Sometimes I think about all the activities that I like to do, and it worries me a bit. I play tennis (singles), run, and ride my bike. I’ve recently picked up golf; I love to read, cook, and I am a writer. All of these things are mostly done alone. Of course you can argue that golf is usually played with two or more people, and I could ride my bike with a group, but I’m actually completely happy doing these things alone. With the onset of Covid, I know there was a collective sigh of relief from people who loved to be at home, either alone or with their immediate family members. Because it became acceptable. There was no where else to go. There was no pressure to plan, to party or to post. But now that the pandemic seems to be over, maybe we can all agree that being alone isn’t a such bad thing.

Why do I like to be alone? Because when I’m alone, I can think. My head is clear, and I am at one with my thoughts. There really is nothing like going for a run and working through all the complicated stuff you have on your plate. Or hopping on your bike and giving something your undivided attention. I’ve solved many a problem when I’m out of the house on a run or a bike ride, and it’s no coincidence. I hardly do any writing while sitting down at a desk in an office somewhere. I do most of it in my head when I’m on my bike navigating the beautiful tree-lined trails near our house, or when I’m walking or running down Rivermont Avenue, a main thoroughfare here in Lynchburg. 

So while I love to be alone, and I am happy to be alone, I also recognize that I need to be with people too. But I had to learn this. I had to get out of my comfort zone and let people into my world. I’ve talked about this before, and today I have concrete examples of my progress. 

Recently I started a book club so I could share my love of reading with a dynamic group of women whom I absolutely love! My friendships with all of these women have gotten stronger and I am so thankful for that. I have also started riding my bike with some friends. The highlight of one of my days last year was when a friend asked, “Do you have a bike?” YES!! I have a standing lunch date with my Meals on Wheels partner twice a month. Usually I have lunch alone, and I am perfectly happy to do so, but this has been a welcome addition to my routine. I also have started cooking with my boys. My younger son has always been interested in learning how to cook, but now my older son wants to learn too. This is such a gift- two teenage boys who want to spend time with their mother- I am soaking up every minute. 

My kids will laugh when they read this but I guess it’s like everything- there has to be a balance. I will always need my alone time. But maybe someday soon I will need my social time too. I’ll crave going out and about, just as much as I enjoy staying in.