Just like the word “introvert”, the word “alone” has had a bad rap for a long time. People tend to associate alone with all sorts of negative adjectives like,
Depressed
Anti-social
Lonely
Weird
But what if alone wasn’t a dark, scary thing that people must fear? What if alone could be …
Inspiring
Creative
Imaginative
HAPPY
Rejuventating
It can be! It can be many a splendid thing. So why is it that when I do a Google search of images for the word alone, this is what shows up:
Leave Me Alone by Ankga Yudi
Poor, poor, sad Teddy Bear! It must be horrible for him to sit by himself, and look out at a stunning horizon, while surrounded by the peace and serenity of nature. And, as for the cardboard robot … well, he’s adorable. But he’s still reinforcing alone’s bad rap.
Notice that most of the images are dark, and have a heavy, sad tone. This is a stark contrast to what many of us feel when we are alone.
For introverts, alone is a warm happy glow that wraps itself around us and restores us when we are feeling depleted. Tweet this
It is a colorful place where our imagination has free reign. A place where creativity can blossom.
Alone doesn’t have to be shady and grey. It can be sunny yellow, vibrant green, deep blushing red, or the rosiest shade of pink. Or it can be all those colors dancing together to make something that looks and feels a lot like this:
I had some creative fun (and it really was SO MUCH FUN!) over the weekend making the above painting. I think it is a much better representation of the way I feel when I’m alone. I also wanted to illustrate that even when we’re alone, we can be connected to others who are alone, especially through art.
I’ve named it Rebranding Alone.
So, what does alone look like for you, innie friend? Let me know in words or links to images in the comments section below.
Lots of love,
I remember I was in my classroom (I’m 15 years old) talking with my partner that was right behind me and I told him that I liked being alone.
-RLY!? N wht do U do? (Hahaha! Lots of fun writing that that way).
-Humph… I read books, play videogames, play bass guitar, listen to music, think, watch TV… You know, that kind of things.
-OMG!!!!111oneone I wut totlly suicid if they tld me I’m spending a day closd in my home.
Hahaha! Thanks God they like me.
Oh, and going back to the topic on this blog: I agree wholeheartedly (wrote it right? I’m spanish). But its not a big deal! Just say you enjoy being alone because you can do (tell some of the things I said) and then go back to the world with new forces. And that’s it. It will blow and change their mind
Thanks for sharing, Ivo. And, yes, it is “whole”. 🙂
I enjoyed reading this article while alone at my place. 😉
Good to hear! We are united in our aloneness right now, David. 😉
Sitting quietly. Only sounds are the tapping as I type, gentle hum of the humidifier and my tuxedoes scampering around. Sipping tea and content in my solitude.
Lovely! Thanks for sharing your solitude with us. 😉
The rare times I feel upset about being alone have little to do with the state of being alone, and more with my current condition. Most of the time, being alone is like coming home to a space with a big fluffy bed with a bookshelf full of thoughts and ideas to explore at a cozy room temperature.
Sometimes, however, the feeling of isolation can encroach on the relative serenity of being alone and make it appear a sterile and inhospitable environment. And that’s when I might need to involve other people again for a while.
I prefer being alone for weeks when I feel like it, but I couldn’t handle it indefinitely. Solitude itself doesn’t shift much, but our attitudes about it absolutely do.
I agree that it shouldn’t have such a bad rap, though. Especially because the stigma associated with it has nothing to do with being alone itself, and I know a few people in my life who could stand to learn the benefits of solitude and the introspective joys that come with it.
In alone time, I feel happy and it give me satisfaction and most important thing is that I talk with myself and it is amazing to crazy with myself..
Hello Michaela
Great website! I’m always coming here to read your blog. You have a lot of great info!
Thanks, Nick. 🙂
I love it.
Introversion is so misunderstood. We need a new label; rebrand introvert into something that reflects the powerfully self reliant nature that we have. Extroverts rely on social interaction and approval for their energy, we make our own.
Independent. That’s me.