Sometimes you just need to disconnect and enjoy your own company.
I enjoy interacting with people—but I also enjoy my own company. It is a wonderful feeling to spend time with myself, enjoying a sense of peace and silence with a cup of coffee, or doing something I like on my own.
My Mom always found it amusing to see me quite happy being by myself, engrossed in something or other. As a child, even though I grew up in a joint family with about 12 people in the house, I still managed to live in my own sweet world, talking to imaginary friends, singing, drawing, sorting out closets, staring out of the window and daydreaming . . . I know, right? Still do it!).
It turned out to be a good thing—what with us constantly moving. By the time I reached 10th grade, I had gone through five schools. And then, two colleges in two cities to graduate! I was so used to being the “new girl” that I pretty much got used to enjoying my own company.
I know plenty of people who just can’t stand being alone—who assume that if they have to spend time alone it means that others don’t like their company. And under this assumption, they always try to avoid being alone. Which, I think, is really sad because they miss out on the beautiful experience of being with their thoughts.
I find it rejuvenating to be with myself. It’s a kind of healing. And I also find the quietness encourages my creativity. In fact, I wake up early every morning just so I can sit with my coffee and enjoy my thoughts, without any distraction. No phone calls, no doorbells. I like to think of it as my golden hour.
Even later in the day, when I take a break, I like spend some time with just my thoughts, digging deeper and maybe following through with action. Of course it is lovely to spend time with others. But when we want to focus, solitude is better to stay on track. I also enjoy walking by myself, or reading without interruptions.
Sometimes spending time with others can be so stressful that it becomes necessary to balance the feeling by getting that much-needed “me time”. It is soothing and helps to regain our equilibrium so that all is well with our world again!
Here is a beautiful quote that neatly sums up what I am saying:
Blessed are those who do not fear solitude,
who are not afraid of their own company,
who are not always desperately looking for something to do,
something to amuse themselves with,
something to judge.
If you are never alone, you cannot know yourself.
But why enjoy your own company?
It may seem selfish to want to spend time alone—away from family, friends and colleagues, but it is not. We need this time alone to refresh ourselves, to develop our creativity, just as we need sleep and nourishment for our body to survive.
“Sometimes, you need to be alone. Not to be lonely, but to enjoy your free time being yourself.”
To breathe, to gather your thoughts, to reflect, to realign yourself, to be at home with yourself. When you feel at home with yourself, become comfortable with exactly who you are, the self-love will flow. Your self-esteem and self-confidence will grow. So, learn to enjoy your own company. There’s nothing more empowering and freeing. And after all, happiness comes from within.
Something to think about:
- Do you enjoy your own company?
- How do you make time for yourself?
- What is your experience?
- Why do you think some people can’t stand being alone?
♥
Wednesday Wisdom is a series with short bursts of easy-to-consume wisdom in the form of stories, quotes, anecdotes, reflections, easy meditation, thought-provoking questions and humor.
7 comments
Growing up an only child, I learned to love my own company early in life and am never bored. 🙂 Since leaving the corporate world and working from home, the alone time has increased and I don’t mind at all! (Hubby still works full time, Mon.-Fri.) Then again, there are usually furry houseguests in residence, so “alone” is not entirely accurate. Thankfully, they prompt me to get off my ass and away from the computer at regular intervals. 😀 You are so right, Vidya. Happiness comes from within.
Debbie D. recently posted…TANTALIZING TORONTO
Yes, love being alone, as long as I am not left to be alone. (Being left out or behind is no fun.) There were days when I was a stay at home Mom, I enjoyed myself. Read, draw, sew, cook, dance, sing, all in peace and away from other people’s opinions was great. As a child, I spent lots of time on my own, after my youngest brother left home. Imagination ran wild and I much prefer my own company, plus cats, than being in a crowd. Still like to go out and have fun and interact with others, but need my alone time to rejuvenate. Hubby and I now share an office at home together, but at times we are so focused on what we are doing, I feel like I am alone. Miss my singing, and dancing and those deep conversations with myself. If you can’t get along with yourself, how can you get along with anyone else?!!! lol I do feel sorry for people that hate being alone, it is like they need to be stimulated to survive.
Mary Stephenson recently posted…Benefits of Introverts and Extroverts in the Workplace
I’ve become the type of person that enjoy being alone. I find that when I’m alone I get time to find myself and work on things bothering me. But I also love being with my family but you know that already Vidya 😁❤
It’s so funny because up until about 2 years or so ago I was terrified of going out by myself. I was thinking people were going to judge me in the restaurant when I would go by myself. I thought they would think I didn’t have any friends lol. But now, I LOVE going out to eat by myself, going to the movies by myself, doing pretty much anything by myself lol I love doing things by myself now!
I love my alone time. Us bloggers need along time to work on our blog. Also need reading time. I love the format of your blog.
“Blessed are those who do not fear solitude,” this was such a beautiful quote for a beautiful blog post! It really made me question whether I value my own self alone from everyone. I’ve always loved being a loner to not have to participate in social gatherings. But cherishing being alone to take the time to understand who you are as a person is a totally different thing. Thank you so much for posting this insightful blog 🙂
Yes, I love this! It is so important to be able to enjoy time by yourself!