Isolation Is a Gift

During my early 20s, there was a particular summer when my dad sent me to our family's remote ranch, far from civilization, in the middle of Chihuahua’s desert, for a week. I had to work installing new fences or fixing broken ones, feeding cows, chickens, and horses, and carrying out other ranch work.

I disliked the experience. Not because I didn’t like going to that ranch, but because I was alone. No friends, no family, no one. During that stage of my life, I preferred being in the ‘social scene,’ and I didn’t want to miss out on anything my friends were doing.

Just a few days after arriving, I remember crying and feeling desperate to go back to the city. At that young age, I didn’t appreciate the value of spending some time alone. I didn’t appreciate nature as much as I do now. I didn’t appreciate reflecting on my thoughts. I didn’t appreciate doing hard physical work with my bare hands.