I’ve always been a bit of a loner. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, but I also like being by myself.
There’s no one I have ask for a menu selection – I can eat when I want, what I want, how I want… straight out of the ice cream carton with a serving spoon. If I want sushi, or a cheesy mess of a hamburger, or simply a cuppa tea, I get to choose.
I don’t have to slow down when I’m out on a hike. I can take whatever trail I want, go left instead of right, up rather than down. I get to choose when to turn around, or whether to hike another half hour.
If I want to watch the entire sixth season of whatever reality show, I can. Black and white film noir? Sure. Read trashy books or YA novels, only I will know.
There is a big difference between being lonely and being in solitude. In solitude I can think, I can feel, I can just be, and it’s something I yearn to do, that I need to do. Lonely is when all those things bring only sadness, and despair.
Being alone, doesn’t have to mean being lonely.
“You cannot be lonely if you like the person you’re alone with.” ~ Wayne Dyer
I am grateful for…
- Feeling comfortable being by myself
- Enjoying my own company
- Having the freedom to be alone
- Knowing I don’t have to be alone
Thin spiral notebook 
I’m learning, very slowly but steadily, that being alone is not a bad thing at all. I like those moments when I can just sit and think my own thoughts.
I’m glad you’re getting to enjoy and bloom in yours.
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Perfectly said. I enjoy lots of alone time (when I’m not going through a loneliness crisis! LOL) and it is SO great to not have to consider anyone else’s opinion sometimes!
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I have a few days of solitude this week, I find it refreshing, too.
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You know what I love about being alone? Complete autonomy. I especially like walking alone, being on foot, going a long way with just my own head as company.
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I agree there are times when it’s nice to be on our own and able to do what we want, when we want and how.
I think lonely can be summed up as seeing something wonderful or magical and not having anyone to share it with.
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Nice. I think no matter what you like—crowds, alone time, paired up time, whatever, there is always a pressure from someone to change. I love the confidence here.
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My children are teens. I do miss my alone-single time. Treasure each day.
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Both of my kids are in their 20s. One is still living at home. I love them dearly, but sometimes we all need our space.
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I love the freedom and peace of solitude. And, yes, indulging in a bit of selfishness.
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I love having “alone” time 🙂
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I think some people refer to it as ‘Me Time’, and we all need a bit of that.
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