As the crisp mornings of fall bring a sense of renewal to the air and leaves begin to fall from the trees, the season changes right before our eyes, reminding us of the transformative power of change. Change! I speak about the value of embracing change, but how many times do we really think about the profound impact it can have on our lives? Going through a change of any kind can evoke a wide range of emotions, but it’s precisely this process that can lead to profound growth and self-discovery.
I did something I had never done in 15 years throughout my speaking career – I took a month off. The entire month of August was a journey of self-reflection, as I spent many hours alone, recharging and rejuvenating my spirit. There would be days I would sit in my recliner without any distractions, and I would even turn off my cell phone, simply being present in the moment. Why? I decided I needed some time to myself to regroup, readjust, and reflect on my life. When I decided to do this, I didn’t know at the time I would be facing some challenges, so the timing was perfect!
The first two weeks were hard, as I would find myself looking for things to do, but then it hit me – this is not why I took this time off. I took this time off for myself. I woke up one morning and I remember thinking, I am here, I’m going to be present, and I’m going to use this time off to nourish my mind, body, and soul. I started to golf more, I started going on walks, I sat and watched television, and I actually started liking being by myself. Yes, you heard that right – I liked being by myself. I started enjoying who I am and really felt a sense of peace and contentment in my own company.
I had always struggled with being alone, but now I was feeling a sense of liberation and empowerment. Alone time is not just okay – it’s essential. It’s a time to recharge, reflect, and rediscover ourselves. You have to love yourself before you can love others; you have to love yourself before you can truly love life. It made me realize that I am stronger than I thought I was, and that I have the power to create positive change in my life.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love being around people and I absolutely love being in big crowds, but now, when I’m alone, I’m at peace with that. Having confidence in yourself is so important, and being independent is even more important. Alone time is not just a necessity – it’s a gift. I have reached a point in my life where I feel like I know myself better than I ever have before, and I am grateful for that. Get to know yourself, realize you are okay with being yourself, and love yourself first, because then you will love others better.
