I’m doing the thing. I’m sitting in the airport, getting ready to board a flight to Nashville. I’m facing my fears and doing this travel thing solo. As I mentioned in my previous post, my blog has become about coming back to life while still grieving the loss of Ariella. Though I have had a rough couple of months, generally I have found myself in a much better place overall and actually feeling happy. Though my emotions are still very much up-and-down, being a bereaved mother no longer completely defines me. It’s still very much a part of me and always will be. Ariella is always going to be with me. And sometimes the grief will be overpowering. Thankfully this immense grief is not as persistent as it once was and I find myself stepping out of my comfort zone to do things I wouldn’t have in the past in order to really begin living once again. One of those things is traveling alone.
When I got on the plane, when I landed, when I tried to figure out where the hell I was supposed to catch the Uber, when I had all this time ahead of me that I would have to fill by myself, I started to worry about what I had gotten myself into. But I didn’t waste any time and after checking into the hotel I immediately went out and explored the city. I had absolutely nothing to worry about. Nashville is vibrant and alive and you just can’t help but become immersed in the atmosphere. There is no shortage of places to pop into, all with live music, and that’s how I spent most of my time. In and out of various places, meeting tons of people, and dancing. So much dancing! It didn’t matter that I was by myself. Everyone was a friend. And I just felt so free and joyous and exhilarated.
I spent the weekend running (love exploring new places on foot), doing a few touristy things, and soaking up the sights and sounds of Nashville. I got a tattoo to commemorate the meaningful experience, my first time doing something like this. I had no actual plans and instead played it by ear, which is typically not at all like me. I mentioned in a previous post that the trip would either be incredible or a disaster. And incredible it was. This trip was about unapologetically living my best life and have zero regrets.
Take a risk. It just may change your life.
So glad the trip turned out great! So happy to see you are finally moving on! This is what Ariella, your family and friends were praying for!
As you well know Life is Short, but it’s time for you to enjoy life! ❤️
This may seem like semantics but not moving on, moving forward.
I just heard the same exact thing last night in my group – funny
I love absolutely everything about this! Good for you! 💕❤️ and next time I’m in! Nashville, the music, dancing… the food, it really is healing. Makes me feel alive and passionate about being so. I loved just going from bar to bar listening to the music. 🌻🐄 xo
That’s pretty much just what I did
❤️ love this and the smile of course. Maybe the next trip will be Boston!
Well if not sooner I will be in Boston 2025 for the marathon!
Awesome. We will be there cheering on! You know you have a home here❤️
Kudos to you! I’m so glad the trip went well and was a success!! It sounds like you had a great time and it makes me so happy to hear you are happy ❤️
Where’s the tattoo pic, lol 😛
It was in my stories lol! I’ll send you pics…
I’ve been following your journey for a few years now. You are amazing-thank you for sharing, inspiring and letting it all go! We all need the inspiration to do just that. By the way, we go to Nashville every year for New Year’s Eve and it’s the best place ever!
Thank you so much for reading and your kind words. I will be back there soon for sure!
I don’t know how you came to choose Nashville as your destination, but it sounds like it was an excellent choice for your purposes! So glad you really enjoyed your time there. I lived there for two years and it was and still is unlike any other place I have ever lived!
I don’t know if they have any marathons at all, but wouldn’t it be incredible to go back and participate in something like that??
It just so happens there’s a half marathon next month 😉
Go for it!
I just might (maybe I already registered for the race 🙂 )
PS – the hat is perfect for you!
So inspiring, Erica!
Thank you Mindy 🙂
You know you are always welcome to crash wherever we go and whenever. Just let me know what time the flight gets in.
It is great to see you smiling and showing everyone how strong you truly are. I hope we can meet up again before I head back out!
Thanks Ian 🙂
I’m so glad it turned out good for you. I love you.
So happy for you!!!💖💖💖
Irina
Well done. I truly believe our loved ones want to see us have adventures and feel peace or joy again after they have passed. I am sure it is very complex and emotions ricochet all the time but pushing yourself to be in the moment again (when you can) would make your daughter happy and proud.