Two Necessary Practices to Create a Fulfilled Solo Life
When you live alone, you sing your own song.
You lead a solo life. You decide what you want to cook, when you want to exercise, and how many pillows you need for your bed. You are the captain of your yacht.
The word solo comes from the Latin word solus, which means "alone." The two most crucial matters you need to unwrap when you decide to live alone are:
- You (Who are you?)
- Your life (How are you leading your life?)
You have you. That's a beautiful relationship you develop and sustain.
The first part of living alone is you. You wake up in the morning; it's you. You go to bed; it's you. You decide to cut a cucumber; it's you.
In the book "The Art of Living Alone and Loving It," the author Jane Mathews emphasizes recreating a relationship with yourself. She stresses the importance of creating values and an essential foundation for happiness.
You live alone. That does not imply you have to feel alone.
- Stay in touch with your family members with whom you have a healthy relationship.
- Visit friends who uplift your soul. Travel with them.
- Plan a game night with coworkers.
Also, take time to get to know you. Make space for building your relationship with you and nurturing it for the days to come.
- Pack a picnic basket for one person and go to your favorite natural spot.
- Eat a four-course meal alone at a restaurant you fancy.
- If you want to challenge yourself even more, travel solo.
Whosoever is delighted in solitude, is either a wild beast or a god.
― Aristotle
A positive relationship with yourself will shape your mind to be resilient to despair and stress. You will encounter a more energetic self. Getting out of tricky situations and resuming your daily life will be easier.
Uncover that "something" that tickles your soul and do more of it.
The second part of living alone is your life. I will ask you a very typical question —have you created a purpose for your life that brings you joy?
Suppose you answered yes, then incredible! Cultivate it. Do more of it. Fight for it. Please share it with the community around you. Help people who want to do the same.
If your answer is no, then fantastic! No one is born with a purpose. You may never find it if you set out looking for your purpose. Believe me; it won't come looking for you.
What do you do then?
You build it. You take "something" that excites you and work on it until it makes even more sense. You define, shape, and name your purpose. No one can ever take that power from you. That's the whole magnificence behind it.
Too often we confuse ‘discovering who we are’ with ‘discovering who we want to be.’ And if we commit to the former it will take care of the latter.
― Craig D. Lounsbrough
If you are concerned about climate change, join a community where you can reach out to more people to discuss the issue and take some integrated actions.
If you decide that learning and experiencing different cultures is the most important thing, read books, watch documentaries, and save money to travel. Tell people why you are doing this.
No purpose is significant. No purpose is small. It is simply your very own purpose.
Believe in it.
In the end…
You deserve your admiration. Living alone is not easy, but you are still carrying on. Relationships around you will adjust sooner or later when you start leading a solo life. It will undoubtedly affect how you look at your life and decide to live it.
You build a healthy relationship with yourself every day. You remind yourself of your purpose every day. It needs practice and self-acceptance.
Be considerate to the child inside you.
Key Message: As a soloist, you need to allow yourself to understand who you are and what you can do with your unique life. You write your own story.
Welcome the glory of your solo journey. Bon, voyage!
