Adrian Volenik
For some, being alone is their worst nightmare. For others, spending time alone is one of the best feelings in the world.
But spending time alone isn’t all that bad, it has many upsides. You get to know yourself better and have more time to work on your skills.
So, if you were always in the first group and feared being alone but believe things have changed for you, i.e., you feel like now you actually cherish your solitude, here are some signs that prove it.
1) You’re self-reliant
I’ve always felt like I constantly needed a helping hand to navigate life’s twists and turns. But now, I’m capable of tackling whatever comes my way.
Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet or dealing with a tough day at work, I got it covered.
If you’re the same, knowing that you can handle things on your own has given you a newfound sense of strength and confidence.
It’s like having your own back no matter what, and that’s a pretty incredible feeling.
2) You enjoy your own company
Remember those times when being alone felt awkward, and you’d do anything to avoid it?
Now, you’ve learned to savor your moments alone. You appreciate the freedom it gives you to be yourself without any external expectations.
Sure, it isn’t the same as before when we didn’t have smartphones or social media, and we’d get bored more easily.
Nowadays, even if you’re alone, you’re never really alone, are you?
Still, if you can’t stand yourself or the sound of your own thoughts, you won’t enjoy spending time alone either. It’s as simple as that.
3) You don’t experience FOMO anymore
You know that feeling when you used to get major FOMO – the fear of missing out? It was like a constant itch in the back of your mind.
But now, it’s different. You’ve come to appreciate your alone time so much that you don’t fret about missing every single social gathering.
You’ve learned that not every event is a “you must be there” kind of thing. It’s totally fine to kick back and recharge at home when you need it.
Your FOMO has taken a backseat, and it’s actually quite liberating.
4) You love exploring new hobbies
You used to avoid being alone, fearing that it would be boring or uneventful. But now, solitude is your playground for exploring exciting new hobbies.
You’ve picked up a guitar, rolled up your sleeves in the kitchen, or even laced up your sneakers to try a new sport.
These solo adventures have become your secret source of happiness and self-expression.
And although some hobbies are better enjoyed with others, many are still solo things where you don’t need anyone beside you, online or offline.
And what about this?
5) You’ve developed a sense of adventure
You know, there was a time when the mere thought of traveling alone might have sent shivers down your spine.
It used to feel so daunting and intimidating. But now, something incredible has happened – you’ve uncovered a sense of adventure deep within yourself, and it’s unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
Traveling alone is no longer a scary concept; it’s a thrilling opportunity for self-discovery and a voyage of a different kind.
It’s not about ticking off a checklist of tourist spots; it’s about forging genuine connections and diving headfirst into the unknown.
Just like the following thing.
6) Peaceful reflection is your thing now
These days, peaceful reflection is right up your alley. Remember when being alone with your thoughts felt like staring into the abyss?
Now, it’s like having a heart-to-heart with your closest friend, except that friend is you.
Silence is where you kick off your shoes, unwind, and find serenity. It’s the retreat from the constant noise of the world, and you can be creative.
7) It’s your creative outlet
Solitude has become your creative sanctuary where you can let your imagination run wild through writing, painting, or any other creative pursuit.
You’ve discovered that some of your best ideas emerge in the quiet of your own company.
As you embrace your creative solitude, you begin to realize that some of your most brilliant ideas and innovative concepts are born in these moments of quiet introspection.
8) You have no need for constant distractions
At last, you don’t feel the need to be constantly distracted by your phone or other people’s company.
Think back to a time when your phone was your constant companion, always within reach, and the idea of being without it was anxiety-inducing.
You might have felt the need to be connected 24/7, checking notifications, scrolling through social media, or texting friends incessantly.
But as you’ve grown to cherish your solitude, something interesting has happened. That constant urge to be distracted has faded away.
You’ve realized that there’s immense beauty in just being present in the moment. It’s like a mental shift from FOMO (fear of missing out) to JOMO (the joy of missing out).
9) You enjoy simple pleasures
A typical evening in the past meant spending time with others or being entertained to avoid being alone.
It was a rush to find the next exciting thing to do or event to attend. Fast forward to today, and your idea of a perfect night has transformed.
Now, you look forward to a quiet evening with a good book or a slow walk in the park.
These simple activities have become your sources of pleasure and joy.
10) You embrace independence
Independence has become your trusted companion, a valuable skill you’ve sharpened over time. You no longer see it as a daunting burden but rather as a source of strength and empowerment.
You realize that independence allows you to chart your own unique path in life. Instead of following someone else’s blueprint, you’re the author of your own story.
When that finally happened to me, I was over the moon.
I no longer felt pressured to conform to society’s norms or expectations. Instead, I now trust my instincts and intuition, making decisions that align with my inner compass.
11) You cherish quality relationships
Another sign pointing to the change in your mindset is that you shifted from a large social circle to cherishing fewer, deeper connections.
It’s not about the quantity of friends but the quality of relationships. You nurture those connections that truly matter.
Because ultimately, these are the people who know your quirks, your dreams, and your vulnerabilities.
These connections bring warmth and a sense of belonging.
12) You prioritize self-care
In the past, you might have rushed through the day, always focusing on the demands of work, family, or other obligations.
But now, self-care has a special place in your daily routine.
You understand that self-care isn’t just about pampering yourself, though a spa day or a good book can be part of it.
It’s also about practicing mindfulness, taking a pause to breathe deeply, and being present in the moment.
You’re creating a life that’s not just about surviving but thriving, where you are your own best friend and ally.
Which leads us to this:
13) You have many personal routines
These days, I’ve got a bunch of personal routines that really help me stay grounded and focused.
One of my favorite routines is a morning yoga session. It used to be a struggle to get out of bed, but now, I actually look forward to it.
It’s my time to stretch, breathe, and wake up my body. It’s like a gentle reminder that I’m starting a new day with intention.
I’m also not reading my emails or news first thing. Because what happens? You read that there’s an urgent email that needs replying, and your morning routine goes out the window.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, you’ve reached a place where you’re content with who you are. You no longer seek constant validation from others.
Instead, you’re comfortable in your own skin, and that self-assuredness is a beautiful thing.
