It's important for everyone to like themselves, and not only in the sense of moral acceptance, but in the manner of spending time by yourself. You learn a lot about the type of person you are when you spend more alone time, because you are forced to have a conversation with your thoughts. Even just going to the store alone or sitting at the beach, the way you act shows your true character; there is no need for you to impress anyone that you would be with or for you to act a certain way for satisfaction. Your actions in solitude depict your authentic self. What you imagine and analyze is what entices you; there is no one there to guide your thought processes or topics. Even in just the act of shopping for clothes, you are not going to be convinced that the shirt does look great on you or that you should definitely buy the dress. When you look in the mirror, do you like what you see, or not? Of course it is always nice to have a second opinion, but that's just it: they should always be second, not primary. The first opinion should be your own...always.
It's so easy to grow accustomed to always having someone by your side, and it's more than OK to enjoy someone's company, but it is equally important to enjoy being on your own. In this solitude, you should practice your interests like painting, reading or even just watching movies. But make sure you do something, even if it's just for an hour, that does not involve communication with other people. Allow your mind to be taken over by your thoughts. It is so incredibly important for you to tap into your inner introvert, because instead of constantly pushing those thoughts out of the way, you should really consider them. They can be angry, but sometimes those are the worst to constantly avoid; in order to get over the situation, you need to come to terms with it first. Talking about what is on your mind with someone else can be therapeutic, but in order to heal, you must create a solution that you genuinely feel is the best fit for you. Sometimes, the best solutions come from internal deliberation, resolution and acceptance, because deep down, you know what you want and how to get what you need. When you understand everything that's going on in your head, you will be more eager to tackle the next challenge that is thrown your way, because you now have a clean slate with the absence of worry and fear. When you don't have to absentmindedly fight your thoughts all the time, you will able to see what matters to you more clearly. It's not always easy to face your thoughts, but it needs to be done, and the more time you spend with them, the more they become friends rather than enemies.
The best memories you make will be with other people, but in order to have those moments that you will carry in your heart, you must understand yourself first and what is important to you. You need to discover what truly makes you happy, angry and sad. Pick your favorite song and sing it in the car with no remorse; there is no need to put on a song that makes everyone happy when you are alone, so jam out to your heart's content. Go for a walk just to feel the power of nature and the comfort of isolation. Do things that will make you not only understand your mind and body, but that will make you feel admiration and appreciation for the world around you. This existence is challenging, brutal and borderline defeating, but it is also incredibly rewarding. When you are able to see yourself as important but also not the most important thing to walk this earth, you will be able to live more soundly and with purpose. Challenge yourself perpetually and actively push your boundaries when it comes to being alone; the pay-off will be astounding and comforting.
