As a millennial, I never really have to be alone. I have the ability to always be in constant communication with people, which is the typical norm for people my age. We're either on social media, texting or snap chatting, always interacting with other people. I do think that the advancements in technology are great, don't get me wrong, but I think there is something to be said about spending time truly by yourself.

This semester of college, I have had to learn how to be alone. In the past, I have always had to be talking to someone or in the presence of another, whether through my phone or in person. However, after some major life changes in the past couple of months, I have often found myself alone, not knowing how to handle it. For awhile, I would instantly grab my phone and text somebody, just so I wouldn't feel so empty. I did not know how I was supposed to sit and truly be by myself; the concept was foreign to me.

After some soul searching and gaining strength and confidence in myself, I sit here today and I can say that I have learned how to be alone, and I truly think that is a blessing. I love my family and my friends with all of my heart, but over the course of this self-exploration, I have found that at the end of the day, the only person you can rely on is yourself. Relationships end, people are taken away from you unexpectedly, and someone isn't always there to answer your phone call. You know who always is, though? You. You may get mad at yourself at times or let yourself down, but through it all, you are the only person who you know for a fact is always there.

So I challenge you to learn to be alone. It doesn't have to be scary or something bad, but instead, I believe it is a blessing and an acquired skill. Put the phone away. Go for a walk outside. Read a book. Take a nap. Paint a picture. Do whatever it is that makes you happy, and show yourself that it is okay to be alone.