The Power of Going It Alone

Im not going to the movies alone, you say to yourself, It wont be as fun.

This becomes a serious problem when it becomes an automatic response to anything fun youd like to do.

Peopledont think about youas much as you think they do.

Besides, when you make an effort to have more me time, its your choice.

You dont have to feel like a sad sack because yourechoosingto do it.

Flying Solo Gives You Freedom, Control, and Time to Reflect

Whats for dinner?

Whats the plan for tonight?

What music should we listen to?

That guilty-pleasure pop song you love to sing as loud as possible.

You rule, and you get to rule with an iron fist.

Solo time eliminates social democracy, and you dont have to worry about anyones schedule but your own.

You also dont have to worry about entertaining anyone.

All that matters is ifyouare having a good time.

Plus, focusing on yourself means youll have more mental energy for when youdospend time with others.

Most importantly, doing things alonegives you time to ponder and reflect.

You have more thoughts than you realize, and time alone helps you work through them.

Its meditative, and letting your mind wander unloads stress thats weighing you down.

How can you be your authentic self around other people if you dont know what that feels like alone?

Theres nothing more empowering than independence.

The less you need from others, the more youll ultimately accomplish.

When you go it alone, youre forced to learn how to handle everything by yourself.

You go from being a screwdriver in a toolbox to being a capable multitool.

Thisincreases your self-reliance and boosts your confidence, not only socially, but in multiple aspects of your life.

Furthermore, when youre self-sufficient, no one stands in the way of your goals but you.

Of course, freedom is a double-edge sword.

However, balance is everything.

Being comfortable in your own skin and being alone doesnt mean you cant enjoy spending time with others.

It also doesnt mean shutting yourself off from the world.

In fact, going it alone hashelped me cultivate my social skills.

That said, I also enjoy times where Im a little more reclusive.

We all need a break from the world sometimes, but its all a carefully choreographed balancing act.

You shouldnt spend all your time with people, but you shouldnt spend all your time closed off either.

We all need social interaction, but dont let it become a crutch.

Occasionally, though, my question hits home.

Why dont you want to spend quality time with the one and only you?

Illustration by Angelica Alzona.