Independent Vibe in Ecuador: Embracing Singledom and Savoring Life at Age 33
In the sweltering heat of Ecuador's coast, Sinead Mulhern walked the dusty street lined with vibrant bougainvillea. With an ice-cold beer in her hand and a bottle of water tucked under her arm, she had a sudden realization—she had chosen the freedom to explore the world, and a life in South America, for a reason.
The store owner's friendly words of wisdom echoed in her mind: "Enjoy your beer, your life, and your time. We only have today." This spoke to the very heart of Sinead's decision to spend five weeks soaking up the sun by the ocean.
Over six years, Sinead had called South America her home, moving from Ecuador to Colombia and back, captivated by the endless green valleys, towering volcanoes, and small wonders like avocado trees and hummingbirds. At 33, she embraced the unexpected, including the ever-changing landscape of dating, both a joy and a source of frustration.
The best part about being single and childless in her mid-thirties? The freedom to discover, enjoy her time, and pursue her creative passions. So she rented a cabana by the coast to write, read, and bask in the sun. If her life took a different turn tomorrow, she knew she would regret not seizing this precious freedom.
Growing up as a millennial, Sinead couldn't shake off the fairy tales and blockbuster rom-coms that romanticized relationships. Upon moving to Ecuador in 2018, she found herself navigating the choppy waters of modern dating in her thirties, a journey that was as incredible as it was frustrating.
She went on countless dates with interesting men, each bringing new adventures and experiences. But she felt a twinge of disappointment when the initial spark fizzled out or a promising connection came to an end. Her friends back home were married or in committed relationships, and she had assumed her life would follow a similar path.
However, Sinead began to see things differently. Life as a single woman, frequently stigmatized by mainstream messages, became a source of advantage. Her nomadic lifestyle, free from the constraints of a committed relationship, allowed her to embark on unforgettable travels, from serene island getaways to snow-covered mountain escapes.
Being able to make decisions on her own whim, without consulting anyone, brought a sense of empowerment. Traveling allowed her to unfold her unique personality, striking up conversations with locals and learning about their cultures in a way that she believes might not have been possible in a partnership.
Moreover, Sinead recognizes that her privileged status as an educated, financially independent woman enables her to choose whether or not to enter into a relationship, a luxury not all women can afford. She refuses to see her singlehood as a personal failure, but instead embraces it as a choice—a conscious decision that reflects her personal values.
The rest of her coastal retreat was blissful. She danced until dawn at a birthday party, walked along the shore, swam beneath the sun, and savored delicious Argentinian cuisine prepared by amiable strangers from Buenos Aires.
Sinead acknowledged that life was fleeting and that time shouldn't be wasted on what-ifs. She was ready for whatever the future held, whether there would be someone there to share her adventures or not.
- What about a life with only iguanas as companions, Sinead wondered, as she sipped her ice-cold beer in Ecuador.
- Traveling through South America, Sinead found herself fascinated by the sight of iguanas basking in the sun, just as she had been captivated by the endless green valleys and towering volcanoes.
- Unburdened by the need to compromise for a partner, Sinead could agree to take off at a moment's notice for an adventure, much like an iguana shedding its skin.
- Embracing her childless and single lifestyle, Sinead immersed herself in lifestyle books, love-and-dating guides, education-and-self-development materials, and personal-growth literature, in search of enlightenment.
- Practicing mindfulness, Sinead understood that her focus should be on appreciating the moment, just as an iguana does when it basks in the sun, instead of worrying about the future or what others might think.
- As Sinead lay on her cabana's hammock, she realized how grateful she was to be living her best life, much like an iguana contentedly basking in its sun-soaked environment.
