Doing things alone

Many years ago, I had to learn how to be alone for more than a year, and it was ok (though not tons of fun)! I don’t mind being alone at home so much anymore, especially after adjusting to being unemployed/back in school/pandemic restrictions, and I have no problem running errands or grocery shopping lone, but I’ve never enjoyed eating in a restaurant or going to the movies by myself. 

Now that I’m done with school and job searching, I’ve had some long days/weeks/weekends alone at home, and I decided to stretch myself by doing some things alone that I wouldn’t normally want to. For example, even going to a coffee shop alone seemed like a waste of time, since I could have coffee at home for just about free and not have to drive and park, listen to a noisy environment, or spend on overpriced caloric concoctions. 

 My life coach training is ready to go into business, so I’ve been challenging myself with reviewing the tools and using my own thoughts to practice some skills on. So, is it true that going to a coffee shop alone is a waste of time? Well, it depends. If I’m truly happy alone at home and am on a tight budget, then yes/maybe it’s not the best use of time and funds. If from time to time I feel a bit bored and lonely and can afford an overprices beverage/snack, then it’s not a waste of time.

it's still nice to go somewhere with another person!

 Is it true that anyone who goes out to eat or a movie alone has no friends? No, that is absolutely not true. I do have friends, AND it’s ok to be alone in public. I’ve been to three cafes recently and have 2 photos to prove it! The first place in Sacket’s Harbor, NY was fabulous. The cocoa was outstanding and the cookie was marvelous. It was not weird at all to be there alone. In fact, there were 2 other people there alone. I’m so glad that it was a positive experience.

hopeful seed sprouts for flowers this summer

The second place shall remain name-less and photo-less, as the cocoa was passable and the cookie was so-so. But I’m still proud of myself for continuing this challenge. Everyone else in this place was with friends, and the music was a bit too loud for me to be able to relax and enjoy my reading material, but I’m happy to learn and not feel weird being alone.

 

beyond refreshing- my new favorite

The last place to report on today was complete with outdoor seating near the river in Cape Vincent, NY. A sandwich wrap (2nd photo above), interesting new-to-me flavored water and a superb lemon blueberry cookie was another positive experience. I forgot to include the book I was reading in the photo but will make every effort to remember in the next photo location.

 

For some people, I’m sure this stuff is no big deal, but for an introvert who is conscientious of calories and relatively frivolous spending, this was an experiment in making progress. And more progress is to be made! I’ve done plenty of things alone in the past, especially when traveling for business made it impossible to phone a friend for a get-together. I now invite myself to continue stretching the comfort zone and continue to explore going out alone.