I’m the college student that is dazzled at the possibilities of venturing into the crooks and nannies of what education and the city can offer me. Do you ever think of spreading yourself thin getting involved with every organization? What about going downtown with your best buds? Maybe even check out that new hipster coffee shop three roads down? Whatever tickles your fancy, the most common thing that people ask me wherever I go is “Who did you go with?”
Well…I just do things by myself.
Some people may view this type of individual as weird, an outcast or just plain lonely. These people may receive comments/thoughts such as “Oh, don’t you have any friends?” You may even feel a tad self-conscious about the decision to even embark on your trip to the comedy show, dinner or walk through the town. Sometimes I’ve thought that maybe I could be strange, that maybe I am not great at social interaction and that It would just be uncomfortable to ask others to attend an event and receive rejections, or worse plans that fail.
The latter is definitely a valid reason to want to avoid including others in your solo adventures, but there are sweet reasons why doing things alone is cool. J
- Doing things alone can rejuvenate and empower you: I feel a sense of independence and confidence when I decide to follow through with my own plan. You can be your own navigator and create this relationship within yourself that you are untouchable. You are the master of how you spend your time without the need to worry about what someone thinks about a certain event or activity. There can be a magic to getting more in tune with the things you like and dislike on your own.
- You can meet wonderful people: One time, I went to a Hip Hop Club dance-off and randomly spoke with a club member as I was on my way there. When asked if I had come with anyone, I simply responded that I came alone to enjoy the scene. To my surprise this person had as well and we instantly bonded.
- You have time to think critically without outside judgment and opinion: The world is however you choose to perceive it and no one is owed an explanation. Walk into that coffee shop and visualize being the super cool journalist or photographer. Analyze your schedule and tasks you want to accomplish. Take time to soak in the sounds, smells, sights, and temperature of your environment and really, truly be in the moment. Be within yourself and without self-criticism, just simply be.
- Find your inner voice: Often people make decisions they think will benefit their partner, family, parents and even friends. Realize that you are an intelligent and capable human being with the ability to choose which direction, goal and mindset you want. Going to places alone opens up possibilities to tap into who you are. I believe it will be easier to hear what it is you seek or want to accomplish in our day if you would just spend some time in solitude.
- You can increase your productivity and focus: I know many students have their own learning style, but anyone could improve their results with increased focus on their own. Go to the library, knight study, or a quiet place and take time to study and comprehend your notes from classes. More often than not, studying with a big group will distract you and take you off the path to great concentration.
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