I’ve been working remotely since the pandemic and for a while it felt great but after a couple of years the isolation started to sink in. About two years ago I decided to start traveling thinking the change of scenery would help me feel less alone. New cities, new energy, new people I thought it would naturally push me out of that bubble.

But the weird thing is even with all the movement the loneliness didn’t magically disappear. I’m single, always on the move and I still struggle with the same problem I had at home I feel awkward approaching people, I overthink the smallest interactions. I’ll sit in cafes or coworking spaces surrounded by people and still end up alone because I can’t get myself to start a conversation.

I love the freedom of this lifestyle and I’m proud of myself for even choosing it but at the same time I can’t ignore the moments where it feels like the world is happening around me instead of with me. It’s like I finally built a life that lets me explore everything I dreamed of yet I still haven’t figured out how to feel connected in it.

I’m curious if anyone else deals with this mix feeling proud of the independence but also lonely at the same time?