I have been wanting to go to Bali, Indonesia for many years now. When I graduated University in 2016, my sister gifted me a round trip airfare to Bali to congratulate me on my hard earned success but that didn’t fall through. Not on her end, but on my end. I was not diligent and persistent with my savings to comfortably afford food, accommodations and personal spending. But REAL TALK, I was not ready for Bali. Fast forward to 2019. Forever grateful for having a generous and supportive sister, she again gifted me a plane ticket to Bali for my 33rd birthday. This time I was ready for Bali.

Here’s WHY…

At the end of June, I felt my world was going backwards…literally. I was doing so well in my secondment in the role as a Human Resources Assistant. No longer was I in odd jobs that did not align with what I went to University for. This is it for me. The entry way to a profession I felt I was destined for. Time to learn, grow and climb up the corporate ladder. NOPE! After my trip with my sister to Brooklyn, my Team Lead pulled me aside for a meeting. She broke the news that my Director from the Financial Department wanted me to go back to my base position. It was not economically sound for them to keep two temporary, external employees to replace me, while I was on my secondment. I had two choices. Stay. But I had to release my status as a full-time, permanent employee with no guarantee the position as a HR Assistant would become permanent. This was definitely risky assessing the economic climate of Alberta. The other choice, was to return to my secure position in the Finance department. My heart was definitely not in Accounting. That chapter ended for me. I was happy and comfortable here. My instinct told me to go back but I was so upset with the situation, I was ready to take a risk! Being a rational Libra, I was never one to take risks so I thought to myself, “Why not now?! This is the time to RISK IT ALL!” I was feeling some type of way with the situation at hand, I needed some time to process everything. I knew no right decisions were ever made when my mind was unclear and my heart closed. I prayed countless times for the Universe to divinely guide me. “With love, please guide me to the right path.” The Universe provided its guidance and it was to return to my previous position.

Even though I placed my faith in the Universe to guide me, I was looking for a way out! I’m only human, so of course, I had doubts with my choice to return. A part of me wanted to accept the situation at hand but another part of me felt angry, disheartened and impatient with life. “Why am I going backwards? What life lesson(s) have I not completed for the Universe to bring me back?” It was unclear at that time but I clearly understand now. Here’s what I’ve learned. Going “backwards” triggered me to start my fashion/travel blog. Going “backwards” I returned to a secure position in times when people were losing their jobs. I had to really check myself and tell myself how fortunate and blessed I am. Lastly, the perfect gift the Universe blessed me with, the opportunity to finally embark on my solo travel to Bali, Indonesia.

It was in Bali, the Island of the Gods were I received my answers.

Before I planted my feet on Bali soil, I decided I would go there with an open-mind, open-heart and no expectations. I told myself, “I’m going to Bali to EAT, PRAY and LOVE MYSELF!!!” I wanted to discover, explore and just be. I desired alone time and to gain clarity on my life situations, rediscover my authentic self, and to truly find happiness within. Since this was a BIG solo journey for me, I wanted to make sure I did my research and mapped out where I would stay for my three weeks in Bali. Years ago, I found a lovely website: www.bookretreats.com where I booked my first yoga retreat to Sivananda ashram in Nassau, Bahamas. The website was very helpful and informative. I was able to book the yoga retreat with ease therefore, I would use it again for Bali. It was decided! I would stay in a total of three yoga retreats. Yes, three yoga retreats which means A LOT of yoga!!! Because I was solo traveling, I wanted to stay in yoga retreats because it would offer me to be with like-minded people and as well, food and accommodations would be provided. Less things to worry about which would permit me to fully be present and enjoy Bali.

First stop, Shanti Toya Ashram for 6 days and 5 nights in the village of Mengwi. Second stop, Village Above the Clouds - Atas Awan Retreat for 4 days and 3 nights in the village of Tabanan. To conclude my solo journey in Bali, third and final stop, Islah Indah Retreat for 7 days and 6 nights in Nusa Lembongan. In my future posts, I will be writing about my experiences in the three yoga retreats. I have to say, the experiences in the three different yoga retreats were all unique in their own ways. All three, offered only POSITIVE experiences and I gained so much from it. I am truly blessed!

Now, I understand why many souls embark to Bali. The initial desire may be to travel to Bali for the beautiful scenic views; ride the waves and go surfing; visit the many temples; and partake in the many tourist attractions, which Bali has plenty to offer. But there’s more to Bali, if you’re heart is open to it. I don’t know how to fully express it in words what Bali can offer but I truly believe this. Bali is a magical place with an abundance of healing and spiritual energies. I FELT IT. In my solo travel, I was fortunate to meet many beautiful souls from all parts of the world. The beautiful souls whom I was fortunate to have crossed paths and whom I deeply connected with, I was able to hear their personal stories. I know this to be true. We may be worlds a part but we are more similar than we are different. I met many whom finally had the courage to leave unhealthy, long-term relationships and now they are lost. Many whom left secured jobs because they were dissatisfied. They knew they had more to offer but they were uncertain as to how they could be of service to the world. The underlying message I discovered, every soul was in search of one thing. LOVE and HAPPINESS within. THAT IS IT. I was one of them. We traveled to Bali and removed ourselves from the world we have always known to discover/re-discover our fullest expression of love and happiness. When we remove ourselves from what is familiar and comfortable, we invite dis-ease. Allowing ourselves to experience dis-ease, it forces ourselves to go deep within. Only within, can we truly find the answers.

BE-ing in Bali, I learned so much about myself and the world. I am forever thankful to the people of Bali for reminding me to be grateful for what I have. Many Balinese people live simple lives, with only a few material possessions but they live their daily lives with full hearts and warming smiles. In every households and businesses found in Bali, I saw canang sari - “chanang” - daily offerings made every day (morning, afternoon or evening) to the Gods and Goddesses. This is how they show their love, devotion and respect. Everyday, they practice gratitude. I am utmost grateful to be able to see and experience the physical beauty of Bali. Its beauty allowed me to practice the art of being present. There were several times when I told myself to sit still so I could contemplate about life and understand why things weren’t working out in my favor. I couldn’t. I was immersed and surrounded with Mother Nature’s beauty, I had no desire to live inside my head. I wanted to live in the present moment. I am grateful to have met incredible, empowering women along my solo journey. I have gained soul sisters from around the world whom continue to express their love and support for me as I go through the ebbs and flow of life. As well, I continue to send love and support for my soul sisters as they embark on life’s journey and discover their fullest potentials. I have had many beautiful moments in Bali but if I had to choose one moment which deeply resonated with me, it had to be my very last day alone in Bali. I had finished swimming at the pool of my Airbnb and was drying off, when I looked up in the sky and the Sun was beaming on my face. At that very moment, I felt God. God’s presence was everywhere. I was not alone. I was never alone. As well, it was the first time ever in my life, I felt the presence of God within me. God was always with me. It was the greatest “AHA” moment ever!!! I began to shed tears of joy. I finally get it. I finally understood why things were unfolding as it is, at this moment of my life. Most importantly, I accepted the present moment as it is.