I’m a solo adventurer, I am a loner. I am the woman you see alone at a coffee shop drinking tea and reading a book. I am the one who takes herself out on dates and sit-downs at restaurants by herself, without shame. I am the woman who attends concerts without feeling awkward about being there alone. I sing my heart out and have a hell of a good time.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that doing things alone is wonderful. I mean sure, sometimes it’s fun to be around other people. However, so many underestimate how much we can enjoy certain activities without any company. Some people think of “being alone” and “doing things alone” as being something bad. It either means you’re anti-social or you’re a “loser”, and this social stigma is wrong.
There are so many people out there that are afraid to do things alone and experience life alone. I must admit I was one of them and now I realize that I missed out on so many things because I did not want to do them alone. Whenever I wanted to go somewhere, attend a concert or do a fun activity I would ask friends to do it with me and if they didn’t want to go or do it, then I wouldn’t do it either.
This mentality held me back on so many things, now I am at the point of my life that I will not let anyone or anything hold me back and will do anything that my heart desires even if it means if I must do it alone.
Once I changed my mentality and started to live my life as I please I found this astounding feeling of freedom, freedom of being me, freedom to do whatever the hell I want to do. And let me tell you that there’s no better feeling than enjoying your own company.
In these past few years when I started to do things alone, I have experienced the best times of my life. I have gone hiking, bike riding, skydiving, bungee jumping, I’ve taken trips alone and have made unforgettable memories.
I have learned to become my own best friend. I am the woman who chooses to do fun things alone, doing things alone feels normal to me.
Truth is, not everyone will want to go where you want to go, not everyone will have the same interests, not everyone is willing to step out their comfort zone. Don’t let these people hold you back if they don’t want to join you then let them be. Don’t put your life on hold because others are not willing to do what you want to do. Don’t be afraid to do things alone.
For many, the idea of venturing out alone sounds daunting, perhaps even a little bit embarrassing. Embarking on a solo adventure isn’t anything to be ashamed of. It’s liberating, sensational, rejuvenating, and extremely good for your soul.
When you go out into the world by yourself, you don’t have to compromise with anyone. You don’t have to wait on anyone. You do things at your own time and pace. You can talk to strangers and meet new people. You can focus better without the distraction of social interaction. You can choose to stay out all night if you want to, you can visit your favorite restaurants and places, the list of things that you can do alone is endless. Some of the best experiences happen when you venture out into the world on your own.
When you venture out alone, it feels like all your senses are heightened. Suddenly the colors of the flowers look brighter, you pay attention to the details, you observe those around, you can hear the music sounds better and you notice so many things about the world around. Doing things alone gives you the opportunity to gather your thoughts, analyze your life and make important decisions. When you do things alone you become self-sufficient, you won’t depend on anyone to make you happy because you realize that you are enough for yourself.
Once you fall into the habit of doing things alone, you will see how empowering it truly is.
Do all the things you’ve been missing out on just because you don’t have friends to do them with. Take a trip to the museum that you’ve been wanting to visit. Go on a crazy adventure. Go do something from your bucket list. Go watch that movie none of your friends want to watch. Take the vacation you’ve been planning. Go to the art exhibition your friends find boring. Go grab a cup of tea on your own when no one is free to do it with you. Whatever it is that you want to do, just do it.
Don’t miss out on anything in life. Go out and make memories. Enjoy your own company. Be happy alone.
Do things alone.
By Mitzi J Hernandez for ThoughtCatalog