I met some colleagues after work today and two of them had interesting stories about extended alone time. One of them opened up a summer camp in April, and kids didn’t come to the camp until July. He had tasks to do, and animals to care for, but most days he just did a specific task or two he decided needed to be done then he had the rest of the day to himself. No cell phone, no electricity unless he started the generator… just himself.

The other story involved buying a motorcycle in Australia and spending 6+ months in the outback. It wasn’t always alone for him, he did end up meeting and travelling with a guy who became his best man at his wedding… but he did have a lot of extended alone time on that trip.

Also, both colleagues did these extended alone periods in the pre-cellphone era, so they really were alone. I’ve done a couple solo camping trips, also pre-cellphones, but I never really spent more than 24 hours truly alone. Listening to their stories, I actually felt a little jealous. I wish I’d had that kind of experience… and I am thinking I’m going to create one for myself.

I’m in no rush right now, but a seed has been planted. I think I’m going to purposely find a few days to be completely disconnected, unplugged, and alone. It’s a new bucket list idea unlocked. I’ll get through the last bit of work, and spend time with my wife over the summer, but some time late this year or early next year, I’m also going to find some extended alone time.