In this day and age, we are always used to having people with us everywhere we go. We are social beings and to some point need to interact with other humans, but we are never taught that we also need to be okay being alone--not lonely. You see, I have always been a very social person, I will talk to about anyone I encounter and have a casual conversation because I love being with people and learning new things about them. Now that I am in Brazil away from all my family and friends do I realize how extremely important it is for everyone to learn to be alone, learn to listen to your inner voice rather than so many people on the exterior, but most importantly everyone needs to learn that being alone does not equate to being lonely. Here are my biggest tips for anyone to learn to be alone and love it.
1. Set a goal. Decide how often it is that you want to venture off on your own, it can be once a month or once a week--whatever feels most comfortable to you. At first it feels quite weird because you'll probably think "now what? What else is supposed to happen?" In all honestly, nothing! You can find something to do once you're there--be spontaneous.
2. Stay away from electronics! What most of us do when we are alone is to see what everyone else is doing via social media. The point of being alone is not to see what everyone else is doing, just do you!
3. Bring a book. I have to admit, it can feel pretty awkward sitting at a park. By yourself. Doing nothing. So, if it makes you feel better, bring a good book to read.
4. Bring a journal. You can write about pretty much anything: how you feel, what you see, what you are thinking, the book you just read, even what you ate. I never kept a journal when I was growing up and now I wish I did. I am keeping one now, especially because I am in Brazil and I want to write about everything so I can one day read over it and keep all those wonderful memories. You can go back and read over your journal to see how much you have changed.
5. Pray or meditate. This really just depends on which one you want to choose, but you can do both! I usually pray because in a way it is like meditating. Praying is having a conversation with God, either verbally or just mentally. You don't need a specific prayer in order to pray, talk to Him about your day, how you feel--anything really. This also helps you get in touch with yourself on a deeper level. For the non-believers, meditating is a great option too. Although I haven't personally practiced meditation, I know it is also a way to clear your mind.
6. Make a list of what you need to do. Sometimes we get so caught up in a routine that we do everything without even thinking about it anymore. It's like we are programmed to do a specific task at a specific time of the day. Instead, make a list of what need/want to do. It can be something small--like doing your laundry--or it can be something big. I don't know maybe visiting another country would be nice.
7. Make a memory box. This is a personal favorite of mine. Your memory box can consist of pictures, letters, or souvenirs from places you have been to. Souvenirs don't have to be expensive or bought in a store. If you're out wandering and you find something interesting on the street that you would like to keep, take it! As long as it doesn't belong to someone else, its totally fine.
8. Go on mini-adventures. You don't have to go to a different country to have a good time. If you notice a new restaurant opened, go and try it out! Or you can go to a coffee shop where no one knows you. It's fun, but like I said before--be spontaneous! Get off the beaten road and go without an itinerary.
9. Listen to music. There is a difference between having background music and listening to music. Listen to the lyrics of every song, try to find the real message behind what you are hearing.
10. Remember why you want to be alone. While you do everything, just keep in mind why you started. It will definitely help you stay motivated.
