It's Okay to Come Alone

One of the most common messages I receive is some version of this:

"I'd love to come, but I'm nervous because I don't know anyone."

If you've ever felt that way, I want you to know something.

You're not alone.

In fact, almost every woman who comes to a Girlhood in the Woods event comes by herself.

And almost every one of them leaves knowing at least one new person.

I know showing up alone is scary because I've been there too.

Not just at Girlhood in the Woods events—but in life.

I still remember the first time I went line dancing by myself.

My stomach was in knots.

My anxiety was through the roof.

Even after months of counseling and working on myself, every part of me wanted to stay home.

I almost didn't go.

I stood there making excuse after excuse.

"Maybe I'll go another time."

"What if everyone already knows each other?"

"What if I look awkward?"

"What if I don't fit in?"

If you've ever had those thoughts, trust me, you're not the only one.

But that night, I made a deal with myself.

I only had to stay for 30 minutes.

If after 30 minutes I still felt uncomfortable, I could leave.

No guilt.

No pressure.

At least I could say I tried.

That little promise changed everything.

Because I wasn't trying to convince myself I'd stay all night.

I was simply asking myself to be brave for 30 minutes.

Now, whenever I go somewhere new by myself, I make the same deal.

Sometimes it's five minutes.

Sometimes it's fifteen.

But most of the time, it's thirty.

Thirty minutes gives me enough time to stop overthinking, catch my breath, and actually experience what I came for.

And here's something I've realized.

Not once have I stayed those thirty minutes and still wanted to leave.

Every single time, I eventually relaxed.

I started talking to people.

I laughed.

I had fun.

I left wondering why I'd been so scared in the first place.

Looking back, I can't help but think about everything I would have missed if I had let fear make the decision for me.

I never would have fallen in love with line dancing.

I never would have met some of the wonderful friends I have today.

I never would have started Girlhood in the Woods.

And I would have missed countless memories that now mean so much to me.

Fear has a funny way of convincing us that staying home is safer.

Sometimes it is.

But sometimes it's also keeping us from the very life we've been hoping for.

I think one of the biggest reasons women hesitate to come alone is because of the unknown.

We want to feel safe.

We don't know what to expect.

We worry everyone else already knows each other.

We wonder if we'll feel awkward.

Those feelings are completely normal.

As women, we're often taught to be cautious. While there's wisdom in being aware of our surroundings, it's easy for that caution to grow into fear that keeps us from experiencing life.

That's one of the reasons Girlhood in the Woods exists.

I wanted to create the kind of community I wished I had—a place where women could show up exactly as they are, even if they don't know a single person.

When you come to one of our events, you'll be welcomed from the moment you arrive.

Within the first 10 to 15 minutes, everyone introduces themselves, shares a little about who they are, and starts getting to know one another.

There's no pressure to be outgoing.

No expectation to have the perfect conversation.

Just women showing up, one conversation at a time.

One of my favorite parts of every event is watching those first introductions slowly turn into genuine friendships.

Someone offers to walk together.

Another person asks for an Instagram handle.

Phone numbers get exchanged.

Plans are made to grab coffee or attend the next event together.

It happens almost every single time.

The beautiful thing is that while most women arrive alone...

They rarely leave that way.

If you're thinking about coming to your first Girlhood in the Woods event, here's my advice.

Come anyway.

Be open.

Smile.

Say hello.

Remember that every other woman there once attended her first event too.

Many of them were just as nervous as you are.

Give yourself thirty minutes.

You don't have to promise yourself the whole event.

Just thirty minutes.

See how you feel.

Take a deep breath.

Be curious.

Let yourself settle in.

You might be surprised by what happens when you give yourself permission to stay just a little longer.

Because courage isn't about never feeling afraid.

It's about refusing to let fear make every decision for you.

And if there's one thing I hope you remember after reading this, it's this:

You are never as alone as you think you are.

There is a community of women waiting to welcome you with open arms, celebrate your wins, support you through the hard days, and cheer you on as you become the person you're meant to be.

You don't have to have it all together before you show up.

You don't have to know anyone.

You just have to take the first step.

We'll be here when you do.

Thank you for spending a little time in the woods with me today. Whether you're reading this from your couch, your favorite coffee shop, or somewhere beneath the trees, I hope this reminded you that adventure doesn't have to be big to be meaningful—and that the bravest adventures often begin by showing up, even when you're scared.

Until next time,

Raelyn Bedford
Founder, Girlhood in the Woods