The Benefits of Living Alone
In the heart of Washington, D.C., a 22-year-old found herself scared, but definitely more excited. As she was about to embark on a journey – the journey of living completely alone.
Yes, I was that 22-year-old and I hope my story inspires you.
Self Discovery
The move to Washington, D.C., marked a pivotal shift in my life. Relying on public transportation, not being 10 minutes from my family, being in an unfamiliar city 589.9 miles from home was extremely daunting. The quaint city felt both chaotic and captivating, mirroring my internal conflict within. As the silence surrounded me at night, I confronted my own thoughts and insecurities. I had no idea how little I knew myself prior to moving to Washington, D.C. The solitude that once seemed like a burden evolved into a system for gaining a deeper understanding of myself, or self-discovery if you will.
“Gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves helps us to be responsible — meaning we can respond to life, rather than react,” says Joey Hulin, a meditation teacher based in Cornwall, United Kingdom, and author of the book “Your Spiritual Almanac: A Year of Living Mindfully.”
Deeper introspection allows us to make more thoughtful decisions.
“It is the difference between being completely consumed by stress, and having the ability to notice when we feel stressed and then course-correct to be more grounded and balanced,” Hulin says.
Discovering the Introvert Within?
Amid living in a city full of opportunities, I stumbled upon a revelation – I am a bit of an introvert. Do not get me wrong I really love being around people, but after a while I get drained. I never realized that this was even a possibility because I am a loud individual, but it is true. Introversion, in basic terms, means that you tend to feel drained by too much social interaction and need to take time for yourself to restore your energy. I now recognize that I need to take time for self care. I understand my energy dynamic more too. It is weird how I used to avoid being alone, & I used to hate it. Living alone is a journey of embracing the silence, understanding your energy dynamic, and discovering solace within.
Focusing on Goals
With solitude came the freedom to focus on my goals without the distractions that led me off my path. The energy that was once used to seek validation was now channeled into personal growth. I explored the city on my terms, indulging in my passions without the need for external approval. I personally focus on working out, reading, cooking (https://www.mealime.com/) I found this app in college and it is AMAZING!, eating healthier, exploring, learning and RELAXING.
James Clear states in Atomic Habits “If you get one percent better each day for one year, you’ll end up thirty-seven times better by the time you’re done”
As the weeks turned into months, I found joy being in my own presence. Solitude became my friend. Quiet evenings can be spent reading an inspiring book, writing (blogging), working out, calling my family, binge watching a TV series, unburdened by the expectations of others. In embracing solitude, I found not loneliness but a profound connection with myself.
Writing My Own Story
Washington, D.C., is the city of my personal evolution, and what I now call home. Embracing solitude didn't mean rejecting connections; it meant nurturing a deeper connection with myself. I am in control of my destiny, and no longer believe it is defined by the presence or absence of others. In the heart of solitude, I found the strength to shape my own narrative and live life on my terms. Which is amazing.
“Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.” - Lao Tzu
“Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment.” - Lao Tzu
The Power of Welcoming Solitude
My journey of living alone in Washington, D.C., was a testament to the transformative power of welcoming solitude. It's a journey of vulnerability, consistency, perseverance, and the beauty of self-discovery. Through this experience, I found more of myself, I learned to love myself. I learned to do what I want to do on my time. I learned to say no when I do not want to do something. The most important thing I have learned is that I am finally creating a life that aligns with my true self. May this story inspire you to embrace solitude as a path to self-discovery, and may you find the unexpected joys that lie within the silence. I have never been happier in my life, I miss my family so much of course. It just makes spending time with them more valuable. Moving away made me appreciate all aspects of my life in a more intense way.
The Benefits of living alone
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