Solitude: Alone Time to Heal and Reflect
One of the most transformative moments of my life was leaving home to attend college and becoming a registered nurse. Coming to America wasn’t just a geographical move—it was a spiritual and emotional journey. Eventually, it did become the land of milk and honey for me.
But along the way, I discovered something vital: we all need time to ourselves. Time to rest. Time to recharge. Time to release the emotional residue we accumulate every day. Our mental well-being depends on it.
As author Jodi Picoult once wrote:
“If you meet a loner, no matter what they tell you, it’s not because they enjoy solitude. It’s because they have tried to blend into the world before, and people continue to disappoint them.”
― My Sister’s Keeper
Why We Need Aloneness
A toxic or controlling environment—especially in the workplace—can suffocate your spirit. I’ve faced this. But my secret weapon has always been retreat. When life feels overwhelming, I pull back, I go silent, I carve out me-time.
That’s not loneliness—it’s intentional solitude. A sacred time to hear myself think, to reconnect with my soul, to detox from chaos. The mountains and water are my sanctuaries. I go there to write, to breathe, to be. Alone does not mean forever. It means for now.
The Beauty of Doing Things Alone
“Cherish your spot. Take trains by yourself to places you have never been. Sleep out alone under the stars… Decide whether you want to be liked or admired. Decide if fitting in is more important than finding out what you’re doing here.”
— Eve Ensler
This quote reminds us that we don’t need to apologize for needing solitude. In fact, we should celebrate the moments when we get to be alone—because that’s where clarity is born.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Quiet
“I need to be alone. To ponder my shame and despair in seclusion. To face myself, with only the music of my heart for company.”
― Henry Miller, Tropic of Cancer
Solitude isn’t a punishment—it’s an opportunity. I use it to reflect on the milestones I’ve reached, to reconnect with the scared places within me, and to give thanks.
I’m deeply grateful for the people I serve, the friends I love, and most of all, the ability to laugh at myself. On this winding journey, I’m learning to be satisfied with less—and that has brought me more peace than I ever imagined.
Final Thought
Solitude doesn’t mean isolation—it means liberation. It’s where you begin to understand who you really are. It’s where healing begins, growth continues, and peace is reclaimed.