I am someone who loves being surrounded by friends and family. I enjoy spending time with my loved ones when I need someone to talk to about my troubles, or someone to laugh along with. But sometimes when I am stuck in a crowd of people, there is a load of social pressure and responsibility that comes with all of the perks. There is the need for small talk (the "conversation fillers"), the bill paying for restaurants, the awkward silences, and the intrusion of personal space. Have you ever felt the need to please someone you are conversing with? Or, have you ever felt the strong desire to eat alone or go to the theaters alone, without being judged? Have you ever felt disappointed when a friend forgets plans or do you ever feel strange going to events without friends? Have you always needed someone to tag along with? Well here's a reminder -- that does not always have to be you. You don't always have to look down at your phone to text someone while alone in that dining hall. You can be alone but not lonely. You can learn to love being with yourself. We all tend to feel comforted when we are with others, but when will we be comfortable alone in our own bodies? Here are some positive reminders:
1. Do not feel uncomfortable. Dominate every room that you step into. Blending in is hard, but when you're alone there's no need to do so. Stand out!
2. Learn to depend on yourself rather than someone else. Learn to love yourself.
3. You are special and you don't need anyone else to fulfill you.
4. You can make nice reflections all by yourself without anyone else's input. You do not always need someone else's approval. Trust yourself.
5. You start noticing things more when you are alone. You learn to truly engage with the world around you.
6. When you're alone, you don't have to pretend to be anyone else but yourself.
7. With "aloneness" there is peace, there is quiet, there is serenity.
"Aloneness is presence, fullness, aliveness, joy of being, overflowing love. You are complete. Nobody is needed, you are enough." --Pragito Dove
