The Power in Doings Things Alone
- Angelica💜📚
- Jun 24
- 5 min read
By Angelica Paige Williams
There is a great power in being by yourself.
Believe it or not, there are people in this world — both young and old — who have never done anything by themselves or even been alone for any period of their lives before. This may seem unlikely because one would imagine that at some point every individual experiences maneuvering through life on their own; however, there is a great deal of those who have never had such experiences.
When I say doing things on your own or being alone during a period of your life, I am referring to various instances such as living alone, eating out at restaurants by yourself, attending events/celebrations without family or friends, and even something as simple as taking a solo walk in the park. I have heard so many personal anecdotes from people expressing how they’ve never done any of these actions by themselves, which is a bit concerning. I am aware that in some cases it is both reasonable and understandable as to why so many individuals chose not to do certain things on their own.
These days living alone costs an arm, a leg, and any other body part you have to offer, so it is much more financially feasible for many to live with other people. While traveling alone sounds adventurous and exciting (and is something on my bucket list to do one day), it can become quite dangerous, especially if you are a young woman traveling by yourself. With sex trafficking, theft, and senseless killings happening at alarming rates all over the world, even the most independent person can become terrified at the idea of traveling alone.
There are several occasions where doing things alone can be financially crippling, lonely, and even risky; however, there is still great power in participating in activities by yourself. This is a power and solitude in which so many people are missing out on every day.
I am introvert through and through, so it is easier for someone like me who thrives off of being alone to go out and do certain things on my own. For a while, I was the type of introvert who liked to be an introvert within the comfortable spaces of my own home, but as I got older, things changed.
My wonderful mother suggested that I get out the house and have what she likes to call “me day’s.” These “me day’s” can consist of doing whatever it is you want or need to do outside of the house. Being the lover of movies that I am, she encouraged me to go see a movie by myself, so I did just that. The experience was odd at first, but so incredibly peaceful in the end. After that, I began doing several other things alone like eating at my favorite restaurants, shopping at the mall, going on walks, getting may hair, nails, & toes done, and so much more.
During my senior year in college, I was alone most of my days due to one best friend having already graduated and the other taking classes mainly online, so she didn’t need to be on campus as often as I did. Being away from home and with no one to really hang out with, I was left with no choice but to have to do things on own. I was eating in the dining hall by myself, attending events/club meetings alone, and even living in my dorm without a roommate (this was due to the pandemic).
While my introverted heart was flourishing, I still, of course, had my moments of loneliness just like anyone else would; however, to say that that period in my life wasn’t full of peace would be a lie. Any time that I have done something by myself has been met with the abundant feelings of solitude and freedom. To add to it, I was doing all these things alone while also being a single woman of several years; it was truly an experience.
The ability to be able to do things on your own without the need for someone to accompany you is, in my opinion, such a great and powerful trait to possess. There are people who literally cannot fathom the thought of being alone in any aspect. I have witnessed individuals not being able to go anywhere or do much of anything without a friend or acquaintance. I’ve mentioned to these kinds of people that I’ve eaten out alone and gone to the movies by myself, and many of them just shake their heads and say how they could never do such things.
A lot of it is fear based. Many fear what others will think of them if they are seen doing anything by themselves in public spaces. The idea of being judged is such a discouraging concept that I myself have fallen victim to plenty of times.
It is also important to note that we as humans crave attention and company; no one likes or truly wants to be alone. Even the most introverted, misanthropic person desires companionship at some point in their lives. So, this is a part of the reason why many opt out of doing things solo; however, it is vital that we all possess the ability to be alone.
I have known people who not only always has to be around someone in order to be happy or to go out and do things, but who also cannot stand to be single for any length of time. These people chose to stay in unnecessary and unhealthy relationships all because the idea of being alone/lonely scares them that badly.
There is so much amazing power and beauty in being alone and doing things on your own.
You have a limitless amount of freedom meaning you can do whatever you want, go wherever you desire, and be whoever you chose to be in that moment. There is no explaining anything to anyone, no compromising or settling, and absolutely no toxicity.
If you go see a movie by yourself, all the snacks and drinks are yours and yours only, and you don’t have to worry about anyone talking to you during the film. When you take yourself on lunch/dinner dates, you can order as much or as little as you want, and while you are eating your food you can peacefully scroll on your phone, watch your favorite show, or read a book. Even attending events on your own has its perks as you can arrive and depart at any given time due to not having to wait around on anyone else.
I know that this is one of the rare things that I am more confident in doing than majority of other people, and I know that all of this is much easier said than done; however, it is worth a shot at trying things out on your own. The pure independence, freedom, peace, and solitude that you will discover while participating in activities alone is so powerful. Having this ability stands you out from the rest and truly prepares you for those moments in life when you may have no choice in whether you are on your own or not.
It is my hope that this piece has encouraged you all in some way to go out and do some things on your own. You certainly do not have to do every single thing by yourself at all times, and you also don’t have to be an introverted single person like I was. One can be in a healthy relationship with a great group of friends and a supportive family while still being able to take a solo trip somewhere or do some kind of activity on their own.
Give doing things alone a try and see how much your life could truly improve!
A superpower !!! And it keeps bad spirits away :) they are so bothered by ppl who enjoy their own company!