It can be hard to work on ourselves as individuals. We cling to people, choose to always spend time with others, and ask for company at any spare moment we get. One of the greatest parts of life I've recently realized, however, is how great spending time by yourself can be.
And no, I don't mean buried in comforters in a dark room watching Netflix by yourself. Going out and doing things in public alone is one of the most empowering and satisfying activities someone at our age can do. If you're willing to try it out, here's a list of great activities to do by yourself!
1. Go for a walk
Going for a walk alone leaves you with the option to fully experience the natural world around you. Instead of worrying about conversation topics or keeping up with the walking speed of another person, take the time to remember how blue the sky is, or listen to birds chirping. Connecting with nature in this way will help you to realize you might be by yourself in that moment, but you're never alone in this world.
2. Take yourself out to dinner
One of the greatest experiences I've had lately was when I took myself out to dinner. As the confused hostess repeated back to me "Table for one?" as if I had just asked her to solve a complicated math problem and lead me to a dimly-light and small table in the very back of the restaurant next to the kitchen, I couldn't help but feel like a complete badass.
You bet your ass I inhaled my tacos that night with an enormous smile on my face, realizing I was the bravest person in the building.
3. Go see a movie
If you're worried about exploring this new world of just you, going to a movie alone is a great option. The second the lights go down and the trailers start, you don't have to worry about anyone noticing that you're by yourself and can just enjoy the story and your popcorn that you don't have to share with anybody else.
4. Go to the beach
Nothing is more relaxing than the beach. So don't stress about not having anyone to go with if your friends are busy or hate the beach! Grab a towel, sunblock, and your favorite book and get ready for one of the most relaxing beach experiences of your life: just you, the warm sun, screaming seagulls and sounds of the ocean as your company.
5. Go to a museum
I know museums are not a normal activity for most people, so why not try it out on your own? Whether its art, history, or a quirky topic you love, take the opportunity to geek out on your own and dig deeper into your mind. You may find comfort in the antiques or paintings around you, and think in new and different ways you would've been to distracted to realize if with others.
6. Go shopping
You ever see those things that say "You know you found your person when even going grocery shopping is fun?" Honey, that person should be YOU. Whether it's groceries, clothes, or shopping for anything, those items are going straight to YOU because you earned them, why would you need to share that beautiful idea with anyone else?
7. Visit a place you spent time as a child
Nostalgia is a strong feeling, something very personal and locked into your brain. Going to a place that you used to spend time in at another point in your life brings back all these memories.
But instead of having to explain them to someone else, imagine the feeling of sitting in your old swing set, or your old bedroom, and realize all the time that's gone by, remember what it felt like and meant to you in the past, and playback memories in your brain like private video clips. This kind of experience is very special, and only one that can be truly lived out by yourself-
8. Sit at a table alone at a Starbucks
Get your favorite drink, put away your phone, and just sit at the table. No distractions, no people, nothing to hide behind. Just you and your overpriced coffee against the world. I guarantee you, at the end of that cup, you'll feel empowered, confident, and completely comfortable with yourself as a person.
9. Plan a day trip
Remember that lighthouse you always wanted to go see, bot no one else wanted to? Or that really cool attraction you heard about in the next state over that you had no one to go with? Now's a perfect opportunity to go with your new best friend-yourself!
Make a great new playlist, put on your favorite traveling outfit, and get ready for some great selfies. Going and seeing what you want, completely independent of other people's choices, is one of the greatest adventures you'll go on in your life.
10. Go on a full out vacation
This task is not for the faint-hearted. The ultimate step in spending time by yourself is to plan a whole vacation with only you. Finances depending, plan something that's at least one night away from home.
Whether it be a weekend at a cheap hotel by the shore, a whole week on a tropical island, or an Eat, Pray, Love situation, see what it's like to experience the world without the influence of a guest. You'll see at the end how you feel comfortable, not lonely, and at one with the universe, not a lost individual in a mess of people.
Once you've completed this list, you are finally at a place where you are at one with yourself. No need to rush or feel uncomfortable; take your own path as needed. But once you find peace within yourself enough to spend time completely alone in regular everyday activities, you'll realize how truly great you are as a person, and that you really do not need anyone to enjoy activities in life.