Comfort from Solitude


October’s essays all deal with people and how we influence each other.

First, ourselves. Week 5 reminded us of all the work we do to prepare our lives, with reminders that things might not go according to our ideals. Week 8 challenges us to really walk our talk, whatever that might be, and encourage the same for others. Let's celebrate our diversity instead of freaking out over whether we're filling some image of "perfection" or not. The photo's quote is pulled from that essay and the image is an early one that inspired me to start writing it.

Then, widening circles of influence spreading outward away from us: family, friends, coworkers, students, administrations, local communities, state, national and worldwide. Week 7 asks us to remember our flight crews. Rely on them. Grow them to support you even more.

Until now, I’ve skipped over Week 6. We need Week 6 when we find ourselves struggling with the results we’re experiencing in Weeks 5, 7 and 8.

Time alone.

Personally, I really love to be alone in nature. This essay, at face value, is me confessing to running to the woods, crying my eyes out in fear, anger, loss and/or worry and then regrouping in that sanctuary. I know I’m not the only one who finds this comfort, but I also know it’s not for everyone.

I take the solitude that Thoreau speaks of, your solitude, to mean a place where you aren’t hiding anything.

When you feel like you may be losing it, when you feel like you can’t go on, you need to go to your spot. From there, you can affirm your center and then look to those other circles.

Time alone.

Personally, I really love to be alone in nature. This essay, at face value, is me confessing to running to the woods, crying my eyes out in fear, anger, loss and/or worry and then regrouping in that sanctuary. I know I’m not the only one who finds this comfort, but I also know it’s not for everyone.

 I take the solitude that Thoreau speaks of, your solitude, to mean a place where you aren’t hiding anything.

When you feel like you may be losing it, when you feel like you can’t go on, you need to go to your spot. From there, you can affirm your center and then look to those other circles.

There’s no shame in it. We all need time- from time to time.

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