Floating into Freedom

Floating Into Freedom: Bucket List Healing in Sonoma

There’s something sacred about standing in a vineyard before sunrise, watching strangers become silent in awe as the morning mist lifts and the flame roars to life. The hot air balloon inflates slowly — not rushed, not anxious — just a gentle, steady rise. As the basket lifts off the earth, there’s a moment of disbelief: Am I really doing this?

And then…you’re floating.

Not flying.Not falling. Just floating.

The hush of the world below and the expanse of Sonoma’s rolling hills stretch out like a whispered invitation: You’re allowed to rise.

The Art of Letting Go

There’s no steering wheel on a hot air balloon. That’s the first thing I learned. The direction? Up to the wind. The landing? Wherever you’re gently placed. All you can do is trust the rise and surrender to the drift.

It made me wonder how often I’ve tried to grip life too tightly. How often I’ve begged for certainty when the beauty was waiting in the release. Up there, I didn’t feel afraid of the unknown — I felt lighter, like fear had slipped off me somewhere between the vineyards and the clouds.

To float, is to let go. To trust, is to rise.

Worthy of the List

This ride was on my bucket list for years. But like many of us, I used to think bucket list dreams were for “someday.” I didn’t always feel worthy of the wonder — or the investment.

But standing in the sky, with no walls around me, I realized something deeply healing:Our desires are sacred.Our dreams don’t have to wait.

Every time we check something off our list — whether it’s a trip, a creative leap, or a quiet moment of courage — we send a message to our soul:You matter. You’re allowed to want more.

Solo, but Never Alone

I did this trip solo. Just me, a sunrise, a balloon full of strangers, and a sky full of grace. And honestly? It felt like a spiritual companion had been waiting for me at 3,000 feet.

Solo travel is never just about the destination. It’s about rediscovering your own voice, your pace, your joy. Up there, floating over the golden vines of Sonoma Valley, I remembered who I was before fear tried to shrink me.

She’s still here. She’s rising.

Travel Tips for Your Own Balloon Ride

• Best Time to Go: Early mornings are ideal — both for the weather and the lighting. Most rides begin before sunrise.

• What to Wear: Layers are key! It’s chilly before takeoff, but warmer in the air. Avoid dresses and opt for comfortable shoes.

• Book Early: Balloon rides fill up quickly. Choose a company with great safety records and strong local reviews.

• Bring: A journal, a charged phone for photos, and a wide-open heart.

Journal Prompt:

What’s on your bucket list, and what might it mean to say yes to one of those dreams now — not later? Where might the wind be inviting you to let go and rise?

Let this post be your gentle nudge:You don’t have to wait.You’re allowed to float into freedom — one brave rise at a time.

Recommendations:

The folks at Sonoma Ballooning were friendly, humurous and professional. View their site if you're interested in booking a flight www.sonomaballooning.com