Showing Up Alone (and Whole)

I’m heading out to a wedding this evening, and a friend asked if I was going alone. I replied quickly, “I’m bringing myself.” It’s partly a defense mechanism, but it’s also the truth—and a truth that’s taken me some time to become truly comfortable with.

There was a time when going anywhere alone felt unbearable. I’d avoid events entirely if I didn’t have someone to go with. But I’ve come to realize that no one really cares—and more importantly, there’s a kind of freedom in it. Being alone at parties or events means I can meet people I might not have otherwise. And who knows—maybe I’ll meet the man of my dreams at one of these shindigs, or at the very least, make a new friend.

Of course, there are a million reasons I’d love to have someone by my side. But until that day comes, I have to be enough—and I’m learning to be okay with that.

I meet people all the time who are waiting—waiting for someone or something before they allow themselves to really live. I’ve decided I don’t want to be one of them. I love traveling with my family, visiting friends, exploring new places—and sometimes that means doing those things solo.  

It’s been said in so many ways that it’s better to be alone than to feel lonely beside someone. I know this to be true, and I imagine many of you do, too.

I’m not saying it doesn’t take courage. It does. But I choose to do the hard things, because I believe in what’s on the other side of them. So tonight, I’ll take tiny steps forward—because focusing on each one is easier than staring at the gap I need to cross to get where I’m going.

xx,

Christina