“He is his own best friend, and takes delight in privacy whereas the man of no virtue or ability is his own worst enemy and is afraid of solitude.” —Aristotle

Finding time to be alone is something that I cherish and need on a regular basis in order to find my balance, be sure of my focus and gain clarity on the decisions that will be best for me in the long run.

So many people, unfortunately, miss out on the priceless benefits of being comfortable with time alone with only their personal company.  For whatever reason, being able to be alone often receives a bad rap, but I’d like to turn that all around today and remind us all that solitude, being able to be comfortable and at ease with our own company, is a sign of inner peace and the key to creating a contented life.

So often, when we quiet our surroundings, we are bombarded by thoughts we try to silence with the hustle and bustle of our lives, but that is precisely why we must slow down and listen.  Because when we consciously choose to deal with our fears, we begin to control them, taking away their power and learn how to handle them so that our gaze is free to appreciate our past, enjoy our present and feel prepared for the future knowing we are heading in the direction that is best for ourselves and not influenced by others’ judgments, opinions or pressures.

Here are a few more specific benefits of finding time to be by yourself without interruption or distraction.

Discover Unknown Strengths

As with anything new, there is trepidation in the first attempt, but by resolving to spend time by yourself, you will be amazed at what you really can do without anyone’s help. Some of the ahha moments I’ve had – travel successfully in a foreign country when I wasn’t well versed in the language, making flaky, buttery pie crust, painting and plastering one of my rooms, raking all of the leaves – 40 bags full, organizing a soiree – the list could go on, but I hope you too find amazing strengths you didn’t at first know you had.  It isn’t until you are placed in hot water that you realize your true abilities. Trust yourself. I have a feeling you will be very pleasantly surprised.

Understand What Makes You Tick

Establishing your boundaries in life is one of the healthiest and simplest things you can do to prevent future frustrations.  And the only way to truly know where your boundaries are is to take time to yourself.  What are you unwilling to compromise on because it is at the core of your values and beliefs?  What can you give a little on and not feel as though you have lost a piece of yourself?  Knowing the answers to these questions is crucial to future successful relationships whether they be with your significant other, colleagues, friends or family.  Once you know where you stand, then you can stand firmly and confidently in your truth without being knocked down, but this knowledge comes from taking the time to listen to yourself when you have time alone without interruptions or judgments.

Build Self-Confidence

As I mentioned in the first benefit of solitude, upon you allowing yourself to fend for yourself, you discover your true strengths.  And in making these discoveries, you boost your self-confidence as you realize you can do so much on your own.  Once you realize that you can depend on yourself, you have created a person who is healthier and more able to be a healthy partner in any relationship and create a successful and dream fulfilling life.

Allow Yourself to Relax

Solitude is a gift.  When you carve out time to just be in your own company, you are allowing yourself to breathe, catch your breath and relax.  Without the demands of others weighing on your mind, you can do as you please.  As Sarah Jessica Parker’s Sex and the City character (Carrie Bradshaw) states, you can revel in your Secret Single Behavior.  Whether you are in a relationship or not, have children or are flying free, it is always a good idea to make time to be alone.  Because there is a difference between alone and lonely.  Feeling lonely can occur in a sea of people, but being able to be alone well is very empowering.

Let Yourself Be . . . And See What Happens

One of the more memorable take-aways from Runaway Bride starring Julia Roberts is that she states that her choice of eggs are always whatever the man in her life prefers.  It isn’t until she is on her own, out of a relationship (not jumping from one to the next without an opportunity to catch her breath and her bearings) that she realizes how she truly prefers her eggs.  Solitude allows you to not be edited by other’s opinions, choices and judgments.  When you are on your own, you don’t hold back and you can be completely honest with yourself, try new things, attempt new hobbies without the fear of rejection until you are more sure and confident in what you truly do desire. Give yourself the chance to figure out your passions without outside influences weighing in.

I hope you have found some value or a nugget of truth in today’s post.  If the only take away is to find at least an hour a week to call your own, I promise you will discover an amazing gem that you will never want to relinquish.

Thank you so much for stopping by The Simply Luxurious Life.  Have a beautiful Wednesday.