It all began when I realized that everyone that I would normally ask to go out to eat with me was either working or had plans. But I was not willing to spend the entire day watching Netflix and moping because my friends were busy. Plus, I knew I would be really hungry. It was at that moment that I decided to have my very own “Me Day.”

After coaching too many Division I swimmers at a captain's practice for over an hour, I took a nap. It was much needed after too early of a wake up on my day off. Once I woke up from my nap, I decided to do my hair and makeup. Fixing my hair and makeup gave me the confidence to start my adventure. But after it was all said and done, I was hungry (just like I had predicted).

I got in my car and headed off to Qdoba, a popular spot for students from my school to eat. Surprisingly, I saw no one I knew there! They also had free Wi-Fi, which was a blessing because I was on my data plan’s last leg. I got my food and sat down to read my book. It was actually very relaxing, I took my time eating and enjoying the moment. But I could not loiter in Qdoba for the free Wi-Fi forever. Next stop was to paint some pottery!

I drove a short way over to the mall where I found a little farmers market in the parking lot. I decided to walk through and look around. Of course I had to buy some lemonade from some kids with a lemonade stand, but I did not see anything else I needed to have.

I continued into the mall to Color Me Mine, one of my favorite places during the summer. I wandered around the store looking for something fun to paint when this cute heart shaped container caught my eye. It was perfect. I sat down and started picking out my color scheme, which was hard because I loved so many of them. I finally settled on some colors and started painting away. I was super focused since I wasn’t distracted by trying to maintain a conversation. Once I had finally finished painting, I decided to take myself to get my nails done. Cause treat yo' self, right?

I was driving to the nail place, country music blaring and loving life. This was turning out to be a great day. I got there a little early so I went into Great Harvest Bread Co, the shop next to it. I have fond memories of my mom bringing home cinnamon chip bread, so I had to stop in to sample some bread. It was delicious as usual, and the staff was beyond friendly. I wondered if I would have noticed all these things if I had been with other people.

When it’s finally time for my appointment, I picked out my color (something light that would fit into the military regulations) and sat down. When I sat down and the artist began to paint my nails I realized that I was exhausted. When did I get so tired? I pushed through the end of my appointment and decided to drive back to school.

I had an epiphany when I started driving back, and I decided to go to this church one of my friends had taken me to before. With time to spare before church, I grabbed a slushie at Sonic (to help combat the heat), sat and read in my car for a bit. Once it got closer to the time for church, I started driving that way, but something caught my eye. It was a man in a truck selling bonsai trees. While this may seem sketchy to people, one of my friends had actually told me about this man. He sells quality bonsai trees at different parking lots during the week. I was so excited to have found him!

I stopped and pulled into this abandoned restaurants parking lot (creepy) and I went over and started talking to the man. I picked out my little tree; it was a three-year-old Japanese Juniper. I put the little tree back into my car and rushed to church with my prize.

Before I had gone into church, I had texted my friend that I had found the bonsai man. He had said he wanted another bonsai as well (yes we both have a problem), so I stopped again. The man recognized me, and I told him about my friend. I bought another tree, but what was even better was that the man gave me free fertilizer for the trees I had purchased. If I ever see him again, I will not hesitate to say hello.

Naturally, I was hungry again, so I pulled into one of my favorite restaurants, Mod Pizza. This is a make your own pizza place, and it is amazing! I ordered my pizza and sat in the outdoor seating area, reading my book and admiring the beauty of the mountains. After I had finished my dinner, I went back to school. So ended my "Me" day!

Here are some things I have learned about doing things on your own.

1. If you are an extrovert like I am, being alone is actually more exhausting than being with people. It was so hard for me to keep my thoughts inside instead of saying them to my friends, and just five hours into my day I was ready for another nap.

2. Even if you have a plan, you will deviate from the plan. When you are alone, you have much more leeway to explore a new area or try something new.

3. Being alone makes you more confident. At first, I felt awkward and timid, but throughout the day, I became more bold and proud that I was doing these things for myself.

4. You can get many things done by yourself, like running errands, finally getting around to reading that book you’ve had forever or even writing a banging Odyssey article.

5. I actually enjoyed being alone. I love my friends and family, but there is really nothing better than having a day devoted only to you.

Would I do this experience again? Absolutely. I have a newfound appreciation for being by myself. I don’t feel as odd anymore going to eat by myself or shopping alone. I also feel like I have become more of an adult through this experience. Weird, right? Watch out world, Emily is ready to conquer you all by herself!