Do You Hesitate to Spend Time With Yourself?

Sometimes you just need to disconnect and enjoy “me” time

I’d be the first to tell you that it is great to interact with people —but I’ve come to realize that it is also important to enjoy our own company. It is a wonderful feeling to spend time with ourselves, enjoying a sense of peace and silence, perhaps with a cup of coffee, or doing something we like on our own.

I recall how my mom always found it amusing to see me quite happy being by myself, engrossed in some activity or other. As a child, even though I grew up in a joint family with about twelve people in the house at any given time, I still managed to live in my own sweet world, talking to imaginary friends, singing, sketching, sorting out closets, staring out of the window and daydreaming . . . I know, right? Still do it!

It turned out to be a good thing — what with our family constantly moving. By the time I reached the 10th grade, I had gone through five schools. And then, two colleges in two cities to graduate! I was so used to being the “new girl” that I pretty much got used to enjoying my own company.

Our society is much more interested in information than wonder, in noise rather than silence. And I feel that we need a lot more wonder and a lot more silence in our lives.

— Fred Rogers

I know plenty of people who just can’t stand being alone — who assume that if they have to spend time alone it means that others don’t like their company. And under this assumption, they always try to avoid being alone. Which, I think, is really sad because they miss out on the beautiful experience of being with their thoughts.

Also, spending time alone is invariably linked to being lonely — and associated with a state of depression — which is probably why one is encouraged to avoid being alone.

I find it rejuvenating to be with myself. It brings a sort of balance vis-à-vis the time we spend being social. Self-reflection is a kind of healing. Quietness encourages my creativity. In fact, I wake up early every morning just so I can sit with my coffee and enjoy my thoughts, without any distraction. No phone calls, no doorbells. I like to think of it as my golden hour.

Spending time with yourself is one of the best ways to practice self-care

Even later in the day, when I take a break, I like to spend some time with just my thoughts, digging deeper and maybe following through with action.

Of course, it is lovely to spend time with others. But when we want to focus, solitude is better — to stay on track. I also enjoy walking by myself or reading without interruptions.

We need solitude, because when we’re alone, we’re free from obligations, we don’t need to put on a show, and we can hear our own thoughts.

Tamim Ansary

Sometimes spending time with others can be so stressful that it becomes necessary to balance the feeling by getting that much-needed “me time”. It is soothing and helps to regain our equilibrium so that all is well with our world again!

Here is a beautiful quote that neatly sums up what I am saying:

Blessed are those who do not fear solitude, who are not afraid of their own company, who are not always desperately looking for something to do, something to amuse themselves with, something to judge. If you are never alone, you cannot know yourself.

Paulo Coelho

But why enjoy your own company?

Sometimes, you need to be alone. Not to be lonely, but to enjoy your free time being yourself.

It may seem selfish to want to spend time alone — away from family, friends, and colleagues, but it is not. We need this time alone to refresh ourselves, to develop our creativity, just as we need sleep and nourishment for our bodies to survive.

To breathe, to gather your thoughts, to reflect, to realign yourself, to be at home with yourself. When you feel at home with yourself and become comfortable with exactly who you are, self-love will flow. Your self-esteem and self-confidence will grow. So, learning to enjoy your own company is an important part of self-care. There’s nothing more empowering and freeing. And after all, happiness comes from within.

Spend time alone and often, touch base with your soul. Nikki Rowe

Something to think about:

• Do you enjoy your own company?
• How do you make time for yourself?
• What is your experience?
• Why do you think some people can’t stand being alone?

Originally published at Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles ❤ Did you smile today?

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