Happy Sunday. Here’s another Sunday Scary check in. How do you deal when you don’t have a crew of folks to travel with, eat with, or go out and enjoy life with? If your answer is not live then let’s change that. It can be hard to live on your own or have people who you do live with who do not share in the same likes as you do.
Getting Out and About-Facing your fears
Before I got married I was scared to do things on my own. After marriage I still felt the same way. Although in marriage you will do things for and with your partner to support their likes, sometimes you have moments when alone time is vital. After having kids I felt more alone due to postpartum depression. I was the first in my group to have kids. So as a parent I always have to say no because the responsibilities of being a mom was a lot to master. Some of it too had a lot to do with my changing body and perspectives. One day, I went to a diner and ate alone. The fear of eating alone is real. People tend to look at you and think you are miserable and alone. Sometimes you just want to eat at a new eatery and no one else wanted to go.
Courtesy of Pexel PhotosI learned in eating alone that the fear can be managed. This weekend I went to visit my grandma and I still found times to go out in a city that I was born in but hadn’t explored-alone. There’s a lot to learn about yourself when you are alone. Being out and about by yourself has a lot of benefits. Also I am enjoying the city that I was born in so much more this time around. Thanks to Google and my trusted car, Epiphany.
Courtesy of Pexel PhotosBenefits of Being Out and About Alone
One of the things that I learned doing my first beach trip since having kids was I needed that alone time. It’s almost spiritual. Especially with kids, not having to share a snack was glorious. My family doesn’t like the heat as much as I do. When I took my solo trip to Phoenix I chose it just to be in heat. It was 110 degrees on a good day. I felt renewed. There was nothing like it. Enjoying what you love can be a great sense of self, renew your spirit, and increase your self care. Here are some more benefits of doing things alone:
- Increased creativity
- Fills your social meter
Alone vs Lonely
There are a lot of people who need and want companionship. Some only see companionship in the space of having a love interest. Companionship can come in many forms. I personally know who have companions for different aspects of their lives. They have someone to shop with, a coffee friend, a travel friend, and more. They don’t have to be someone of the opposite sex either. It’s about learning to align with folks that align with you interests. For instance some of my friends like to do things that are more extroverted like clubs. I am not a club person. However I will go out with them every now and again.
Courtesy of Pexel PhotosIf you live alone and feel that due to your aloneness that you have mastered the art of being alone, ask yourself to what extent. There are many singles who are single but haven’t gravitated to the things that they love. If your list of places to travel or explore in your city is super long and you aren’t out there making it happen-consider that maybe you need to get out more.
Traveling Alone
I have written about this many times. But you have got to take a chance on you and travel this world. It can be scary to travel on your own. I do not pretend that it’s not. However you too can do it. Start with domestic travels first. Pick a state that you never have been and research. When is the best time to go? What activities does the state have to offer? Want to go glamping but your friends don’t? Did you know that most glamping places have singles places too? This means those cute dome tent locations are waiting on you. You can do it. Research, save, take a deep breath, and book your trip. You never know who you will meet while there.
Courtesy of Pexel PhotosNow of course with any travel your safety is your number protectant. So this means do not check in places alone. Get out and look like you are not a tourist even if you are. Make sure someone has your travel information. I have at least two people who can see my locations at all times.
Sunday Word of the Day
There’s nothing you can’t do. Do not let people who are indecisive not allow you the space to grow and explore. You know the memes where people are trying to take a trip out of the group chat? Sometimes booking on your own will wake your crew up. Do not simply keep missing opportunities to enjoy life hold you back. Here are a few things that I personally do that I love that you can do alone:
- Go to a flower shop or open air market
- Treat yourself to flowers weekly
- Coffee shop-find a new local one and support small businesses
- Go shopping and don’t buy for others (treat yourself)
- Beach Trips
- Go to a near eatery
- Take a road trip and explore a nearby city
- Go jog, hike, or move something
- Spa day
- Go to the movies
- Concert of your favorite artist
Courtesy of Pexel PhotosThe options are endless. So it’s a nice day in Philadelphia. I hope it’s just as nice where you are. What are you doing with this beautiful Sunday? Me-I have been up and about, went to 2 coffee shops, getting flowers, and spending the rest of the day with my grandmother. I like to practice what I preach. Have an amazing Sunday. Don’t let those Sunday scaries creep up on you and go to work Monday saying you did nothing.
