Never before have I stuck to a New Year’s resolution as I did this year. Maybe, that’s because the resolution I made was an easy one to keep. Rather than making resolutions to lose weight or go to the gym more often, I promised to live each day as I do while traveling, keeping a few goals in mind for the year. Those goals were to travel solo, visit Africa, take more chances, be more adventurous, and make more friends. It’s only been six months, but each of these has either been accomplished, or will be accomplished, in a matter of weeks.
Since January, I have taken plenty of chances and been adventurous while at home, something I usually just leave for my travels. Whether it was facing old fears by trying ice skating again, getting out of my comfort zone in the kitchen, braving the woods to go hiking, or beginning my scuba certification, I have put myself out there over the past few months. And, over the course of those months, I have grown a lot, even more than I thought possible while in my home country.
But, what I am most proud of in my resolution is that I finally booked a trip to Africa. Unable to find someone willing to go with me, especially for three weeks, I decided that I would take on the continent by myself. Africa has been calling my name for years, I could no longer wait.
Although I won’t fully be alone, as I will be traveling on a tour, something else that is new for me, it is the first time I will be away without any familiar faces around me. It’s an exhilarating and frightening experience, especially when taking into account that I will be alone for twenty-one days and most of my time will be spent camping in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. I’m excited for the challenges ahead, but also to learn more about myself through the unknown experiences that lie in coming weeks.
On January 4th, I named this year, the year of endless possibilities, and nothing has been more true than that.
If you liked this post, you may also enjoy:
Changes in 2011. Resolutions for 2012.
2012: The Year of Endless Possibilities.
Facing My Fears on Ice.
Rediscovering Past Loves.
Discovering Adventures at Home.
This post is part of BootsnAll’s Indie Travel Challenge 2012.
Week twenty-six’s topic: Look back at the travel resolutions you made for the first week of Indie Travel Challenge. What have you achieved so far? What is something that you are proud of?
The World Wanderer 
Didn’t know you were going alone. Props to you! That’s still on my bucket list! You will have an amazing time and experience.
Yup! Can’t believe it, but I’m actually super excited about it at the same time. 🙂
That’s so exciting! We look forward to following along on your adventures! We fell in love with Africa and we can bet that you will too 🙂
I am very excited! I know, I will too, it’s always been where I’ve wanted to visit. 🙂
Erin, I wish I had known you when you were planning this trip. I have been wanting to do that 3wk trip but kind of was hoping to go with someone else I knew. I may just have to do it like you are – and that may not be a bad thing after all! Kudos on attaining the resolutions! Those were good ones for sure.
Thanks, Raul! Wish I knew you when I booked it too! It’s so funny because at first, it was hard for me to imagine going alone, but then people wanted to come with me, and at that point, I wanted to be by myself. I am very much looking forward to seeing Africa without anyone to distract me. I think it’s turned out for the best!
This is so awesome! I love your resolutions and I really love that you’re following through with the Africa trip. I’ve yet to go, but just might be inspired by your trip.
Thanks, Leah! I am so excited to finally be going, and to be fulfilling my resolutions! 🙂
Hooray for you, just jumping into Africa, and “trying on” something new. I also like the idea of checking in about new year’s resolutions mid-year. I don’t think I made any resolutions, but my year has also been a lot about spending more time with people I love, old and new, friends and family.
Yes, it’s been very good for spending time with family, hasn’t it?! We’ve seen you so much more than usual. I usually don’t stick with resolutions, but this year was so easy, especially with a little push from the special people in my life. 🙂
This was such an honest write-up, thank you for sharing! This year I decided it was going to be my year as well, and all going well! Good luck on your upcoming trip to Africa, we shall be looking out for you!
Thank you! I am really looking forward to it. 2012 is our year for sure! 🙂
it is SO awesome that you set out a goal and are going for it. i’m excited to read about your adventures too. i also did something similar with my trip to Cambodia in August. i think pushing the envelope is a gooood thing. it’s how we grow 🙂
Thanks! It does feel good to just go out there and get what you want. I’m equally excited to hear about Cambodia. I was planning on getting there last July and it just didn’t work out. It’s one place I just need to get to though.
Wow, congrats on Africa! It’s high on my list. I think it’s great you’re going solo! I’ve heard nothing but good things. Looking forward to following your adventures.. I’ll be taking notes. 😉
Thanks, I cannot wait, as it’s been high on my list forever! So excited! I am excited for you too – South America! That’s next for me, so I will be taking notes as well. 🙂
I too have never had any luck keeping resolutions, so I no longer make them. But this is one set of resolutions I can support:) Looking forward to reading about your adventures to Africa!
Actually in 2011, I didn’t make a resolution because I’m terrible at keeping them too. With a little help from BootsnAll, I was able to rethink what a resolution should be. This was definitely easier to keep! 🙂
I love the fact that you said you’ve been adventurous at home… it doesn’t matter where you are, being or staying adventurous is a mindset, well that’s my belief.
also, great call on the resolutions. i do a post every january… sure sometimes the goals change, but it is good to put things out there. and Africa – great call. I did a very similar trip.. let me know if you have any questions, many of the stories are on my site too..
bravo.
stay adventurous, Craig
Thanks, Craig! I agree, staying adventurous is a mindset, but it helps to have adventurous people around, who help make life at home a little more fun. 🙂
I will definitely contact you with questions and read up on your stories on your blog. Thanks so much for your help and support!
impressive resolutions and even more impressive with how you’ve followed through! ours tend to be along the lines of “stop drinking so much wine” and we usually break them by day 2.
Haha, well yes, when I try to stop drinking so much wine as a resolution that never works! Either does go to the gym, it’s always wayyy too crowded anyway! 🙂 These resolutions were very easy to keep, much different because they were things I actually WANTED to do. 😉
Can’t wait to hear about Africa solo. I’d love to see it and experience it myself sometime.
I still can’t believe I’m actually doing it, very excited!
You are an inspiration, Erin! Not only have you been challenging yourself and stretching your comfort zone,l but you’ve been having fun along the way. Keep up the amazing things you’re doing!
Thanks, Pola! It has been fun, and I’m excited for all of the adventures that lie ahead! Normally, I’m counting down the days before I leave, but this time I’m trying to fit in as many activities as I can and am upset that I’m running out of time!
That is so awesome that you are going to Africa. I cannot wait to read your posts on the adventure. I am a completely different person at home as I am traveling. I need to make this resolution myself.
I am so excited for Africa! I think you everyone should make this resolution, I’m going to make it every year. 🙂
Now this is a resolution I can get behind. I love it! Oh, and next time you need an Africa travel partner, let me know. I’d really like to get back there and see more of the continent.
That’s why it was so easy to keep, Francesca! 🙂 I will definitely take you up on the Africa travel partner offer. Where have you already been?
Cool! I’ve been to Kenya & Tanzania, and on my current list of Africa must-sees are South Africa, Mozambique, and Namibia.
Oh, I really wanted Kenya and Tanzania, but then this all fell into place. Next time, I’ll go there and climb Kilimanjaro! 🙂