Reflections on Solo Living
A Little Back Story
I am that person who always has a concrete plan, but in the past year, I have been more of a liberal planner. Being a liberal planner, for me, means having a plan but also expecting it to change at any point in time and it not being a big deal.
And…that is what happened with this blog entry.
—-
I planned to write about something completely different, but it hit me that it’s been a whole year since I restarted my solo living journey (I tried in the past and failed with no regrets) and moved into the current space I call mine.
So, while I sat with myself to let that realization sink in, I did a short Q+A:
Has solo living been bliss? Absolutely!
Have there been cons? Umm yeah!
Will I trade the cons for any other living arrangement now or soon? Likely not, but I could be potentially swayed if presented with some perks I cannot refuse.
Also, is the point of this blog to convince you to live alone? Absolutely not!
Solo living is not for everyone nor a reality for everyone based on several factors.
My shared thoughts here are more for a curious exploration of how different living arrangements can teach us something about life, others, ourselves, our choices, and what we prioritize based on our values.
For me, my solo living arrangement in the past year has taught me:
How I best function as a person.
How to make the unenjoyable things enjoyable (e.g., cooking ugh)
It is important to gift myself this thing we call “time.”
Solo living is financially expensive because the sad truth (from observation and personal experiences) is that the world we created as humans favour pairs, not threes or singles.
Self-care is an everyday affair.
How much I enjoy hosting, which I used to dread.
How I have to be my own handy person.
People will assume I am always good even though my kitchen floor has witnessed several episodes of emotional breakdown.
Who I invite and let into my space matters!
Holidays can and (or) will feel isolating.
Solo living has also affirmed for me that:
Because my space is mine and mine alone, my mask comes off without judgement and expectations because when I am outside, it is hard most of the time to exist as I truly am.
People will show up for me (I need to learn to let them).
I am self-sufficient, capable, and whole as a person. Therefore, I do not have to look for that in another person.
No one has got me like I got me because I am the expert of me.
I thrive better as a human living alone and, therefore, have so much to give to others.
If you resonate with what I shared above or sense your perspective about solo living has shifted, I am so glad!
If not, that is okay. I hope reading this gives you some insight into solo living.
I would love to know if your living arrangement has brought to mind, taught, or affirmed for you anything about life, others, yourself, your choices, and what you prioritize.
Drop me a line anytime!
(Blog entry photo: From my archives)
