Learning To Be Okay in My Own Company: Build Healthy Habits for Finding Self Worth in Alone Time
Art Direction and Photograph by: Catie Menke. Model: Samantha M.
Copy: Emily Rose
Model: Samantha M
Editor: Jeni Fjelstad
Creative Direction: Catie Menke
My whole life, I have been accustomed to doing what everyone else wants me to do. Whether that be the pressure of doing things to make those around me proud or the fear of failing in the public eye. I find myself so codependent in life and have trouble breaking away to do the things in life that I want to do. All because, I don’t want to do it alone.
I am writing this to keep track of what I am learning in my twenties and hopefully impact you to feel inspired and create a foundation for a life you will not regret years down the road.
If you answered yes to these questions, it is because (just like me) you might be a codependent person. It is so draining and is not worth falling into this constant trap of forgetting about building your own identity. Do not worry — there is so much hope to take control of your own life.
So, let’s get to work and build some healthy habits of finding self worth in being alone.
I turn 22 next month and graduate college this school year. However, I feel like there are so many things I haven’t gotten to do yet.
I am a social butterfly. I truly am. I love going on adventures with friends and family just as much as the next person, but not everyone is going to be on my schedule or have free time to do so. I have constantly waited on the availability of other people to experience life. I do not want to stay stuck in this cycle and let life pass me by. And you shouldn’t either!
Life has its obstacles, don't get me wrong. But when things fall apart, who is there to fix it? You. The only true person in your life that will always be there, no matter what happens, is yourself. In this life, you will always have yourself. Remember that. So please, be kind to your heart, your soul, your mind, and your physical being.
Having alone time is okay. It really is. It is totally normal and nonetheless very much needed. In order to give your very best to the people you love, start being the very best version of yourself for you.
So, take yourself on dates at the restaurants you have always wanted to try. Take that trip and visit the places that you have never gotten to see. Try that new yoga class that no one wants to go with you to. Take on new hobbies that you saw on social media and wanted to try. Buy that dress and take yourself to a place that is fancy enough to wear it. Life is so precious and so short not to.
There is no reason for validation to do the things that you want to do. So, enjoy the chaos and embrace the embarrassment of showing up alone. If you can find that confidence in yourself to do all of the things outside of that comfort zone of yours. You will live so freeingly and feel so content that you were strong enough to do so. So romanticize the life of doing things alone.
Art Direction and Photograph by: Catie Menke. Model: Samantha M.
I read an article “45 Enjoy Your Own Company Quotes You Really Needed Today” by Rachel Jo. I wanted to share with you some quotes that resonated with me:
“It’s your road and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.” Rumi
“The meaning of enjoying your own company is to be able to feel at peace with the idea of being alone, spending time with yourself, and enjoying the little moments even if there’s no one around to share the excitement with.” Rachel Jo
“Being brave enough to be alone frees you up to invite people into your life because you want them and not because you need them.” Mandy Hale
“I can never read all the books I want; I can never be all the people I want and live all the lives I want. I can never train myself in all the skills I want. And why do I want? I want to live and feel all the shades, tones, and variations of mental and physical experience possible in my life. And I am horribly limited.” Sylvia Plath
I encourage you to take these words and live your life the way you want your life to be lived. In this, you will learn so much about yourself that you didn’t give yourself enough time to learn in the first place. There is so much more to you than what others know. Enjoy getting to know a side of yourself that no one else will ever get to learn. Cherish those moments. Make new memories with yourself. Take the opportunity that not everyone has the strength to take.
Don’t wait! Do it now and thank me later.
Sincerely, Emily
More from Emily in self
Keep up with us
