We're all on a journey. A journey to living a meaningful life. This journey looks different for every person, but we're all searching for the same things: purpose, authenticity, meaning, love. So what does a meaningful life look like? It's knowing and being true to who you are, confidently being yourself and growing in things that are important to you. It's living a full and happy life, and enjoying life's journey.
A great way to discover who you are is to make time for solitude. But in today's busy society, it's something that many people do not make time for. People have the fear of missing out, and the fear of being alone. Social media and technology provide constant distractions; we seek validation from others and are in constant communication with one another. But are these online connections truly authentic? Do they truly help us along the journey?
There is a common misconception that solitude equals loneliness, but this isn't true. Solitude is the intentional detachment and separation from others, it is a choice. As Marty Rubin once said, "solitude is where one discovers one is not alone." Solitude helps us determine who we are, and what we want from life. When we constantly seek validation from others instead of first looking within, we aren't being the most genuine of people. We're letting others shape who we are. And while it's natural that others influence us, we should first be firmly rooted in who we know ourselves to be.
A few months ago, I went through a breakup. This triggered a lot of questions for me. Who am I? How do I know I have faith and a relationship with God? What's my meaning in life? Am I making a positive difference in others' lives? These questions are all things that must be answered from looking within.
Making time for solitude doesn't mean you have to totally remove yourself from society. It can be a daily practice, in which you set aside time each day to rid yourself of distractions. Quiet yourself, focus, breathe slowly, relax, meditate, pray - whatever it is that helps you look within and connect with your inner self, the place where God speaks softly to your heart.
Solitude clearly helps your relationship with yourself. You're able to reflect, discover, and grow. This helps you to become aware of your identity, and to find meaning and purpose in your life. When you know this, you can live a truly authentic life; you can be true to yourself.
When you can live from a place of true authenticity, your relationships with others improve. You know who to surround yourself with, who you let yourself be influenced by. You're able to have more honest, genuine interactions, and as a result have more meaningful relationships because you're not relying on others to define who you are.
In short, solitude helps you look within yourself to discover your purpose in life, what it is that gives your life meaning. God made you unique - no one is, has been, or ever will be exactly like you. Embrace who you are, live authentically. Let this authenticity determine your relationships with others. Most importantly, enjoy the journey to living a meaningful life.
