When You Need To Find Solitude, Read This
By Simone Heard
With the pace and everyday demands of life, it’s necessary to take some time to be alone. And in that time, pause and reflect on everything happening around you, and most importantly, take time to listen to what’s happening inside you. What are some things you’ve been thinking about? What are some things you’ve been struggling with? What are some things you’ve always wanted to explore? The answers are easier to find than you might think, but how can you possibly manage to hear your inner voice with the noises, demands, and requests of your time and in your life happening all around you?
You need to find some solitude.
Sometimes you just need time and space alone. You’ll be better off once you’ve had some time to pause and rest. Making time for solitude means that you’ll need to prioritize slowing down so you can clear your mind and just be still. You don’t always need to be on the go, or rushing, or taking care of every little thing that is trying to demand your attention. I know you may have a lot going on right now. Perhaps you have several things on your to-do list, plans with family and friends, a demanding career, a significant other who enjoys having you around, or maybe the responsibilities that come with taking care of children if you’re a parent. But know that if and when you need to find time alone, you’ll need to be intentional about doing so. Solitude is one of the most powerful gifts you can give to yourself. And the great thing is that you have options and can choose what works best for you.
You can unplug and go for a walk. You can go out for a coffee run, have breakfast, lunch, or dinner alone, do a five-minute meditation, close your eyes and pray quietly to yourself, or do what works for you. The point is to find some time to reset and recharge for yourself. Create and embrace time for solitude. Finding solitude is not a selfish act, so don’t think you’re being selfish when you take some time to be alone instead of instantly responding to every incoming phone call, text, or email or if and when you cancel plans with your family, friends, or significant other because you need some time to and for yourself. You can’t be everything to everyone. And you weren’t born to stretch yourself to do so. So don’t let others guilt you into being who and what they want when you know you need some time for yourself. When you need to find solitude, do your best to make it happen.