In my last post I talked about trying to force myself to focus on things I actually enjoyed, maybe even preferred doing alone. Now it's your turn.
Here are the guidelines I suggest you use for this challenge.
First, try to do this for at least an hour. Maybe you want to do it longer-fabulous! Maybe you can't quite make it-that's ok! You can work up to it! Nobody is counting or holding you to anything except yourself.
Secondly, and this part is hard even for me, try unplugging. If you can't unplug because your activity involves using the internet or your technology, at least unplug from messaging other people. That's not alone time.
Thirdly, and maybe most importantly, choose your activity carefully. You want to try to make these experiences positive. We are all still animals at heart, and if you're like me your mind and body learned that alone time means time to panic and be upset. I had to teach myself that it can be nice, like teaching an animal that humans can be friends.
Finally, try not to use any substances to do this. You aren't learning if you're high or drunk, you're numbed out. Believe me, I have been there, I get it, but at the end of the day you know that there's a line, and using substances for self soothing crosses it into danger land. I can guarantee you, your progress will be slowed if not halted or even reversed if you don't at least try to learn how to cope without substances.
Be patient and gentle with yourself. Show yourself all the love you would show to another being you were trying to make feel safe and comfortable in your presence. You deserve that same love and care.
Here are some of my favorite things to do by myself:
Watch movies
Read
Play my guitar
Sing
Do research on things that fascinate me
Do artwork
Meditate
Write
Good luck!
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