How long have you stayed all alone, without even scrolling through your phone, just with your thoughts?
When was the last time that you took yourself out on a date? And what I mean by that is going for a walk without your ears being plunged with headphones, or going to the cinema all by yourself, or even just sitting in your room on your own.
Pretty weird you may probably think. But staying alone just with yourself and feeling comfortable doing it nowadays is, in my opinion, a superpower on its own and it can help you achieve many things in life, regardless of how irrelevant this may sound to you.
In this article, we are going to talk about the importance of feeling comfortable all by yourself and why it can be beneficial for you in the long run. First, we`ll discuss one of the main reasons why we have lost our motivation to do all kinds of stuff just with our own company.
Feeling Alone Is Difficult Nowadays
Technological advancements have resulted in having access to the internet and being wired on various social media platforms, which gives us the illusion of socializing. Deficient or no usage of them makes us feel that we are missing out. Staying alone is an act that many people do indeed but feeling alone is a whole other story, and this is one of the feelings that we often try to run away from. Most people may be physically alone sometimes but they feel the need to give and receive attention by communicating with others remotely throughout their day, almost nonstop. In a world filled with constant noise and distractions, it’s easy to overlook the importance of feeling comfortable in your skin.
Now let’s take a closer look at the reasons why solitude can benefit you at least in the long run.
1. Self-acceptance leads To Inner Peace
When you’re comfortable with yourself, you accept yourself exactly as you are— you’re your flaws, your quirks, and everything else included in you. This self-acceptance of yourself creates a sense of inner peace and contentment within you. What this means is over time, you can hardly be affected negatively by external circumstances. Instead of constantly seeking validation or approval from others, you find fulfillment from within. You start loving yourself and becoming your biggest fan. I can`t stress how important self-love can be for you because, in the end, the truth is that you are all you`ve got.
Internal validation is much more meaningful than external validation. Other people come and go. Not necessarily all of them, but in life you may experience unwanted and unexpected losses. It`s your responsibility, during hard times, to be your biggest support system for yourself.
2. Greater Confidence And Self-Esteem
Feeling comfortable with you, and being your true self breeds confidence and self-esteem. You begin to trust in your strength, abilities, and decision-making powers, knowing that you are worthy and capable of achieving major goals, regardless of being externally validated by others or not. This self-built confidence of yours radiates from you outwards, while you interact with others who feel your inner positive energy, making them connect with you faster, and thus leading to stronger relationships and more growth opportunities. Remember that wolves move alone while sheep move in herds.
3. Independence And Self-Reliance
Being comfortable with yourself fosters emotional independence and self-reliance. You learn to trust your instincts and rely on your judgment, rather than constantly seeking guidance or reassurance from others. This sense of self-reliance empowers you to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and confidence.
4. Authenticity And Personal Freedom
When you’re comfortable with yourself, you’re free to express your authentic self without fear of being judged or criticized. You embrace your uniqueness and live your life on your terms, rather than conforming to societal expectations or trying to please others. This authenticity brings a sense of liberation and personal freedom that is truly empowering.
5. Enhanced Emotional Resilience
Being able to feel comfortable with just staying alone cultivates emotional resilience, independence, and inner strength. Being emotionally independent and mature means not relying on anyone to help you solve your problems but your biggest ally, who is of course you. When life gets tough, you’re better equipped to handle setbacks, rejection, and adversity with grace and resilience and overcome them with better ease sooner or later. During hard times, instead of being consumed by self-doubt or various self-limiting beliefs, you tend to bounce back from challenges that appear in your life, because of your resilience and determination to overcome any obstacle that appears in your way.
6. Improved Mental Health And Well-Being
Being comfortable with yourself is closely linked to improved mental health and overall well-being. You experience less stress, anxiety, and depression when you’re at ease with who you are. Instead of giving your attention to external factors that are out of your control, you embrace a mindset of self-compassion and self-care, prioritizing your mental and emotional health over almost anything else.
7. Deeper Connections With Others
Paradoxically, being comfortable with yourself strengthens your connections with others. When you’re secure in your own identity, you become more open, authentic, and “vulnerable” in your relationships. “Vulnerability”, in this case, means that you can express your true self without being afraid of judgments and criticisms from others. From other people`s perspective, you become vulnerable and “open” to attacks but the truth is that you feel liberated and somehow lighter, because the words and actions of others do not affect you. This authenticity fosters deeper connections and genuine intimacy with others, leading to more fulfilling and meaningful relationships.
8. Empowerment And Self-Actualization
Ultimately, feeling comfortable with yourself is a form of empowerment that allows you to reach your full potential and live a life of purpose and meaning. You embrace your strengths, passions, and values, and pursue your goals with confidence and conviction. This self-actualization is the true essence of living a fulfilled and meaningful life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, feeling comfortable with yourself is not only a gift you give to yourself but also a catalyst for personal growth, self-fulfillment, and a happy life. By embracing self-acceptance, confidence, authenticity, and resilience, you unlock your true potential and create a life that is rich, meaningful, and deeply satisfying. So take a moment to embrace yourself exactly as you are, knowing that you are enough, just as you are, but at the same time, strive to hone your strengths and constrain your inner darkness and insecurities.
Do you take time with just yourself?
If yes, then how frequently do you do that?