The Art of Bieng Alone

Solitude is my home, Loneliness was my cage

By? Renuka Gawrani

Taylor Swift said once, "The scary news is, you are on your own now. But the cool news is. you are on your own now"

It's a complete myth that being alone means being lonely. Being alone doesn't mean you are lonely. Being alone means YOU ARE WITH YOURSELF. It's ironic how we waste our entire lives waiting for an imaginary person while ignoring our own souls just to realize that 'the only person missing from your side was YOU.

Dr. Vivek Murthy, former Surgeon General of the United States, recently wrote, "Loneliness and weak social connections are associated with a reduction in lifespan similar to that caused by smoking 15 cigarettes a day". In fact, there is a huge amount of evidence showing individuals who report feelings of loneliness are more likely to have health problems later in their life.

The book discusses how movies and media often depict stories where a broken person is saved by a hero, whether through love or friendship. These narratives create false expectations in real life, leading people to believe that they need someone else to rescue them or fill a void. The author reflects on their own experiences, revealing how they once sought an ideal friendship like those seen on TV, but ultimately realized that these fantasies can be harmful. The message emphasizes self-reliance, encouraging individuals to stop waiting for someone else to "save" them and instead take control of their own lives, becoming the main character in their own unique story. The focus is on avoiding victimhood and embracing personal agency.

Key take Aways

1. Embracing solitude: Writer argues that being alone can be empowering, allowing individuals to focus on personal growth and self-discovery.

2. Challenging societal pressure: The author critiques societal expectations that prioritize relationships, often leading to unhealthy partnerships.

3. Redefining loneliness: Writer distinguishes between loneliness (painful isolation) and solitude (chosen alone time), highlighting the importance of self-sufficiency.

4. Personal growth: Alone time fosters creativity, introspection, and self-awareness, essential for personal development.

“If there is anything that can be cruerler than death, its nurturing false hope in your heart just to see them crushing every piece of you at the end”.