Blog - November 22, 2022

Day 22 : The November Happiness Challenge 2022

Solitude

We have read about Companionship and Community, but it’s also important to talk about being alone, and finding joy in it. It is encouraged to mingle with people, and to be a part of communities because no one is a desert. However, every decision we’d make while going through life starts with us and this means we have to derive lots of joy and contentment from within ourselves. It is okay to be extroverted and to like being around humans but do you really think that it is possible to be this way every day of your life? The answer is quite obvious. Solitude is actually seen to be synonymous with freedom, and I can’t fault this. Many people hope to live alone at one point in their lives and they believe that this will assist them in learning more about themselves and knowing how to manage without always being dependant on other people. This is valid too. I have lived alone during my NYSC in Ondo state and it wasn’t bad at all. The feeling that I could do anything at the time I wanted it without anyone interfering in your business was truly liberating for me. Imagine getting home from work all tired and still having to engage in small talk because you live with someone or because you are responsible for others. No matter how much you enjoy doing it because of the fulfilment involved, you might get tired at a point and just want to be on your own. It isn’t everytime that you’d feel at ease with being surrounded by people or having to do things because not doing it might be an inconvenience to the people wth you e.g cleaning the apartment or doing the dishes. You can decide to watch your TV at the lowest or highest volume at any time without disturbance, all that matters is your mood and what you feel like doing at that point. You can sleep on any part of your bed and even swing your legs across, who will question you? Solitude goes beyond living alone though. Even while living with others, it’s okay to have your own alone time from time to time. For some people, it’s the only way they are able to recharge and renew their energy. You’d see people finding spots within their houses where they can hide away when the need arises and by the time they are out, they are better with whatever chased them there. I am not saying you should stay hiding from your family while making them agitated because they don’t know where you are at a particular time. Solitude doesn’t mean secrecy. it only means you are alone, by yourself. You do not have to hurt anyone in the process. Remember what we said about Responsibility? Great. There are many ways to practise Solitude and your way doesn’t have to be like the other person’s. For some people, their phone is their escape. Once they find something interesting and intriguing on their phones, they are gone. Some practise Solitude through movies, or reading Novels. Some sleep while some just listen to music. There are other ways that people have created over time that help them to be alone without any issue, and I’m always amazed at how well they manage it. Introverts have hacked this Solitude thing so well and the way they enjoy their own company has to be studied. There are people who can be alone all year long and even though I don’t subscribe to it, I have to respect the determination. These people do not care if they aren’t invited anywhere, they just want to stay home all cozy and warm, while munching something and watching a movie or whatever helps them to keep sane. And for Extroverts, they can embrace Solitude as a way to get refreshed for the next endeavors. You can ask me, I understand this perfectly. I’d say that I recommend a blend of both, but that’s just me. What kind of person are you? Are you a Solitude lover? Do you embrace it from time to time or once in a while? What ways have you deviced to enjoy your own company? Let’s talk. I’ll be back. OBA