Have That Sassy Solitary Style

(published in wmn.ph, QTV Channel 11's online community; click on this link to read article in the site)

You’re never lonely when you can have fun alone.

By Maria Alina R. Co

Remember Bridget Jones’ Diary and the all too unforgettable scene when Bridget spends the night home and sings “All by Myself"? That scene was hilarious, right?

But given a different context (she was, after all, depressed), is it really that unpleasant to be “all by yourself?"

Why are some people agitated when they’re alone?

Alone is not the same as being lonely.

American author Henry David Thoreau said everything pretty much in a nutshell: “I love to be alone. I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude."

Based from experience, spending alone time is actually healthy and beneficial.

Sounds cliche, but it’s the perfect time for you to get to know yourself better. Whenever I have to make that crucial decision, instead of drinking with friends, why not find some “me" time to think, reflect, refresh and rejuvenate? Especially for us female urbanites, city stress can wear us down. Spending “alone" time doesn’t have to be as expensive as globe-trotting, ala-Eat, Pray, Love.

Travel alone to a new place
Have you watched Under the Tuscan Sun? Try reading Ann Tyler’s novel Back When We Were Grownups. Both women traveled to a foreign place to find themselves. So why don’t you head of town, with that small backpack and a favorite book or two? Being a stranger in a foreign land can help you get to know yourself better.

Soul-search in a hotel
If you’re not up and ready to go out of town, book a hotel room, and bring your laptop or notebook. It’s time to relish a spic and span room and pamper your self with hotel amenities. Pick a unit that has a veranda overlooking the city. Believe me, the view works wonders. Then face your laptop or poise your pen on that blank paper and write away. You’ll be surprised at the thoughts that pour out when you’re just alone.

Feel spectacular after a soup and spa
After a grueling day at work, just let loose. A full body massage at Wensha Spa only costs P680.00, inclusive of food and drinks. Their specialty is the shabu-shabu. I don’t know about you, but a cup of steaming soup instantly takes away the blues-all the time.

Try a new hobby/sport
Sometimes routine work and school can get you down. I have a lot of friends who have great jobs but suddenly find themselves burned out. But I’ve also learned that pursuing a new hobby can save your job. A friend from a multinational bank was already bent on resigning, when she found passion for running. Exercise took away the boredom of an 8-5 desk job. I myself was at the brink of resigning from a TV Network as a supervisor (without a new job replacement) when I joined a voice-acting/dubbing workshop. I met new friends and I found new joy in my otherwise ho-hum job.

There are a lot of hobbies you can pursue like blogging, photography, video editing, cooking, etc.

So despite your hectic schedule, try to find some “alone time". It’s fun and refreshing to be alone, every now and then. And you bounce back better than ever to interact and face other people and life, basically.