What I Learned About Myself During My First Solo Trip to North Wales

You're never too late to learn something new about yourself.

In May I ran off to North Wales for my first solo trip and learned an awful lot about myself.

Wales has always had a special place in my heart since I first visited it a few years back.

I think the landscape is beautiful (even if the weather can be a bit temperamental) and your soul feels so calm when you're there. I can't explain it.

Being a business owner can come with many perks and downsides, and after a hectic few months I realised I needed a head break from my work and health issues so I (rather spontaneously) booked a solo trip to an adorable Airbnb cottage in a tiny village in North Wales.

I'd seen Anna Considine's artist's residential trip and decided that I would do one for myself. I was going to catch up on painting, writing, walking, and just shooting for the love of photography again.

Here's how I got on during my first solo trip to North Wales and what I learned about myself whilst I was there...

I get too excited and take on too much in one go

As you could probably tell when reading the long list above, I was overly enthusiastic when planning out my week's getaway.

I thought I would have loads of time to get everything done, but there was one thing that I had not factored into the mix: rest.

After longs walks, beach visits, swimming etc. I didn't have much energy to indulge in painting.

But I did manage to shoot for fun, and record some video clips for my social media reels. I was productive, restful, and fuelled by the week, even if it wasn't in the way I thought.

I’m better at keeping a routine than I thought

When you've spent a fair few years dealing with the chaos that is depression and anxiety, a routine can be very difficult to start and even more difficult to maintain.

I've gotten better at over the past few years but still feel as though my routine needs work.

In Wales I wanted to really get into a routine of "Wake up, breakfast, create, bathe, walk, lunch, create" etc etc. so that I could get everything done.

That didn't happen.

But I did make sure I was up at the same time everyday, ate breakfast everyday (in the garden, it was lush!), made sure I was hydrated, made sure I ate in the evenings, and so on.

I was surprised by how easy it had become to look after myself properly after years of struggling to function normally.

When given the choice I preferred shooting on film

When I was a teen I would take my film camera with me everywhere.

Every holiday.

Every day trip.

Every gathering.

I just loved taking photos!

And then I started working in the creative industry and creativity took effort.

I brought 3 cameras with me to Wales, and the one that left the cottage most was my trusty Olympus OM20 film camera.

I fell in love with it again and I can't wait to show you the prints!

I chose personal connection over creation

Truth me told, I wasn't completely on my own throughout this trip.

My mum and dad were staying close by, and I only thought we would spend a meal together or 1 day out through the week and I would spend most of the time by myself.

That didn't happen.

• We went on long day trips to Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, and Betws-y-Coed

• Me and my mum went swimming together for the first time in years

• We went out for breakfasts and lunches together

• Me and mum went trekking up the dunes to find the beach without realising there was a cut-through path a few meters away!

• I got to share my love of photography with my mum as well.

I had the choice of staying alone and creating in order to try and get back some of my creative spark, or I could choose not to force it and make memories with my family instead.

Turns out the latter also helps to inspire and refuel your creative spirit.

I need time outside to clear my head

The thing I miss the most from my time in Wales was eating my breakfast in the garden. Even on the cooler days I got wrapped in an enormous blanket and still braved it.

I vowed I'd continue doing this when I got back home.

I didn't do it when I got back home. It wasn't the same. Mostly because of the noise.

It was so much quieter and more peaceful in Wales.

But I have made the effort to be outside more in general because I feel so much more energised when I get some sunshine and fresh air on my face.

So when is my next trip?

Overall, I walked away from that trip feeling like a different person, both in the lease of life I was given and the revelations I had. I came back inspired and ready to realyl work to make my business succeed because I'd had the chance to properly rest.

Yes, I will be scheduling regular trips from now on as a way of rejuvenating my mind and health. If this trip has taught me anything, it's that I need time away to clear out the cobwebs.

That's what I'm telling myself anyway!

I'm thinking I'll pay a visit to Edinburgh next and will probably visit the lovely Anna... Maybe I could even book you in for a cheeky shoot whilst I'm up there too? I'd love to pay you a visit and capture your business!

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Thank you for joining me!

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