns with my values. Life is too short to live by someone else’s rules; I want this decade to reflect who I am at my core.
Embracing the Journey
As I embrace the journey of turning 40, gratitude and solo travel continue to guide my steps toward a fulfilling future. Whether it’s exploring a new destination or savoring a quiet moment at home, I’ve learned the importance of celebrating life and honoring myself along the way. Through my own experiences, I hope to empower others to embrace solo travel, cultivate gratitude, and build a life that feels truly meaningful. The journey is never easy, but it’s always worth it.
Celebrating milestones, embracing gratitude, and experiencing the transformative power of solo travel have been integral to my journey. I hope my story inspires you to live boldly, reflect deeply, and connect meaningfully with the world around you. We all have our unique paths, but by sharing our stories and supporting each other, we can make the journey richer and more fulfilling.
