Courageous conversations
- lisasaperbloom
- Sep 11
- 3 min read
Courageous Conversations: Navigating Difficult Discussions and the Parallel for Female Solo Travelers
Written by Lisa Saper-Bloom, Founder of 1 2 3 Go Solo!
Contributions via Interview: Andrew Romero, Dear Friend and now 1 2 3 Go Solo! Client
The Importance of Courageous Conversations for Travelers
As travelers, we often find ourselves in new and challenging situations that require us to communicate effectively. Whether it's navigating cultural differences, discussing plans with travel companions, or addressing conflicts with hotel staff, having the skills for Courageous Conversations can make all the difference in our journey.
Add to this, being a female solo traveler who needs to be able to tell her husband she wants to travel on her own, not because she doesn't love him, but because she wants to know she can empower herself to do so! But before we draw this parallel, let's talk to Andy.
Andy’s Journey: From Anxiety to Empowerment
After a dear friend of mine, Andy, felt blindsided by a Performance Evaluation at work, he insisted I coach him on what we now refer to as Courageous Conversations. Andy has been a supportive friend for decades, and part of our friendship involves our weekly “Accountabilibuddy” check-ins.
On what seemed like a normal Wednesday evening, Andy logged on, full of anxiety and lacking sleep. He described feeling like he was at 50,000 feet in flight mode. After sharing his experience, it became clear that he was deeply affected by his evaluation.
Understanding the Challenge
Despite being a successful professional, Andy was struggling under the weight of a new role and supervisor. At the end of our Accountabilibuddy session, Andy's ticket to coaching sessions, was to prepare to tackle his feelings. I encouraged him to write down everything he was experiencing from a raw perspective. The idea of this assignment alone helped to ground him, bringing him “down 30,000 feet.”
Transforming Anxiety into Confidence
Within just 13 days, Andy transformed from paralyzing anxiety to feeling empowered to have honest, solution-oriented conversations. He offered to share his experience, understanding the value of doing the work necessary for personal growth.
Q&A with Andy: Insights on Courageous Conversations
Q: How did you know 1 2 3 Go Solo! was the right fit for your coaching needs?
A: Your combined background in coaching, yoga, and meditation along with working with Administrators, Managers, and Directors, gave me confidence in your ability to help me navigate this challenging time. In just five sessions, I learned to “neutralize” my communication, which has become a key part of my daily interactions.
Q: Can you describe your first assignment before our sessions started?
A: I was overwhelmed, stressed out, scared and paranoid. Writing down my feelings was cathartic but also uncomfortable. It took time for my emotions to evolve from angry, confused and uncertainly. It was a crucial step towards clarity.
Q: How did 1 2 3 Go Solo! support you moving forward?
A: Our conversations were intense, but your calming nature helped me prioritize my feelings and communicate effectively. I learned to approach my manager in a way that felt authentic to me.
Q: Did you expect to make such progress in just 13 days?
A: Not at all! Your strategic approach gave me the confidence I needed to communicate my message clearly.
Q: What advice would you give to someone facing communication challenges?
A: I realized that I needed help to navigate my personal tornado. Your coaching helped me see that initiating Courageous Conversations is essential for personal empowerment, whether at work or in personal relationships.
parallel to female solo travel
Working with Andy reminded me of how courageous conversation coaching intersects with the unique experiences of solo travel. For instance, one client discovered that her fear of discussing her need for solo time was rooted in deeper issues. Through coaching, she learned to communicate her needs without guilt, leading to a healthier relationship with her spouse.
Reflecting on Courageous Conversations
As travelers, specifically female solo travelers, we must ask ourselves: How do we show up in difficult conversations? Are we coming from a place of growth and neutrality? Are we providing constructive solutions in our discussions? These reflections can enhance our travel experiences and personal connections. In fact, the one client I referred to now realizes that spending time with her husband is easier and more special than it has ever been.
I have always, and continue to say, traveling solo makes me a better person, a better spouse, and better able to handle the more courageous conversations in life.
Take the First Step
If you're curious about how to navigate your own Courageous Conversations, consider scheduling a 15-minute FREE consultation. Let's explore how I can assist you on your journey in life whether at home, at work, with friends, with adult children.... you name it, we can conquer it. Together.
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