Me Time

I feel like I've been a Debbie Downer about being single in all of my blog posts. I want to write honestly about what I feel and what the Lord teaches me through my struggle. But, I also want to talk about things that I really enjoy and appreciate so much more because I am single.

My family dog, a German Shepherd, is very independent and somewhat strange. Sometimes he'll go outside when the whole family is inside and just lay out there for a half hour or so by himself. My mom calls it his "me time."  If someone comes outside during it, he'll give them an annoyed look (yes, dogs can look annoyed) and then get up and leave. For whatever reason, he enjoys the time by himself and seeks it out. I can relate.

Ever since I can remember, I've enjoyed time alone. Maybe it's because for the first 7 years of my life, I was an only child. I entertained myself and played a lot at home. My younger sister was too young to play with when she was a baby. And when she was finally old enough to play with me, I considered myself too "old" to play anymore. As I've grown older, I've realized it also has a lot to do with my personality. I'm more of an introvert and most introverts often seek out alone time. It "recharges" us.

In the past 6 or 7 years, I've also realized how much I like to do a lot of things by myself. They're my simple pleasures in life. Whenever I'm feeling anxious or troubled, I love going to the beach alone (especially early in the morning when there's only surfers out). I put on my iPod and just walk. I don't know what it is about it but it calms me and I feel instantly peaceful. I also really like shopping by myself. I enjoy going shopping with friends but when I'm really in the mood to just shop, I often go alone. I like being able to take as long or as little time as I want without feeling like I'm making someone wait. I can comb carefully through the sale section at Forever 21 or just glance around another store. I also like hanging out at bookstores and coffee shops and just reading by myself. Or just watching a movie or TV. Of course, there are things I prefer doing with other people. And definitely times where I want someone special to do things with. But I still find those other things enjoyable.

I'm glad that because I'm single, I have more time to do these things. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that once I'm in a relationship I can't do these things. I would never date someone who didn't understand this about me or didn't want me to do things by myself. It's just that more of my free time will be spent with them. Even now, I have trouble balancing out my time sometimes to spend time with my close friends and family because work and church activities keep me busy. So that's why I know I won't have as much time. And I'm okay with that. But for now, I'm really enjoying all of my "me time." And If you interrupt it, I promise I won't be annoyed.