In a world where everyone is on the go; must have things now; and feel accepted and “normal” in society by hanging out with people, it is rare to find many people who enjoy the company of their selves-- solitude.

Solitude does not necessarily mean that you’re lonely or a lonely person. Sure, you have friends and enjoy socializing from time-to-time; but there are other incidents in which, after learning how to enjoy solitude for so long, you begin to crave your alone time. Here’s why:

1. Everyone leaves

I may only be 21 years old, but I’ve lived enough life (traveling to foreign countries and losing friends and family) to know and realize that sooner or later, everyone will eventually leave you. No one and nothing in this life is permanent so we must learn how to enjoy everyone and everything before they no longer exist or are a part of our lives.

When everyone leaves and you constantly are moving from place-to-place, you begin getting used to the fact that everything is temporary in this world. Yes, you form connections with people and places, but you also learn to enjoy them while they last because they won’t be around forever. When you’re alone at the end of the day, you reflect at the memories and smile that people and places you loved existed with you for a period of time.

1. You learn about yourself

Many people believe that being in a relationship or hanging out with a person a lot will help you understand life to a higher degree. They believe that the more people you know, the more you will come to a deeper understanding of yourself. Although many people believe this to be true, it is actually false.

Studies show, from, “A Conscious Rethink,” that the more time you spend alone, the more in depth you realize who you truly are as a person. You can discover new foods by yourself (without worrying about the approval of others); you can listen to new songs because YOU like them-- not because your friends liked them first; etc. The more you hang out by yourself, the more you become your own bestfriend because you know who you are and can do whatever you want. If you find others that share the same interests as you, even better!

1. Makes you appreciate alone time

The more time you spend alone, the more you will appreciate every minute spent by yourself. Alone time teaches you how to become independent (if it hasn’t, already). You will begin to realize that you can do everything by yourself and that it IS possible to do everything by yourself. All you need is patience and time (and maybe even hard work) with yourself and you’ll be golden!

Alone time also teaches you how peaceful and liberating it can be. In a sense, the more alone time you spend with yourself, the more freedom-like and blissful it will begin to feel. It’s kind of like meditation. Hanging out with people for longer periods of time will also start to become more challenging to you; because you’ll see that many people are full of drama and you wouldn’t want that to inflict upon your inner peace!

1. It’s peaceful

Nothing is more peaceful than spending time by yourself. It’s quiet; you have time to think and/or clear your mind; you don’t have anyone talking to you or over you to disrupt your sense of peace-- it is truly an awesome feeling.

The more peaceful your life becomes, the better off your life becomes, as a whole. You will notice that simple tasks around you will become easier, as you’ve learned that solitude helps you think your problems out loud. You will also quiet your mind and feel more happy and content with your life and the people you share it with.

1. It’s liberating

I’m not going to lie, but in my opinion, spending time alone is truly liberating. You have the freedom to do whatever you want and think whatever you want. It promotes creativity and allows you to be who you are! No one is going to judge you when you are yourself and the only way for you to discover who you truly are is by spending time by yourself! Even when you do know who you are, you will begin to not care (if you already don’t) what people think of you.

When you are alone, you have the power to do almost anything. And when I say, “anything,” I truly mean, “anything!” No one is going to bother you for who you are and you can get things done at your own pace, in your own space. And I think that is the most liberating life can get!

1. It enhances/promotes creativity

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but the more time you spend alone, the more it will promote and enhance your creativity. Maybe when you were a child, you used to be a very creative individual. As most people age, their creativity levels plummet because they are so wrapped up with all the work they have to get done in order to succeed in life and make a living.

However, when you spend time alone and actually make time for yourself to not be disturbed by anyone or anything, you will begin to notice little things and details around you, which will enhance your creativity! Maybe you will be a greater artist than you were before!

I believe alone time is essential for everyone. In such a hectic “grab & go society,” it can be hard to find time to relax and unwind by yourself with no one around you and no noise. Once you find your time and space to truly be alone, it’ll be a blessing. It enhances creativity, is liberating, and is peaceful. You will also learn about yourself along the way. So, what are you waiting for? Be alone and let no one else tell you otherwise!

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