The art of the solo Saturday — how I actually structure a day out

What a Solo Saturday Actually Looks Like

There’s usually one anchor to my solo Saturday, one thing I actually plan around. Everything else fills in as the day goes. I wanted to go to the farmer’s market early because the last couple times I arrived late and they had run out of a couple of things I wanted. That’s the only real plan I had for the day. So, I was up early, showered, made some coffee and off I went. I got some farm fresh eggs, produce, pickled onions, garlic and locally made pasta (which I’ll be having tonight). It’s nice to meet locals and vendors and learn of new products. Today I tried a dairy free dessert made from cashews and coconut milk, yummy. I’m honestly trying to make better decisions when it comes to food choices. Farmer’s markets are great places to get fresh produce without the pesticides. The eggs I got can actually sit on my countertop for 2-3 weeks (European style) because they are only wiped down but not washed. I’m trying it, a first for me. Fresh, local produce tastes much better than the supermarket version.

It’s good to get out. You meet the community. The mayor was actually there too. I didn’t chat with him, but who knows maybe next time I will. I’ve met some interesting people and even found a local woman who makes fresh pasta. I can order it anytime, year-round. I wouldn’t have even known about her unless I went to the farmer’s market. I came home, put away the groceries and did some cleanup. I decided it was time for some garden cleanup. I think I was out there for a few hours. Boy is my back sore. But I’m glad I got it done. I have a love/hate relationship with my garden. I generally enjoy being out there, no matter what I am doing. But the pain I feel afterwards is not so fun. Fortunately, I’m prepared. It’s something I’ve had to deal with for years. A few stretches and a session with my foam roller usually does the trick. If it’s worse, I’ll reach for my heated massager or finish the night with an Epsom salt soak. I’ve figured out my recovery lineup over the years — you can see everything I actually use on my Benable wellness list. Glad I have options, because after a few hours in the garden, I always need them.

After this I made a big salad and relaxed for a while by putting my feet up and watching a movie. Then I did more housework. Finally, I ended up on my laptop to write this blog. I am actually excited to write. It’s about 7PM now and I’ll make some pasta and vegetables for dinner. All in all it was a productive day. Somewhere between the garden and the pasta and the unplanned evening, it hit me again how much I actually like my life.

I will tell you this, no 2 solo Saturdays are ever the same for me. Sometimes I’m busy, sometimes I’m not or I choose not to be busy. I have in the distant past, sat around like a slug and watched TV for an entire weekend. Those were my old condo days. Since having this house, there is always something to do. There’s a list that sometimes I think I will never complete. There is a balance I try to maintain. Since building this website and starting my blog, I have less time than ever before. That’s okay with me. I’m never bored.

I think some solo people may not realize we have the freedom that so many others envy. I hear people talking about constantly bringing their kids to and traveling for their sports. People spending much of their time caring for a partner or tending to their partner’s needs instead of their own. We don’t have those obligations or pressures. It’s not a judgement call at all, just lifestyle choices that are intentional for us. I recognize and appreciate that all the time, especially with my solo Saturdays.

I always make time to be social too. I initially had plans to spend time with a friend I haven’t seen in a while. That did not happen, I was a bit disappointed but it’s okay. I find plans fall through all the time for me. I’ve learned to be agile. Honestly, 95% of the time I’m fine with canceled plans and staying home or just doing something solo. Just depends on how I’m feeling. I ended up building out a new page on the website instead and honestly, that quiet productivity felt like exactly the right use of the afternoon. I’ve learned to count those moments as wins, not consolation prizes.

So the solo Saturday structure? It’s actually very little structure. Some need-to-dos, some want-to-dos. That’s the balance. Admittedly, I spend more time on the need-tos than the want tos, but that’s just my personality and I don’t apologize to anyone for it.