Call me weird, but I love spending time alone. Of course I have my days where I can't stand to be cooped up in my house with nothing to do. But, I also have my days where I don't want to associate with anyone. I don't want to snapchat anyone back or have any obligations that involve another human being. I just want to be left alone (with the exception of my cat and my MacBook).
I feel like there's a misconception when it comes to spending time alone. Being 'alone' is not synonymous with being a 'loner'.I always have a good time when I'm with my friends, whether it's a late night playing Cards Against Humanity or a long day at the beach. Sometimes, though, my idea of a good time is a late night drive with no destination and a kickass playlist or laying on the beach with the company of a new book I've been dying to read.
We're surrounded by people—strangers, acquaintances, close friends, family—all the time. In restaurants, class, grocery stores, shops, you name it. Especially when you're dealing with hundreds of different personalities at work, you need a few hours, or even a day, to yourself. Without that, I don't think I'd be able to keep my sanity in tact.
There was a time when I didn't want to do anything by myself. I'd always make someone come with me to run errands, or get coffee or whatever other simple task needed to be done. If I didn't have someone to do this with, it wouldn't get done. Now, if I need to go to Target for a couple things (even though no one ever walks out of there with just a few things), I'm happy to go alone. Looking back, I wonder how I didn't realize sooner the beauty in being alone.
There's something so liberating about spending time by yourself. You're allowed to let your thoughts run wild, without anyone shoving their own opinions down your throat. You can do whatever you want—or nothing at all. The possibilities are endless when you don't have to worry about anyone else but yourself.
You see, spending time alone doesn't have to be something that's "frowned upon" or "taboo". If you can't enjoy being by yourself first, then how can you appreciate being around others? For me, it's important to learn how to be alone. But more importantly, you should go the extra mile and learn to embrace that solitude. Not only will it benefit your mental and emotional wellbeing, but you'll also learn so much about yourself. Trust me, your doing yourself a favor.
If there's one thing I've learned over the past year, it's that you are the one who is always going to be there for yourself.
