Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Thought provoking article

I still have not bought an adapter for my new camera so my Vegas post is still on hold.

Hanging out with my Mister a lot lately. Enjoying him. A LOT.

We have some pretty intense conversations and one recently was about being alone. Although this was not always the case for me, I like being alone.

He subscribes to an email called the DailyOM. Interestingly, the day after our long, deep convo about *being alone*, the DailyOM sent him this e-mail:

All By Myself

When Isolation Is Ok
We all need time alone. Even those of us who are social butterflies need some time to ourselves. Solitude is necessary for meditation and quiet reflection. We also may choose to isolate ourselves when we are busy and need to meet a deadline. We may cherish time alone when we want to give ourselves over to art or music, lose ourselves in a good book, or delve into a personal project. Having time to ourselves allows us to focus completely on our yoga practice or get into the zone while running or strength training. Sometimes we need to be alone to simply do nothing but enjoy the sound of silence. Our alone time revitalizes and replenishes us, grounding us in our own company.

Yet, too much isolation, especially when our intention is to hide, withdraw, or not deal with the realities of our lives is not physically, mentally, or spiritually healthy. It is during moments like these when being in isolation takes us away from our lives, rather than enhancing it. If anything, too much isolation can create a buffer whereby we don’t have to deal with our problems. Sometimes, pushing ourselves to deal with our issues and be in our lives, rather than isolate, is one of the best gifts we can give to ourselves.

Also, just as it is important for us to have our "alone" time, we need to remember that as human beings, we are by nature social creatures that thrive on human contact. Our lives cannot occur in a vacuum, and we cannot fully live in this world without interacting with others. Consider using isolation as time spent for rest, reinvigoration, and personal growth. Isolation can then not only empower you, but it can allow you to return to your work and your relationships restored and ready for life.


Love it! After being *alone* for 3 years, I am comfortable in my own skin. I completely enjoy my own company and don't feel at all lonely during this time.

Mr. J, on the other hand, doesn't like to be alone. I'm not sure if it's because he is going through a tough time now or is this his make up. Statistically, after a break-up, men are back in a relationship in 1-3 years. Women, 3-6 years.

Interesting.



6 comments:

Unknown said...

I am so happy you met someone! and am still patiently awaiting the pic post of vegas...yanno we are going there this summer...I need to plan

Unknown said...

I am a social girl but I also crave solitude. I do most of my reflecting and creating when I'm by myself.

What's the scoop with Mr. J? Are you feeling him or no?

Vegas Linda Lou said...

Yep, those statistics seem right to me. Men don't like to be alone, which I think is kind of funny. They love to refer to us as the ball and chains who drive them crazy, but the truth is, they can't live without us! This, I believe, is especially true as they get older--widowers seem to remarry in no time.

Glad you're enjoying your man!

Julie D said...

Actually my ex is far more apt to stay alone than I would ever be! He's perfectly content to communicate via text and email and never have to see other humans.

So did I miss the part where you are in Vegas with Mr. J?

travel girl said...

Jules:
No went to Vegas with a friend of mine. Not sure I'm ready for trips with the mister;)

"J" said...

I'm glad yall are having fun and hanging out!

I get the along thing...I can see where J is cmoing from!
I like to have someone around and someone to do things with! That is how it all started with me and Shad!

I also get the fact that you need your time! There was time when I missed my time! Going to bed early! Falling a sleep on the couch watching tv. Sleeping in, etc.!