The woman next to me is having a phone call with her manager. The grandparents and their granddaughters are making mermaid tails in the sand. The two eight year old boys to the right of me are having a comical yet intellectual conversation about the latest Incredibles 2 film. And here I am, soaking up the rays, snacking on cold mango, while absorbing the scent, people, and other surroundings in my enclosed environment on beautiful Higgins Beach.
"You're going alone?" I often get asked by friends and family. I enjoy being with my loved ones, but there are days when I need time to just do whatever I need to do to refocus for the next week. A day alone on the beach was exactly what I needed.
Although I arrived without company, I didn't feel alone. There were scores of people everywhere having their own conversations with their significant others and friends. As for myself, I was making mental notes of what I needed to accomplish for the following day, silently yelling at the flys to stop biting my calves, and simply enjoying a sunny summer day in Maine.
In order for me to be the person I want to be, I require alone time. Now, there's a difference between being alone and needing time for one's self.
Although by nature I identify as an introvert, recently I have become more open to being social and being less uncomfortable with new people and new things in life.
However, for instance, after a day of socializing, I can find myself feeling mentally exhausted, which is when I need solitude to recharge my emotional and mental battery.
As my solo beach days are coming to an end, I remind myself to be grateful for when I get the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with myself.
A small summary of this article: you are human and you are flawed. Although this may not be the case for everyone, but alone time can do wonders for the soul. Having time to yourself can give you a better perspective on who you are as a person and on the world as a whole. A rejuvenated mind can lead to a balanced and healthy life, so go spend some time by yourself. Read a book. Go for a walk. Take a nap. Do what makes you happy, even if you are by yourself.
