In such a chaotic and time obsessed world, one rarely has time to think about being alone. We often associate loneliness with boredom and feelings of depression. We hardly ever consider solitude in its form of serenity. The sheer pleasure of peace and quiet is so frequently overlooked and underestimated. It took me twenty busy years to realize that this quality bonding time with my own self is glorious, and a rarity.
We get focused on final exams and suffering bank accounts, on pre-gaming locations and sticky boobs, Starbucks trips and Chipotle burrito bowls, eating too much and feeling starving, meeting deadlines, and finding a job. All these things take priority in our lives, and completely consume us. We barely find time to sleep, and when we do, this is usually the only time we are peacefully alone. That is, if you are even sleeping in your own bed, in your own room, and, of course, by yourself.
When was the last time you had an entire day to yourself? When was the last time you were even by yourself? Cherishing times like these enables us to grow in our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. By stepping back and out of the chaos every once in a while, we learn to appreciate not having anything to do for a change. We get so obsessed about not being “bored" that we forget boredom is almost unheard of these days. Once you reach college, boredom officially goes extinct, your bed becomes a sanctuary, and sleep the ultimate indulgence.
I am talking about sitting by a window with a cup of coffee and a good book, a day under a warm blanket with a large Diet Pepsi and Netflix, a day when you simply enjoy treating yourself to being lazy and not worrying about the other aspects of life. These are the moments crucial to full gratitude in life, and learning to appreciate each day for just being another day in this crazy, beautiful world. You hear it all the time -- live life to the fullest and enjoy the simple things in life. Well, why not take a personal day and do just that? Me-time is simple. It is the purest form of gratefulness you can express. Namaste in bed.
