There’s something so refreshing to me about spending time alone.
Having people to share life with is important, and I probably would go crazy without friends who listen, encourage and love me when I need it. But today…
Today it was just me.
In a garden. A new book in one hand. A large scoop of cookie dough ice cream in the other.
And I sat there on a bench soaking in the sunshine, wondering about all the people who had ever sat in this beautiful place before me. Wondering who they were, why they were there, and even what they thought about as they sat.
Most of the people I saw today were in pairs or small groups. They held hands, walked their dogs, laughed at playing squirrels, and even posed for pictures. Some of these people smiled at me, some gave sideways glances, others still didn’t even notice me. Their thoughts unknown to me, as mine were to them. I admired their social adventures from afar, and revelled in my solidarity.
For me, spending time by myself is energizing. It’s a chance to fill up on all the positive feelings that are running low. I can think, feel, and breathe without pause, without question. Then, when all the reserves of happiness, encouragement and love are full again, I can joyfully embrace all the people around me.
It’s like a breath of fresh mountain air or a look at the clear night sky in the countryside. It’s something that you didn’t even know you were missing until you have it, and once you do, you wonder how you ever survived before.
How had I forgotten something so naturally good for me?
What I came to realize today is that I had been too busy trying to keep up with all of life’s demands. In the rush of it all, I had forgotten to take care of someone important: ME. I had exhausted myself completely. Like a plant without water, I had become useless without time to recharge.
But now I sit here refreshed, making promises for a summer full of rest and relaxation.
Today was a blessing, pure and simple.