Solo in Style
Here’s the scenario: I’m living alone in a small cabin up in Door County. It’s just me, and for once, I have total control over my surroundings. The cabin is modestly furnished with a bed, bathroom, kitchen, and all the basics for daily living. But I get to bring along my personal essentials—the little luxuries that make life truly mine.
Lots of paper things. I’d bring notebooks and books—my ultimate companions for solitude. Every morning, I’d wake up, grab my perfectly balanced rollerball pen (black ink, of course), and let my thoughts flow onto paper. These notebooks would hold my dreams, ideas, and plans, filling my days with a sense of purpose and creativity. And when I’m not writing, I’d curl up with all those books I’ve bought over the years—the ones I’ve only half-read or saved for “someday.” Before setting off on this adventure, I might even make a quick Amazon or Barnes & Noble stop to see if there’s anything else that needs to join my “paper things.”
Hiking and walking gear. This adventure demands good walking shoes, hiking boots, and my favorite windbreaker pants, leggings, and yoga shirts (for that extra dash of “good karma”). Exploring nature would be a daily ritual, and I want to be ready for whatever the Wisconsin weather decides to throw at me.
Music for ambiance. Nothing sets a mood quite like the right playlist. In the evenings, I’d sit by an outdoor fire, watch bats flit over the water, and listen to the crickets. But when the silence becomes too deep, music would keep me company. I’d bring along Alexa to play my 80s hits, coffeehouse vibes, and even some mellow cabin tunes for the ultimate cozy feels.
Creative tools. Solitude calls for self-expression, and there’s something about a quiet cabin that brings out the artist in me. I’d bring a sketchbook, pencils, a maybe even a jewelry pliers, wire snippets and beads—nothing too fancy, just tools to enjoy in the beauty around me. Whether it’s a quick doodle of the lake at dawn or a new pair of earrings with birch bark and beads, having art supplies would keep my hands busy and my spirit engaged.
A canine companion (or two). Although this dream feels like a solo retreat, I’d still need a bit of company, and there’s nothing better than a loyal pup by my side. Sweet dogs are the perfect companions for a solitary life—they’re content to lounge while I write or read and always ready for an adventure, whether it’s a hike, a swim, or just a nap. They listen without judgment, think all my ideas are brilliant, and never argue over when it’s time to eat, sleep, or play.
The beauty of a solo retreat is the chance to fully embrace who I am and what I love. It’s about savoring the quiet, tuning into my own rhythms, and surrounding myself with the essentials that make me feel whole. A small cabin in Door County, a few favorite items, and the freedom to create—that’s all I need to reconnect with myself. Because sometimes, less truly is more.
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