I’m so excited to finally share a self published article and visual diary of my work “ A Woman Solo Traveler “ I completed this in the beginning of the year after my trip to Patagonia - Chile and Argentina. I submitted it to many top editors and publishers at the end of last year and beginning of this year but unfortunately it did not get picked up. I finally decided that’s its time and the right time that I put it out to the world. It’s been dear to my heart for many years and as a solo female traveler how important this journey has been. This visual diary continues in many years to come and I hope one day it can be published in a major publication. Love Xo, Mona
For centuries it’s been frowned upon when a woman decides she wants to be independent or do anything that is of independence. What does it all mean, to be truly independent as a woman? As an Artist, photographer and a 45 year old woman, I can tell you that there are many aspects of being an independent woman in today’s society. For more than 20 years I have battled the challenges of my true calling, my artist path and my career. I have gone through what most women feel in stages of their womanhood, the pressures of getting married, having kids, thinking it is truly the way that you need to live. I never had either and the stigma is still there. If you have a single lifestyle; Someone who has chosen, or not by choice, to be single and independent, is still looked down upon. I’m and not necessarily by choice, pursuing the life of independence, as a woman. For many years now I’ve run my own successful business, traveled solo for adventures on many occasions and I’m very proud of my experiences and the choices I’ve made. I would not be the person I’m today.
For my work as a Fine Art, Environmental, and Commercial photographer I’ve had to travel many times on my own. For instance, my photography on Glaciers, called the ICE project, which I began in 2018, I’ve had to traveled to Alaska, Montana, South America and Iceland solo. It began earlier than that, in 2015 when I decided to pack up my bags and decide to take on trips by myself. It wasn’t easy and to convince myself I could do it. The fear of being on my own haunted me everyday to make that leap of faith and book the trip. When I finally did, the fear slowly dissipated every time I thought about the next trip. My family, of courses, was concerned, rightfully so, as a woman solo traveler. Women always have to be careful in any situation. I did my homework, I knew not to be in places that I shouldn’t. I had my aid kits, things to protect myself and defend myself if I had to. My phone was always charged, and my handy portable charger was with me at all times. There is always a risk that you take when you decide to take a trip, even with a partner. You can never be too careful.
You can be smart and make decision that make sense to you. You can make sure if in any case of distress, you can take care of yourself and have a way for safety. When I photograph I try to be in busy areas and if in a desolate place not be there for too long. I get my shot and get out. I have taken risk here and there but I wouldn’t be the Woman I am now without them. The fears that had its grip on me, are not there anymore today, maybe some lingering, when I decide to take on the next journey that I’ve never experienced before.Even the thought of the next journey, wherever it may be, is a sense of excitement for me. I’ve beaten the fear down so low to the ground that it has no life to breathe. I’m a stronger woman today, unhinged from the fears of centuries of misconceptions and misinformation, fed into the female psyches. It was the meditative and continues
thought, I practiced, that I could do it and persevere, that kept me moving and never stop trying.
My story is that, as a woman, you should never be afraid, in any of your life pursuits. A set of rules that was made up by a certain way of beliefs shouldn’t define you as a woman and human being first. This applies to anyone with a dream and a passion to pursue. The roadblocks will always be there. When you do overcome those fears, with experience and action, you will have a great point of view on the highest mountain; And at that peak, as a human being, you will know who you truly are and your purpose in this World. The first step is the journey that begins with the strength you need, following your heart and soul. Independent and by oneself, in nature as it should be, trusting the natural process. Every step has been part the journey, in my growth as an independent woman with complex emotions tied to society, in history and my ancestors in my biology in this World. I’ve realized I’m not the only one on this Journey, my ancestors and all the women in this world stand next to me. The women that made this possible, I’m them and I’m you.