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.
