Chat Over Flat White

Back in college, I would often go to a coffee shop (or the school cafeteria), sit alone, and read. I would spend hours there and I loved every single minute of it. There was also a time when lived alone in a tiny condominium for many years. I would do chores, eat meals, and shop by myself all the time. I even saw movies by myself. I’d have to say, those were some of the most transformative and awesome years of my life thus far. Don’t get me wrong, I love hanging out with friends and family. But I guess I’m one of those people who love their independence. Many people assume that being alone means you’re lonely. On the contrary, it makes me feel confident and empowered. I just do my own thing and I don’t have to care what other people want (or don’t want). I learn a lot of things – from practical life skills to learning more about myself. I learn not to seek the approval and adoration of other people in order to feel “enough” (but I must admit, I still do this sometimes).

“Learn to be alone and to like it. There is nothing more freeing & empowering than learning to like your own company.”  – Mandy Hale

Now that I’m married, I don’t get as much me-time as I usually had. I now have to think of the Mister when I make even simple decisions – like what or where to have dinner. But every once in a while, I still take myself out on a breakfast or lunch date. I usually do this during my birthday, when I have the license to do anything that I enjoy doing. Having time by myself is still important to me, even if I don’t get to do it often anymore. It allows me to recharge, and to feel that even if I am already part of a team, I’m still my own person. Besides, you usually go on a date with your favorite person. How liberating it is when you are one of your favorite people, yes? 💜