Just my opinion: Alone vs Lonely

I feel as though a good handful of people associate being alone with being lonely. Sometimes when we are left alone with our own thoughts, we feel almost imprisoned by them. We need people as a distraction from the realities we are trying to face in our day to day lives. When alone, it is true. You do have much more time to think about your life and the choices you are making and the chances of you feeling minuscule increase dramatically. The chances that you may feel lonely and sad are there, but that isn't due to the fact that you are alone.  

I don't know about you, but I genuinely enjoy my time by myself. Not just my time alone relaxing in my own room, but being out and about as well. I like to go sit in a coffee shop by myself and sketch or grab a bite to eat while listen to groups of people gabbing on and on about things I've never heard of. I've had people tell me that they would be mortified to sit at a restaurant by themselves or to go to a movie solo. I love it. I didn't always feel like that though. I will admit to being that angst filled, teenage girl who's idea of a horrendous Saturday night would be sitting at home, watching a movie with a bowl of popcorn to herself. To my surprise, I am living my worst nightmare, almost every Saturday. 

I felt like if I wasn't out with my friends, I was going to be seen as an outcast. The majority of my worries were caused by opinions that people may or may not have thought about me. Then I realized, "Oh my gosh. Their opinions don't entirely matter." As long as I know who I am and that I am okay with spending time alone, I don't need to know or hear what others have to say about my choices to be by myself.

My personal opinion on the matter is that once you've accepted yourself (and I mean every part of yourself), you will reach a point where you are okay with being alone and you aren't afraid to face the potential of feeling lonely. But you just have to keep in mind that your loneliness is not due to your lack of company. Company can be very comforting at times, but loneliness doesn't stray far from you while you're with people either. Do not be afraid to walk out of your house by yourself.

You may have made some mistakes. You may have disappointed someone. You may have more flaws than you can count on both hands. There is nothing wrong with that. If you don't like something, change it. If you don't want to, accept it. You may be your problem, but you are also your solution (Prime opportunity to quote Bridesmaids).

So, here's what I say:

Stop worrying about others.

Stop doubting yourself.

Stop fearing being alone.

Need a little extra push? Give this a watch. It changed my perspective on being alone.

I dare you to:

Sit and drink your coffee inside Starbucks your next break.

Reject that last minute invite and stay home with yourself and a good book

Go for a walk somewhere scenic.

(x) | (x) | (x)

Just you. Enjoy you.

Sorry for being extremely cheesy.