Solitude

I’m realizing as I get older how important it is to make time and space for solitude. And more so, how much easier it is said than done – especially when the solitude may include having to face yourself. I think when we’re young we assume that by our twenties or thirties we’ll have it figured out. And some of us might think we do -- but if the day comes and you feel lost or uninspired, it's vital that you have the awareness and the tools to find your way back to yourself - with clarity, purpose, and alignment. For me, there's nothing worse than feeling out of place in your own life. Solitude has been the antidote and I hope it can be the same for you too. 

That’s the thing about making time and space for solitude – it allows you to check in with yourself. And maybe, save you from landing in a life that doesn't feel like yours. 

Since the beginning of the year I’ve been dedicated to journaling every single morning and every single evening. It sounds like a lot, I know. It definitely felt like that when I started. But now, just a short two months into the year and I can’t begin to explain the relationship I’ve built with myself just through journaling alone. I get excited to meet myself on the pages of my journal every morning and every evening. Some entries are pretty dry, nothing really new to report about the day or feelings to unpack. But some days are truly transformational. 

If solitude has taught me anything this year it is how important and vital our relationship with ourselves is. The way we see the world around us is a direct reflection of how we see ourselves. 

If we want to have a meaningful life filled with peace, love and abundance – we must become them first. That is the work: making time and space for solitude so you can meet yourself and decide what you really want in life. Life has a scary way of moving really fast and if we don't intentionally slow it down, we can miss out on our own lives. 

Maybe journaling feels like a little bit too much for you right now. If that’s the case, devote 15 minutes a day to going for a walk without any distraction. Leave your phone at home - no music, no podcasts, no calls. Allow yourself the gift of just being with yourself. If this feels daunting then take that uncomfortable feeling as a sign that you may need this more than you think. 

Just like any long term investment, you reap the rewards from compounding.

Start journaling today and commit for 7 days straight. Note how you feel on day one versus day seven. Assume that it will feel uncomfortable for a good 5 days but know that each day is positively compounding onto the next. If journaling feels like too much, start with committing to a 15 minute walk everyday for a week.

For me, a 5km walk and at least one journal entry a day are my non-negotiables and I know if I protect just these two commitments I will feel 100 times better than if I didn’t. 

Wishing you the love and strength to make time to meet yourself where you are today - whatever that looks like. 

If we only have this one life, why not design it so we can enjoy the ride – and maybe, love who we are while we’re on it.