Why You Shouldn't Be Afraid To Experience Life Alone
Let me tell you... there's no better feeling than enjoying your own company.
By Mitzi J Hernandez
I’m a solo adventurer; I am a loner.
I’m the woman who sits alone at a coffee shop, drinking tea and reading a book.
I am the woman who shamelessly takes herself out on dates to upscale restaurants.
I am the woman who attends concerts without feeling awkward about being there alone; I sing my heart out and have the time of my life.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that doing things alone is wonderful.
Although sometimes it’s fun to be around others, so many people underestimate how much fun certain activities can be when they don’t have any company.
Some people think “being alone” and “doing things alone” is awful. People think that going out alone either means you’re antisocial or a “loser,” but that social stigma is wrong.
So many people are afraid to live life alone.
I must admit, I used to be one of them. Now, I realize that I missed out on so many opportunities just because I did not want to experience them alone.
Whenever I wanted to go somewhere, attend a concert, or do a fun activity, I would ask friends to go with me. If they didn’t want to do it, though, then I wouldn’t, either.
This mentality held me back from enjoying so many things.
I am now officially at a point in my life where I will not let anyone or anything hold me back from doing what my heart desires, even if it means that I must do it alone.
Once I changed my mindset and started living my life as I pleased, I found this astounding sense of freedom; a freedom to simply be myself and do whatever the hell I want.
Let me tell you... there’s no better feeling than enjoying your own company.
Since I started going on adventures alone over the last few years, I’ve experienced the best times of my life. I have gone hiking, bike riding, skydiving, and bungee jumping. I’ve taken trips alone and have made unforgettable memories.
I have become my own best friend. The truth is, not everyone will want to go places with you, have the same interests, or step outside their comfort zone. Don’t let these people hold you back, though.
Never put your life on hold just because others are not willing to participate alongside you. Don’t be afraid to be your own best friend and experience life alone.
For many, the idea of venturing out alone sounds daunting and perhaps even a little bit embarrassing.
Embarking on solo adventures isn’t anything to be ashamed of, though. It’s liberating, sensational, rejuvenating, and extremely good for your soul.
When you take on the world by yourself, you don’t have to compromise with or wait on others. You can talk to strangers and meet new people without other people distracting you. You can stay out all night, visit your favorite places... the list of things you can accomplish alone is endless.
When you venture out alone, all of your senses are heightened.
Suddenly, the flowers look brighter; the music sounds better. You pay attention to the details and observe everything around you.
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 don’t depend on anyone else to make you happy because you realize that you are enough for yourself.
Allow yourself to see how empowering doing things alone truly is.
Don’t miss out on anything in life simply because you’re afraid of being alone. Go out and make memories by yourself. Enjoy your own company. Be happy alone. Live life alone.
Mitzi J Hernandez is a freelance writer whose work has been published in El Sol de México, Thought Catalog, YourTango, Unwritten, El Heraldo de Chihuahua, El Sol de Zacatecas, and more. For more of her work, follow her on Twitter.