Embracing the beauty in existing in solitude can be a great personal strength to have. More often than not, we’re reliant on having others around and being a source of stability, rather than trusting ourselves with this ability. There was a point in my life where I wouldn’t attend an event or walk into a crowded room without the comfort of having someone along and help take the attention away. Fortunately, I grew out of this before it became a huge hinderance, and was able to truly experience the benefits of doing things alone.
Unfortunately, not many people will step out of their comfort zones and exist all by themselves. Something as simple as eating lunch, alone in a restaurant is a stretch. If their friends aren’t there to minimize any awkward feelings, they’ll make a choice to go through a drive through instead and eat in the car. This seems like an odd example but this simple scenario is the reflection of so many other missed opportunities.
My advice, stop feeling obligated to always be in company. Besides entertaining can become pretty draining and distracting engagement. Not to mention, the company you keep is already a influence and in some cases a reflection of your personal pursuits. While its nice to be surrounded by your best peeps, it also requires a lot of compromise which can cause even more-so of a drain. Be reluctant with sharing your space. Spending quality time with yourself opens up new avenues to explore you may not have known existed. The more you learn about you in silence, the more you thrive on the outside. No doubt you can find inspiration being in the presence of others, but, you reach the true depths of your purpose by spending time alone, trusting your own thoughts in uninterrupted silence. Be intentional with how you utilize the time you have and make sure its always to your benefit not just for the sake of being social.
We claim to have a purpose and a passion but no idea how to make that plan and passion a reality. Just think, if time is always spent in the company of others, being consumed by their ideas and opinions other people you’ll be too busy to plan and develop that passion. Don’t compromise your hustle for the sake of temporary social benefits.
One of the misconceptions about wanting to be left alone, not feeling the pressure to be in contact with anyone or shutting yourself off is that its selfish. Wanting your space and time to yourself isn’t a selfish behavior. Its a big part of self care and gives us the time we need to reflect, contemplate and make changes within the aspects of our lives not yet tapped into. The fear of missing out socially can really cause you to miss out on your full potential producing regret. Finding stability without relying on others, builds environments of safe space to escape to anytime you’re in need.
For me, practicing solitude keeps me grounded and less anxious about making decisions. I’m more in tune with how I react in certain situations and can tune into how I’m feeling and why when I do become anxious. Some of best periods of creativity and moments of understanding happen in solitaire. Try it and let me know what happens. Just watch the layers of self doubt and lack of self worth peel away turning you into a more confident you.