Enjoying your own company, without feeling left out.

 

 In this article you'll learn:

• The benefits of enjoying your own company. 

• How to enjoy your own company.

• The importance of being in your own company.

     A man can be himself only so long as he is alone; and if he does not love solitude, he will not love freedom; for it is only when he is alone that he is free. Arthur Schopenhauer

There is no other company in the world I’ve found more pleasurable than my own. For no one else has ever been as accepting of me or as thoroughly entertained by my quirkiness. It is a sweet thing to like yourself. Richelle E. Goodrich

The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself. Michel de Montaigne

In this world, there are things you can only do alone, and things you can only do with somebody else. It’s important to combine the two in just the right amount. Haruki Murakami

Many people suffer from the fear of finding themselves alone, so they don’t find themselves at all. Rollo May

Many people find it hard to be by themselves, in their own space, enjoying their own company without feeling left out. They tend to feel bored and alone if they aren't hanging out with friends. 

They often feel a deep sense of sadness when they are without the presence of their friends. Yes, human beings are social creatures, but we do need time for ourselves. 

 If you're an introvert this comes as a natural,  but if you're not so introverted it might not be as hard as you might think to hang out by yourself without feeling left out. 

As much as we enjoy being in the company of others, we should also enjoy being around ourselves. 

Today I'll share with you some ways through which you can appreciate being in your own company, whether or not your friends are around. 

1. Take a look a old photos. 

A great way to enjoy your own company is to take a stroll through your old photo album. I'm sure you'll find a few photos that will make you laugh, a few that you don't remember taking and you'll find some that remind you how much you've grown, not just physically but throughout your journey of life. 

2. Express thankfulness 

Another great way to enjoy your own company is to make a list of the things that you're thankful for. It's so easy to pinpoint all the things that we hope to achieve in life. 

So often our pursuits for the things that we don't have cast a dark shadow over those that we already have.

 There's so much to be thankful for, we may not be living the life of our dreams, but we can be thankful for each day that God affords us to work towards shaping the life of our dreams.

3. Do some self-reflection and introspection.

We tend to do much talking with friends and family, but very little with ourselves. Some people say others are crazy for talking to themselves, but we need to have deep conversations with ourselves. 

We also need to listen to ourselves as much as we enjoy listening to others for inspiration or motivation. It's a great way to know and understand ourselves better, unearth new passions and ideas, confront our fears and strengthen our self-esteem. 

4. Connect with your creative side.

It's so easy to get distracted by all that is happening in the world. Take a break to connect with your creative side. Rekindle your childhood passions. 

Many writers will tell you that they get the best inspiration in the wee hours of the morning when it's quiet. 

You may not be a writer but a great way to tap into your creative side is to take a break from the things that distract you. Allow yourself some solitude and you'll find yourself attracting new ideas.

 

5. Do something that makes you laugh. 

Laughter is the best medicine for the soul. Serve yourself a cup of good laughter. Laugh at your jokes. Make funny faces in the mirror. Watch a funny movie or some videos. Just laugh with yourself 😂

A smile starts on the lips, a grin spreads to the eyes, and a chuckle comes from the belly; but a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, overflows, and bubbles all around. — Carolyn Birmingham 

Benefits of enjoying your own company. 

• You're free to be your natural self. No filters.

• You get to minimize all your distractions.

• You're in charge of your space and time.

• You get to tap into your creative and imaginative side without interference. 

• You feel more at peace. 

Final thoughts: Enjoying your own company doesn't mean that you're selfish and you should stop having friends. It's rather a form of self-care. Being alone, shouldn't mean that you're lonely. 

“What a lovely surprise to finally discover how unlovely being alone can be.” – Ellen Burstyn

“I live in that solitude which is painful in youth, but delicious in the years of maturity” -Albert Einstein

“Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Read: How to be happy alone