Solitude

How much of loneliness is conditioned? As a society, we work together. We need each other. It’s often difficult for us to deal with being alone. But what are we afraid of? Perhaps it’s missing out on the satisfaction that confiding in another brings us. We need this reinforcement to feel loved and that our thoughts and actions are of importance.

People love to talk. Few enjoy listening. Listening opens the door to creativity. We can learn so much from each other. If I were writing a book (which I plan to do one of these days), that would be one of my greatest lessons learned in life thus far.

I remember being 10 years old sitting on the steps at home recounting a story to my dad when he quietly said, “be more of a listener.” These words resonated with me and I often think back to that day.

We can be whoever we want to be. It’s so simple. I like to live life as a party, therefore I know wherever I go, I’ll have a great time because I’m with myself, my party. I prefer being around people but I know that being alone is a necessary part of life every once in a while. I’ve found patience to be much of a virtue here. When I’m alone, I know I’ll be with friends, family, and people soon enough so I don’t let loneliness define my current state of riding solo. If we can master accepting ourselves, we can find solitude, become better listeners, and reap the benefits of this rich world we live in.

Loving ourselves is not an easy task to achieve. With work though, it can be accomplished and it’s an amazing thing. If we don’t love ourselves, how do we expect others to love us or enjoy our company? Cultivate self-awareness through positivity.

Make yourself fall in love with your body.

Make yourself fall in love with your listening self.

Make yourself fall in love with your whole self and the characteristics that make you fun.

And if nothing else,

“Being solitary is being alone well: being alone luxuriously immersed in doings of your own choice, aware of the fullness of your own choice, aware of the fullness of your won presence rather than of the absence of others. Because solitude is an achievement.” –Alice Koller

And that concludes today’s thoughts on Cookie Dough KatZEN! 😉

What are your thoughts on solitude and loneliness?