As a college student, our world is a busy place. Between classes, organizations, and hanging out with friends, it’s easy to forget how nice it is to simply sit alone and enjoy your own company. It’s important to take a step away from it every once in awhile. Being alone is often looked down upon as a social flaw.
Typically, to be lonely and to be alone are thought of as being one in the same, however, being alone doesn’t equal loneliness. Society tends to assume if you’re alone, you’re actually in need of someone to make you feel happy and secure. As a happy introvert, I think it’s safe to say that that is completely wrong.
For me, doing things alone doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy having friends or socializing with others. It also doesn’t mean I need a significant other to feel content. It just confirms that that isn’t where I get the most value from my life. I value spending time with myself after a long day of being surrounded by my peers. It’s a comfortable time for me to recuperate and reevaluate* my thoughts, actions, and overall well-being. Actually, I look forward to it.
There’s so much to gain from learning to rely, and most importantly, to trust your own inner voice as the best source for your own guidance. To be able to make better choices and decisions about who you are, and what you want without outside influence. If we think of being alone as being lonely, then the fear of loneliness can drive us into the company of people who won’t contribute to our life. It’s so easy to be influenced by the thoughts, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of those in our inner circle. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with asking others for their advice and opinions. However, examining yourself and making up your own mind about what you want to do, will lead you into the life that’s best for you.
If being alone is new to you, start small. Carve out time every week to be by yourself (or an hour a day if you can). Go to the library alone, take a walk by yourself, or even have a solo meal at the café. Whatever you do, find comfort in your isolation and enjoy your “me time”! Xoxo