Taking Time for Yourself: A Solo Adventure in Greenville, South Carolina
As a tradeswoman, the work I do is often physically demanding, mentally exhausting, and requires a high level of focus. From managing projects to working with tools and equipment, it’s easy to lose track of taking care of *me* amidst all the hustle. That’s why, every now and then, it’s so important to hit pause and take a moment to breathe, relax, and reconnect with myself. Recently, I took my own advice and embarked on a solo weekend getaway to Greenville, South Carolina, and let me tell you, it was exactly the break I needed.
A Weekend of Self-Care and Exploration
As a tradeswoman, I’m constantly on my feet and always thinking ahead—what tools I need, how to solve problems, what needs fixing next. But sometimes, it’s essential to step away from it all. I took a solo road trip from Friday to Saturday, aiming to relax, explore, and reconnect with my own sense of peace. The freedom of being on my own schedule, without deadlines or work demands, gave me the time and space to reflect, recharge, and indulge in some much-needed self-care.
The Book Warehouse: A Dream for Any Book Lover
One of the first stops on my solo adventure was a book warehouse in Easley. As a tradeswoman, the work I do can be hands-on and practical, but it also requires a lot of problem-solving and continuous learning. I’ve always loved reading as a way to unwind, so spending time in a bookstore filled with endless possibilities was the perfect way to disconnect and feed my mind with something other than blueprints or project plans. Browsing through the aisles, I allowed myself to get lost in a good book—a little moment of pure bliss amidst the chaos of everyday life.
Solo Date at Passerelle Bistro: A Taste of France
As tradeswomen, we often get caught up in our work and forget to slow down and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. I decided to take myself out on a solo date at Passerelle Bistro, a charming French restaurant in Greenville. Dining alone was a luxury I didn’t often allow myself, and it was an opportunity to really *be present*—to savor each bite, appreciate the atmosphere, and enjoy the time I had with myself. It felt like a moment of self-celebration, acknowledging all the hard work I do every day as a tradeswoman and treating myself to something special.
Falls Park on The Reedy: Nature’s Tranquility
After my delicious meal, I wandered over to Falls Park on The Reedy, a stunning park in downtown Greenville. The peaceful sounds of the waterfall, the lush greenery, and the calm surroundings gave me the chance to take a deep breath and reflect on the importance of balance. As a tradeswoman, I’m often immersed in the physicality of my work, but nature offered me a reminder of how vital it is to rest, rejuvenate, and embrace stillness. Walking through the park reminded me to take time for myself and step away from the demands of the job when I need to.
The Greenville Zoo: A Fun and Unexpected Stop
As part of my solo trip, I also visited the Greenville Zoo, and it was an absolute highlight. Sometimes, it’s the little surprises that make a trip unforgettable, and the zoo certainly delivered! One of the most memorable moments was when I stood at the giraffe enclosure. This giraffe, as if knowing it was showtime, walked right up to the edge of the fence and gave me an impromptu performance. It was like it was posing for a photo shoot! I couldn’t help but smile—nature has a funny way of reminding you to appreciate the little things, even the spontaneous moments.
But the best (or maybe worst) moment came when I visited the chimpanzee exhibit. One particular chimpanzee seemed to be in its own world, oblivious to the other visitors. It casually picked its nose and, with no shame, ate whatever it found. I laughed out loud—sometimes, you just need a little unexpected humor in your life, and this chimpanzee certainly provided that! It was a reminder to not take life too seriously and to appreciate those quirky, humorous moments that can lighten even the busiest of days.
Dinner at Smoky BBQ: Comfort for the Soul
No solo trip is complete without a satisfying meal to wrap up the day, and Smoky BBQ provided just that. After a day of exploring, I ended my evening with some delicious comfort food. As a tradeswoman, I know how satisfying it is to enjoy a hearty meal after a hard day’s work, and this BBQ hit the spot. The rich, smoky flavors reminded me of the joy that comes from simple pleasures and taking the time to appreciate the little things, like a great meal in good company—even if that company is just myself.
Hotel Harness: A Cozy Retreat
After a day full of exploration and indulgence, I headed to Hotel Harness, a beautiful boutique hotel in Greenville. As a tradeswoman, I’m used to staying in functional and straightforward spaces, but Hotel Harness offered me something different—a cozy, non-chain retreat that made me feel like I was truly getting away from the everyday grind. The intimate, stylish atmosphere was the perfect place to unwind and rest after a long day of solo adventures. It was a reminder that taking time to enjoy life’s comforts is just as important as the hard work we put in every day.
Solo Travel: A Must for Every Tradeswoman
As a tradeswoman, taking time for yourself can be hard to prioritize. Between managing work, clients, projects, and everyday life, it can feel like there’s always something demanding your attention. But this solo trip to Greenville reminded me of the importance of taking a step back, recharging, and reconnecting with myself. It’s not just about physical rest, but mental and emotional renewal too.
Solo travel is a powerful way to honor yourself, give yourself space to breathe, and explore what brings you joy—whether it’s a quiet walk in the park, an evening meal at a French bistro, or simply enjoying the solitude of a cozy boutique hotel. As women in the trades, we’re always taking care of others, solving problems, and handling heavy tasks. Sometimes, the most important thing we can do is take care of ourselves.
Take Time for Yourself – You Deserve It
Whether it’s a solo weekend trip or simply carving out moments in your daily life, self-care is essential. Taking time for yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. As tradeswomen, we know the value of hard work, but we also need to recognize the importance of balance. So, whether it’s a road trip or an afternoon walk, make sure you take time to recharge and enjoy life at your own pace.
Ready to take your own solo adventure? Whether you’re planning a trip or just need a reminder to pause and recharge, don’t forget that your well-being matters. We deserve to enjoy life just as much as we work hard for it.