I was an only child until I was nine, then my beautiful little sister came into the picture. Looking back it was lonely being an only child for a little bit, but at the time I didn't feel that way. See, there was something very special about being an only child. You focused on yourself, what you wanted to play, how you wanted to act and you didn't care if things were done the way they should. As I grew up, I became more social and never wanted to be by myself. I craved the social atmosphere. I loved just being around other people as much as I could. I forgot what it really meant to do things on my own and why it's so healthy to do so. Lately, I've been doing this thing where I give time to myself and just live. It's made such a difference in my attitude toward everything. Life's too short to live as sheep.

1. You start to care less what anyone else says about you.

I've grown out of my reckless younger self and thank goodness. It was fun don't get me wrong, I just don't know if I could live drinking Tuesday through Saturday. Anyways, you do a lot of stupid stuff when you're young and college opens the gates of freedom to you. You create this reputation, and even as you mature with age, this reputation from years ago will still follow and define you in the eyes of others. That scab is as fresh as the drunken night you got it. It's crazy how no matter how much you try and change, the same people will say the same things. As I started to distance myself from being in social situations constantly, I noticed it doesn't matter. When I was by myself, what I realized is that what others thought of me didn't matter. I was still happy with myself; I still had another wonderful day ahead of me. Words were just that– words. They were not a definition of the person I was or am.

2. You start to notice what you like.

I'm strange. Like really, really strange. And at times, socially unacceptable, like when I make weird noises or spontaneously belting out in song and (lamely) choreographed dance by myself. I would hate to deprive myself of such greatness. It's true though there is no one there to judge what movie you want to watch on Netflix, or YouTubing step-by-step yodeling instructions. (I don't know what you do, this is just an example). I have obtained tons of useless information on mermaids and honestly, I couldn't be happier about it. I have also found out I like a lot of different music than I usually listen to with other people. When you are by yourself, you get bored and start to find things to entertain yourself with. You're always more willing to try something new or learn something new when you have no one to report back to. That's why, as a child you thought it was OK to eat glue.Glad most of us don't do that anymore.

3. You become happier.

When you listen to what you say about yourself, rather than others, you find new interests and you will become happier. You will find joy in just putting in your headphones and walking. Nothing else–just enjoying life's scenery and your own thoughts. How can you expect to live a happy life when you can't be alone at times? I find myself just taking a walk by the beach by myself, sometimes for hours. I understood bliss the moment I learned to shut up and soak in the atmosphere. Nothing matters because you hear nothing but your thoughts, not the negativity of others or the world. You only see what's in front of you in all its being. Without the distraction of being with others, you open your eyes to so much more. The details in life are just amazing and we need time by ourselves to really appreciate them.

I used to try to immerse myself in the social atmosphere, but I have loved being by myself to just learn new things on my own. I discovered how much I actually enjoyed writing when I had no one to report back to. There was no grading, just me, my voice and world. In no way am I saying distance yourself permanently from other people–to pack your bags and move to an island somewhere with no human contact. I'm saying that next time all your friends are busy, don't get depressed and hashtag forever alone. That moment could be the start to a wonderful thing. Go ahead, go on a walk, watch a documentary or Youtube yodeling videos; no one is watching.