ENTRY NINE

October 10, 2018

I wrote this for my English Class

The gifts of Solitude

Solitude as defined by the dictionary is the quality or state of being alone or remote from society. When I read this it seems like solitude is sad, negative and depressing. I have met many that agree. However, I find that a bit odd. Yes, solitude can be depressing but being alone isn’t all bad. There are great reasons to be in love or enjoy solitude.

I, personally enjoy solitude. Why? First of all, solitude gives me the gift of silence. When I become too busy in life, schoolwork, social and family life plus when there is a lot going on inside and outside of my head, it just makes me overwhelmed. Silence just gives me a chance to breath. Not just to breath, but consciously. Each breath taken in calms me down, each breath being released relaxes me. Silence allows me to take a step back and see the bigger picture to know what is really going on and to see what is the most important and most urgent. In schoolwork, I am able to weigh it all in and prioritize making me more efficient and effective reaching optimum productivity.

 Second, solitude gives me the gift of observation. Have you ever wondered what your world is really like? Have you ever stop and look at the trees, the sky or the birds? Have you? When in solitude one can now make keen observation on his or her world with full attention. Now, one is able to get all the details and not just glimpses. This is very important to us because we live in a fast paced world where everyone is either working too  hard or multitasking. We tend to forget to just stop, look and sometimes to even listen. Nature has always been whispering to us, the gush of the wind on the leaves, the sun beaming down on us, the tender sky when it’s dark, the stars glistening at night and so much more.

Lastly, solitude gives me the gift of independence. Independence? Let me explain. I shall explain with a little back story on me. In high school I surrounded myself with my best of friends and wherever they go I go. But before stepping on senior high my friends and I decided to part ways so it left me on my own. It was horrible like a stinking sinking eerie feeling inside of my chest. I realize I depended on them too much for my own good. However, as the introvert being that I am I embraced solitude and it was liberating. I was able to find who I was beyond the ties and relationships I created with my friends. But don’t worry, I am still very close with then and I get to see them on a daily basis. In addition, with the gift of independence I was able to make friends in senior high. It was a win-win situation.  

Solitude is indeed great and beneficial for the overall growth of a person. Hence, I suggest it to anyone and everybody. Maybe in the process of your journey with solitude it might give you your own set of gifts.

xoxo