Almost a year ago, I went to Milwaukee and Chicago to visit Sheila and Monica. It was a fun trip but turned out not exactly how I would have planned it. Due to circumstances beyond any or all of our control, I was left to my own devices on the Saturday of my trip. I started the day downtown Chicago.
While being alone in a big city at times can really frighten me, it can also be a day of adventures even if I am completely alone. I went to the Barnes and Nobles or Borders, don't know don't care which... and found the travel section. I picked up my pen and paper from my purse - I always have writing accessories on hand that's just me. I decided a few places I would like to go even if I didn't fully attend by paying fees as that can get really expensive and simply not as much fun to ooh and aah alone. My main focus, the Hancock Towers which was across town from my present location.
Off I went to walk there knowing I had technically all day to get there. I spent the day enjoying the buildings, taking time to observe, and window shopping here and there at boutiques. I stopped to eat at a Bistro that I heard some ladies say was voted best Bistro in Chicago. I ended up making it to Chicago by almost dark which was surprising by how few blocks it technically was between my destinations.
The reason I express this in my blog is that I was just thinking about the lesson I learned that day. I was so sad in the beginning of the day when the world seemed to fall apart and I was left, after traveling across the country to see my best friends, alone. I was so alone but I have been other times in my life. Some times it seems being alone is easier to handle and other times being alone seems really hard. I cried in the beginning of my walk then learned to enjoy it and make the best of it but in the end when I felt backed up again, I cried once again almost alienating my only ally in the city.
What did I learn? I wrote this that day. "I have learned a valuable lesson on this trip. I am completely capable and fine on my own. :) I do however enjoy people around more than being just me."
I would rather share my experiences with people but if forced to I am able to handle myself just fine all by myself. I don't need my friends to carry me or buoy me up. I need the Gospel and my Savior by my side.