If you’re like me and you’re constantly finding ways to practice self-care and self-love as an introvert, then let me be the first to introduce you to the book that taught me everything I needed to know about loving yourself and finding solace in your solitude.
Chidera Eggerue’s (aka The Slumflower) ‘What A Time To Be Alone’ has taken social media by storm. Celebrities, influencers, and supporters of the leader of the #SaggyBoobsMatter movement are praising the book for its authenticity about what it actually means to have self-love, how to acknowledge your worth and why you will always be enough. Sprinkled with wise Igbo proverbs from Eggerue’s Nigerian mother, ‘What A Time To Be Alone’ encompasses what it means to celebrate yourself in order to have a wholesome life.
It’s been two months since I’ve finished reading ‘What A Time To Be Alone’ and I still find myself applying many of the sayings in my day to day life, here are three things that I took away from ‘What A Time to Be Alone,
“I do not owe anybody ‘pretty’. Whichever state I choose to show up in will always be enough.”
This hit me like a brick. We live in a day and age where everyone wants to look their best at all times, but the reality is that we are human. We are not supposed to look “perfect” or “pretty” 24/7. What matters is that you feel comfortable and beautiful no matter how others see you, you do not owe anyone to look ‘pretty’. Feel great about yourself even if you walk out with sweatpants and a messy bun, either way, your presence will always be enough!
“You are supposed to be here”
Despite feeling down, despite being depressed, despite feeling like a failure, you are supposed to be here. Your being is just as important as the person next to you, your life is just as valuable as someone who seems like they’ve got it all. Remind yourself when you’re feeling down that you are still worthy of being a beautiful human being on this lovely planet.
“Choose Yourself”
Reading this section of the book really struck a chord in me because I have always put others needs before my own, a lot of the time without even realizing it. But after reading this section, I find myself choosing my own mental health and well-being over anything else on a day-to-day basis. I will never skip out on self-care, which is definitely part of my daily routine. When I am taking care of my mental health and well-being, I feel like I am on top of my game and I feel my best and that’s what matters. So however Chidera’s advice applies to you, implement it into your daily life, you will not be sorry. Choose yourself!
There are so many moments throughout What A Time To Be Alone where I feel empowered and fall in love with myself all over again. This is not a book that you simply read through and move on. What A Time To Be Alone is a book that you will constantly find yourself referring back to as you continue on your journey of self-care and self-love. I encourage you to pick up yourself a copy and support Chidera’s efforts in encouraging all of us to be our best selves, love ourselves and to live a wholesome life!