Although some believe being alone automatically equals loneliness, I've found the opposite to be true for me. In my teenage years and extending into my early thirties, I often felt lonely, overlooked, excluded, and uneasy, even though I was surrounded by many 'friends' and people. In reality, it was a lot of noise, chaos, let downs, deliberate conflict, obligations born out of misplaced loyalties and holes in my pockets! All of which resulted in daily battles with anxiety.
It's incredibly empowering to walk away from those whose behavior is narcissistic and harmful! Also, by choosing to decline work I feel would drain me both mentally and emotionally, regardless of the pay, I’ve nurtured a much calmer nervous system. Now that I'm in my 40s, I feel more content, healthier and in better alignment with myself. Furthermore, choosing to stay abstinent and single, while focusing on self-love, personal development, and my career goals, allowed me to strengthen my bond with myself and reevaluate my boundaries with others.
Our decisions impact our health. Where we live, how we are living, the company we keep (friends and family), who we speak to and how we speak with them, what we eat, the events we attend, the places we travel to, the people we date and/or have intimate contact with... What we wear, the music we listen to, the books we read, the online content we consume, what we choose to tolerate and/or refuse, even the type of pet we have, affects our state of mind and well-being. Experience has taught me that maintaining positive intentions for both yourself and others, while respecting the choices others make for their own lives, is essential for creating a balanced and fulfilling life of your own.
Regularly assessing your behaviour and making the necessary changes can greatly enhance how you feel each day and subsequently how you interact with others. We can only thrive as much as the life and lifestyle we cultivate.
Choose and do better so you can be better.
Written by Charley - @charleyjaiuk
All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.