Learning to enjoy your own company

Although being alone can feel very uncomfortable for many, it’s important to be mindful that learning to enjoy your own company is the key to your well-being. Why don’t you try to get to know yourself, Choma? You will be surprised by what you discover. Here’s more.

Give yourself a chance

Spending time with yourself can be difficult at first, especially if you are not used to it. You may not have given yourself the opportunity to get to know yourself because you have always wanted to be surrounded by other people or were raised in a large family. Try make a conscious effort to spend time with yourself.

A good start is to learn not to force yourself to meet up with other people just to avoid feeling lonely. Find things you enjoy doing by yourself, such as reading a book, meditating/yoga, watching TV, vlogging/blogging or taking a walk/jog.

Focus on yourself

If you are a person who is emotionally dependent or overly accommodating and you invest all your energy and time into the well-being of those around you and tend you forget about yourself, then this is a reminder to focus some of that time on yourself.

A good start is to recover all the time and mental energy you dedicated to other people and start looking within. Ask yourself how you’re feeling on a regular basis, what you need, what you want, and what you’d like to do.

At first, you may feel that this is selfish or unnatural. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Make yourself your first priority and look after your own needs first.

Build a relationship with yourself 

Building a relationship with yourself is giving yourself the love you give to others. When you love someone, you listen to them, give them words of love and encouragement, and spend time with them. You need to do the same with yourself, Choma.  

Train your body and mind 

At first, you may discover things about yourself that you don’t particularly like. You may find that you still have wounds from the past, fears, and even anger. This might make you feel uncomfortable. You need to keep in mind that you’ve probably been neglecting these feelings by continually seeking other people’s company. Spending time with yourself, will help you reflect on these feelings in a healthy way.

When you begin to live and love yourself unconditionally, and when you become your own best friend and greatest ally, your life will be simpler, and you’ll no longer feel the need to invest so much time and energy into others around you. Invest in yourself and find books or other material that empower you to be the best version of yourself.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send a Facebook message or a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).