Where I Go When I Need To Be Alone

When I need to be alone, it's usually not because I need or want silence - it's because I need space to hear myself again.

As someone who struggles with a short list of issues (anxiety, depression, eating disorder, burnout, undiagnosed ADHD.. to name a few), I am the poster child for needing a break. My mind runs at the speed of no less than 75 mph most days and I just need to quiet it. Find my center. Get myself organized and back into reality. 

When this happens (at least a few days a week), I often just need to lay on the bed in silence or take a nap. It helps me shut off my brain and helps that I am resting, as by the end of the day, I am mentally and emotionally wiped out. 

I will sometimes listen to a channel on SiriusXM or a playlist on Spotify that plays some variation of instrumental music and allow myself to get lost in the music. This truly helps me reset and feel refreshed. 

I find this helps because I am able to disconnect from my stream of consciousness and focus on the blank space in between. This allows for an open mind, a well thought out game plan once I come back to reality, and the chance to just BREATHE. 

Coming back to reality (aka household chores/responsibilities & socializing) I am often well rested, and can itemize what needs to be done in a much clearer way. This doesn't always happen, however. There are times I just become a shell of myself and sit on the couch to watch tv or read a book. This is when I know I need a little more time so I can hear what I need again. 

At the end of the day, we are all looking to live life with the utmost joy and gratitude. It's just hard to find sometimes :)

When you are feeling like a complete mess - or just need a minute - give yourself the grace to step back and disconnect. Figure out what you need, how you can obtain it, and what you need to do to get from point a to point b. Slow down and enjoy the moments in your life. Celebrate yourself!