Be Alone, But Not Lonely

The American writer Henry David Thoreau once said “I find it wholesome to be alone the greater part of the time. To be in company even with the best of friends, is soon wearisome and dissipating. I love to be alone. I never found the companion that was as companionable as solitude.” Some would probably comment “what a sad man!” but if you stop and think about it, Thoreau is right. There are times that you really wish everyone would just fade away and leave you alone. Is it right to crave solitude some times? The answer is a resounding YES. In fact, it should be a requirement to balance out your life.

Being alone rests your soul from the constant need to interact. It frees you from the obligations that rule social interaction. You can be quiet and not worry that you’re being rude. You can eat what you want; do what you want to do; walk as fast or as slow as you want without having to think of your companion’s opinion. Wouldn’t it be great to have only your own self to deal with?
Being alone helps you focus. This is perfect time to talk to yourself – look back on the triumphs and tears; deal with the present; and dream of the future. You can come up with plans on what you’d like to do. Get the house in order. Go to places you’ve always planned to visit. Start that book you’ve been planning to write forever. Make decisions on issues as complicated as where to get your kid’s college tuition; to something as simple as what color the new wallpaper should be. The freedom of your own choice is beyond exciting!

Being alone allows you to feed the inner YOU. Whether the inner you wants triple chocolate with double Dutch ice cream or to be lost in the world of the latest blockbuster movie, the important thing is – it’s YOU time. Solitude gives you time to pamper your spirit and ask how it’s doing. Does it still feel loved? Or have you forgotten how it wants to commune with a Higher Spirit too? Being alone also makes you think hard and see if you like who or what you’ve become. Imagine the inner YOU as a different person – would you be worth knowing? Would you be happy spending time with this imaginary person? If you can answer yes, then you are complete in every way that counts.
You should be your own best friend. So spend time with this friend and enjoy being alone –it’s a guarantee that you’ll never be lonely.