Why You Need to Learn How to Be Alone
Being alone is one of the greatest blessings I get to experience every day. While I wholeheartedly love the company of others, there’s something uniquely fulfilling about being immersed in my own energy. I am my biggest supporter, and when I’m by myself, I feel a steady presence of love and encouragement that only I can give.
But five years ago, I HATED being alone. The thought of being left with my own thoughts, anxieties, and quirks was daunting. Now, it’s never lost on me just how far I’ve come and how freeing it feels to truly love myself. Today, I want to share the why behind learning to be alone, and in the next post, I’ll dive into the how of embracing your alone time.
So, why do you need to learn how to be alone?
1. It Deepens Self-Awareness
When we’re free from the constant input of others, we gain the space to understand our own beliefs, values, and experiences more deeply. Solitude lets us uncover our own perspectives, recognizing where they may differ from the crowd. When you can think for yourself, you’re not as easily influenced by the opinions of others or distracted by the internet. You are the only person on this planet exactly like you, shaped by unique experiences. So learn about the ways that your true self thinks. Embracing solitude is like nourishing your mind, making space to hear your thoughts and truly understand yourself.
2. It Encourages Personal Growth
You may be wondering what you spend all of this alone time doing. Well, you work on yourself. You dive into self-discovery, learning things about yourself that you wouldn’t be able to if constantly surrounded by others. When you realize that you are the one person who will always be with you, it becomes essential to strengthen that relationship with yourself. This is your time to grow, reflect, and build a foundation that will support you through the rest of your life. Because how can you know who you’re truly meant to be if you’ve never taken the time to get to know yourself?
3. It Strengthens Relationships
Loving your own company positively transforms your relationships. When you feel fulfilled alone, you no longer seek relationships out of loneliness or dependency. You choose relationships that enhance your life, not fill a void. This shift empowers you to set boundaries, say no to toxic relationships, and find comfort in being authentic. Knowing who you are helps you to be true to yourself with others, and those who resonate with your genuine self are the ones who’ll appreciate and support you.
4. It Reduces Anxiety
Before I embraced solitude, I used to feel anxious doing things alone, even something as simple as going to the store by myself. Now, I genuinely enjoy my own company, free from the pressure to have others around. When you’re comfortable alone, social anxiety decreases, and the need for others' validation fades. This is also where people-pleasing comes in. Loving yourself as you are relieves the urge to people-please because you no longer rely on outside approval for your self-worth. You already know you’re enough, so your anxiety will go away once you stop living for other people and just live for yourself.
5. It Builds Confidence and Independence
People who avoid being alone often struggle with self-love. But once you learn to enjoy your own company, you begin to truly value yourself. Relying on yourself for support, happiness, and validation creates an inner confidence that no one else can take away. When you feel secure in who you are, you don’t need anyone else to define your worth or happiness—you’ve built that within.
So, why does this all matter?
Because when you find happiness within yourself, no one can control how you feel. You hold the power to shape your emotions and decide who or what deserves your energy. By loving yourself, you free yourself from the need to rely on anything or anyone else to feel whole. In solitude, you learn that your own company is enough—and that realization brings peace, strength, and joy.
Embracing solitude can feel scary at first, but it’s one of the most beautiful gifts you can give yourself. It’s a journey toward truly knowing, loving, and trusting yourself. And when you reach that place, you’ll find a deep, unshakeable happiness that no one can take away.
