2025 was a year full of endings — and as they say, every ending leads to a new beginning. Earlier this year, I made one of the hardest yet most thoughtful decisions of my life: resigning from my corporate job. Those who know me well understood how difficult that choice was, but looking back, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

That ending opened the door to something completely new… my first solo trip abroad! Even though I’ve always loved traveling, I had never ventured out completely on my own. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me so much about myself and the world. To celebrate, I wanted to share five lessons I learned from this new, yet incredible journey.

1. Choosing to Be Present

I’ve always struggled to live in the moment. I used to overthink, constantly worrying about the future or replaying the past. Because of that, I was never really present.

Traveling solo changed that for me. It allowed me to slow down, be present, and appreciate where I was right then and there, not what had already happened or what might come next. I started to realize that the only thing that truly matters is now.

Each day, I chose to live presently by simply doing what felt right, whether that meant visiting every attraction on my list or enjoying a quiet meal at a random restaurant that caught my eye. For once, my mind felt free.

2. Trust the Process When Rerouted to Your Destination

It’s one thing to get lost while trying to find your destination, but another to get lost when you’re completely on your own. I’m definitely someone with the worst sense of direction (seriously, never ask me for directions). So naturally, I was afraid of getting lost alone.

And you might be wondering… did I get lost on my solo trip? The answer is yes, many times! But somehow, I always found my way back — otherwise, I wouldn’t be here writing this blog. Getting lost is inevitable, both in travel and in life. What truly matters is that we always find our way, even if the route looks different than we expected.

Just like a map, when we take a different turn, life reroutes us. It may take longer, it may look unfamiliar, and it may feel uncertain, but it still leads us to where we’re meant to be. The key is to stop worrying and trust the process.

3. Learning to Be Kinder to Myself

I’ve always been told to be kinder to myself, but for the longest time, that felt easier said than done. This journey, though, changed something in me. Whether it was the experiences I had during my trip or simply being on my own, I started noticing a shift in my mindset. I began catching negative thoughts and replacing them with kinder, more positive ones.

I still have my moments, but I’ve gotten so much better at treating myself with grace and patience. Maybe it’s because I’ve learned to live in the present, or maybe it’s because I’ve started to truly trust the process. Whatever it is, I’m just happy to say I’m finally in my loving myself era.

4. Finding Growth in Being Alone

Doing things alone was never really my thing. Sure, I had gone hiking by myself, grocery shopping alone, or worked solo, but I had always preferred being around my loved ones. There is nothing wrong with that, but during my solo travels, I grew more than I ever expected to.

With uncertainty comes growth. Stepping into the unknown, even while feeling afraid, was exactly what I needed. I made choices on my own, discovered new places at my own pace, and met incredible people from all over the world. Somewhere along the way, I realized that being alone does not mean being lonely. It means giving yourself the space to grow.

5. Letting Go of Control and Going with the Flow

As a planner, this one hit me the most. When I travel, I usually can’t go without planning every detail of my itinerary, so when things don’t go as expected, it can be frustrating. Over time, I learned that it’s okay if I don’t cross off every place on my list.

I remember one moment from my solo trip when a tour guide left me behind. I was so upset at first, but by the end of the day, I realized it was okay. There were still countless other attractions to see. Instead of staying upset, I decided to let go of what I couldn’t control and focus on what I could. So, I visited another spot and ended up having such a great time.

Sometimes, the unexpected moments turn out to be even better than the ones we planned.

Coming Home with a New Perspective

If I had to pick one of the most special and unforgettable moments of my life, this solo trip would definitely be one of them. From the amazing people I met to the beautiful places I explored, every experience taught me something valuable. I learned how to live in the present, trust the process, be kinder to myself, find growth in being alone, and let go of control when things do not go as planned.

This trip did not just show me the world, it showed me myself. I hope those who read this find these lessons I learned valuable. And if there is something you have been wanting to do that has been stuck in your heart and mind, I hope you find the courage to go after it just like I did with this trip.