I’m 46 and Learning to Love Doing Things Solo for the First Time | Invesloan.com

I’m 46 years old and in the last 12 months, I’ve done two things solo for the first time. I had a drink alone at our local cocktail bar and saw a movie with just myself for company.

I’m a mom/stepmom of five, and I’m married to my best friend. I don’t often have time or the inclination to do things alone.

With multiple life changes on the horizon, I’m ready to try even more solitary experiences.

Career change and empty nesting are making me embrace doing things alone

In 2023, I left a 25-year career in corporate America.

One promise I made to myself was to transition from corporate to curious — meeting new people or trying new things on a weekly basis. Two years and 104+ weeks later, I’ve had a ton of new experiences, including tap dancing, acting in an independent film “Brilliant Blue,” and a solo trip to Disneyland.

This, in combination with two major life changes coming up — my youngest going away to college and my husband retiring — is pushing me to get out of my comfort zone

I’ve discovered it’s a comfort zone I only have when at home.

Traveling for business forced me to be comfortable with being on my own

At the age of 25, I went on my first business trip alone. A few years later, I found myself in a global marketing role at work, regularly traveling internationally solo.

I’ve dined in London and Dublin, explored Copenhagen and Munich, shopped in Paris and Shanghai, and ended up at a cheese tasting after getting totally lost in the Netherlands — all on my own.

I love visiting Disney parks as a party of 1

After 22 visits, I’ve done Disney parks in almost every way — with my Disney bestie in the runDisney ChEAR squad, a party of three for my child’s first Disney trip, a group of five with my grandson, and with nine guests for our Disney Wedding.

My first solo Disney trip was in 2018. Disney is great on your own. You’re rewarded for your solo status with shorter wait single rider lines. Lounges and bars serving food are everywhere, making solo dining less awkward.

When you get lonely at a Disney park, there’s always someone, or something, to connect with. You’re never more than a character meet away from a hug.

Some restaurants make being a party of one difficult

When I visited Disneyland in 2023, I attempted to book a World of Color Dining package through the app. No available reservations for one. I tried a party of two and was given multiple options.

Curiosity piqued, I went to the host stand for my desired Dining Package location and asked the friendly Cast Member. After commenting that it wasn’t OK that I couldn’t get a reservation for one, she booked it for me.

While there, put down your phone and engage with the people around you. I did this at Lamplight Lounge in Disney California Adventure and got an exclusive tour of the secret room.

I prefer going for cocktails with others instead of alone

In the last year, I’ve found myself in a bar solo twice. Once, over the holidays, when my husband had COVID and I desperately needed to get out of the house.

The second time was at Your Office, a bar in Milwaukee, at 11 a.m. on a Monday morning. It was for a media event, so I wasn’t the only solo patron.

On both occasions, I missed having someone to “cheers” with, to share food, and to laugh about the cheeky nods to cubicle life in the bar’s decor.

‘Life of a Showgirl’ was the first movie I’ve seen alone

I watched the Eras Tour movie on Disney+ and wished I had seen it in theatres. When the folks who would see a Taylor Swift movie with me weren’t available, I went to “Life of a Showgirl” on my own.

I dressed up — orange and teal dress, sparkly ribbon on my shoes, friendship bracelets — grabbed my junior popcorn, and had a lounger to myself.

I loved dressing on theme and getting there early to make a friendship bracelet in the lobby without worrying about anyone else.

I’m already planning for my next solo adventure — a Taylor Swift cover band show. Rather than drag someone to an event I’m excited about and they’re going because they like me, I love having the confidence to be “on your own, kid.”