I Spent The Day Alone
Start writing a post
Student Life

I Spent The Day Alone, And It Wasn't The End Of The World

In fact, it was the start of something beautiful.

60
I Spent The Day Alone, And It Wasn't The End Of The World
Anna Leslie Long

As an introvert, I always knew I liked moments alone. After spending time with friends, or family, I always liked to have those sacred 2 or 3 hours to myself right before bed, curled up with a book or catching up on Netflix shows. I always thought that those few hours were enough, though; I wanted to make sure I had time to see those I love, too, and spend time with them. It almost felt like I was wasting a day by not sharing some part of it with someone else.

It wasn't until my junior year that I really realized how much I love being completely, and utterly alone. Spending a day on my own agenda, doing my own thing, at my own pace...I remember the first day when I realized how much I needed to be alone sometimes.

I had spent the previous day doing things that stressed me out: class presentations followed by group meetups in the library for other courses, frantically writing papers in an attempt to get them finished early and having to fight for space in the dining hall. I had overexerted myself, social-activity wise.

I needed a break. Luckily for me, my 2 classes for the day had been canceled, while everyone around me had a full day's worth of work. I had to figure out how to spend the next full day alone.

It was amazing.

It started with waking up whenever I wanted. Rolling out of bed and making myself a cup of tea, taking the time to walk down to the ice machine in my slippers and steep my earl grey over ice.

I had the dorm room to myself and got some work done. Being in charge of what I did and when, without having to worry about finishing it before classes started or before I met up with someone, made me realize that this is my preferred method of working. There was no stress, and with work done, I was free to roam around campus, hit up Java City for a muffin and some coffee, and listen to some tunes while I scrolled through Pinterest for some novel inspiration. Moving outside when I want some fresh air, my journal in hand and my head swimming with ideas.

Truth be told, that day went by so quickly, that when I looked up from my notebook to see other students returning to their dorms, backpacks slung over their shoulders, I was shocked to see the sun beginning to set over top of one of the nearby buildings.

I know it seems simple, and to some, it may even seem boring, but I really learned a lot about myself that day. I learned that I enjoy taking things slowly and that I work better under my own watch than I do the constraints of others. I learned that the best places to sit on campus are the ones outside of the food spots, with a cold drink in one hand and a pen in the other.

More importantly, though, I learned that being alone really lets you learn more about yourself, and that's the most important thing.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

933290
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

109504
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

55574
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments