Girl Time Done Solo
By Katherine Cully
As I mature, I have increasingly needed to make time to be by myself. Being alone is challenging when technology, coupled with our bustling modern lives, consumes our time. A reprieve from the hustle of daily life is so important for our mental health and well-being. Sitting and being alone with our internal dialogue and our own thoughts can be a welcomed break.
People often think of being alone as an isolating experience. Being alone often appears to be alienating: we find ourselves obsessing over every detail of our lives, consumed with all the uncomfortable thoughts we avoid by filling our schedules. This process seems scary and unbearable yet it does not have to be that way. Active reflection is a healthy and fun way to practice being alone. To practice, I like to find an experience that sets my soul on fire; within that time I make connections to my past memories, get inspired, and reflect on the atmosphere around me and my role within it.
I remember the first time I practiced active reflection at Villanova; I took myself on a date to a part of Philly that I was unfamiliar with but wanted to explore. I was nervous to go alone, not only because I was worried about getting lost since my sister is the inherent GPS of my family, but also because I would be spending the whole day by myself. Instead of planning a strategic trip, I decided to go wherever my legs took me. On my journey, I stumbled across this little open-air specialty sandwich shop and made myself sit down to eat alone. Eating alone in a restaurant is a scary experience in itself. It can often feel awkward and daunting. Much to my surprise, I had a great time just sitting there with my thoughts while I sat munching on the most delicious vegan sandwich. Many different guests came and went next to me at the bar where I ate. I conversed with different people and I was able to have insightful conversations about the city. Instead of feeling anxious like I anticipated I would have felt, I ended up having such a great experience.
At Villanova, there are so many places that I have discovered to spend time alone. These spots serve as great opportunities to really unwind and spend time with yourself. One option within walking distance is Bulldog Yoga, which offers yoga classes for many different levels and is a great option for busy schedules. If you are looking to get off campus, there is also Edge Fitness in Wayne, which with its minimal membership, you have access to a massage chair that can serve as a much more affordable alternative to getting a massage. But my personal favorite thus far has been Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square. Open throughout the day with an art exhibit in the gardens and live music at night, Longwood Gardens is a stunning and expansive arboretum. You are surrounded by beautiful gardens, minimal people, and peaceful waterfalls. It is the perfect place to put your mind at ease and enjoy some beautiful scenery in peace and quiet. Similarly in Philadelphia, there are the Magic Gardens and the Franklin Art Museum.
It is not always easy to just go and take a full mental health day. Little thinks to spark moments of peace in my life have included reviving my music skills and beginning to learn how to play the guitar. I enjoy writing music; this has been one of the most therapeutic ways for me to reflect on whatever is on my mind. Painting has also served as a simple hobby that allows me to express my inner thoughts in a creative outlet. Any sort of creative endeavor allowing you to explore your imagination, your desires, your dreams, and your thoughts, can work. This model of girl time done solo serves as suggestions to take as-is or to modify; if you find yourself in need of time to nurture your soul and mind, set the time aside for yourself and use ideas as a model to kick-start your happiness.
