Why Doing Things Alone is Important
Doing things alone is vital to your sense of self and an essential part of life.
It opens doors to opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery and allows you to gain independence. For much of my life, I was uncomfortable doing things without a companion. If I wanted to go anywhere or do anything, I believed I had to have someone there to accompany me. I didn't see the point in going alone. No relationships were being strengthened, and I believed I didn't need to spend any more time with myself as I've been doing so for the last 16 years. However, in reality, I was simply ignorant of the truth.
Spending time with yourself offers so much, and it's one of the most important things we can do for our well-being.
Society's pressure to always have company pushed me into this mindset. Nobody wants to appear lonely or friendless, and spending time alone can seem isolating to those who are not comfortable with the concept.
However, I believe that if you feel uncomfortable spending time alone, then you do not fully know yourself or your likes or dislikes.
As humans, we are naturally inclined to develop biases toward various aspects of our lives. Who are you? What do you stand for? What do you believe in? These questions cannot be answered if you never give yourself time alone to reflect. We must see taking time alone to tend to our hobbies and desires as empowering rather than isolating.
In the past three years, I've devoted my life to doing things I love. I've picked up dozens of hobbies, some lasting, some not, and learned to feel comfortable in my own company. Through these endeavors, I've learned an overwhelming amount about myself. I've become comfortable with keeping some of my nights to myself and enjoying my time alone. I'm not saying to entirely remove yourself from others, go to dinner, go shopping, and enjoy each other's company! Spending time with others goes hand in hand with spending time with yourself; both are necessary and a requirement to grow as an individual.
Doing things alone has overwhelming benefits. It builds a sense of independence, overcoming the fear of judgment, and allows you to discover peace in solitude. It's never too late to begin searching for the things you like. If you feel as though you don't have any true calling, it may be because you never gave yourself enough time to experiment and try your hand at new things. You won't need to spend hours on end; even taking small moments throughout the day can allow you to experience the benefits. Perhaps you are still searching for the hobbies and outings you enjoy alone, so I've come up with a list of things to give a try!
Draw
Visit a coffee shop
Learn to crochet/knit
Listen to music
Go swimming
Go to your favorite shopping spots
Read
Listen to audiobooks
Workout
Go on a walk or run
Coloring
Go on a Bike ride
Visit a Meausm
Go to the movies
Attend a concert
Painting
Cleaning
Gardening
Cooking
Make a collage
Write a short story
Journal
Scrapbook
Go hiking
Needlework
Yoga
Meditation
Take a drive
Watercoloring
Photography
Go roller skating
Rock climbing
Pilates
Rearrange your room
Make a Pinterest board
Take a moment to plan your day
Get your nails done
Doodle
So, no matter how busy your life becomes, always take time for yourself. As Ariana Grande would say in her hit song ‘We Can't Be Friends,’ “So for now it’s only me, and maybe that’s all I need” (Grande, 2:28).
By Blythe, with Love.
