You Can Be Alone and Happy
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.”
For most of my life, the idea of being alone, even for a short time, was uncomfortable. If I had a free day, I wouldn’t stay home alone but call a friend or even find a coffee shop full of people. It felt like I would miss something if I were alone. More so, it felt like I wasn’t living if I was alone. It took work, studying my emotions, and forcing myself to be alone, to become comfortable enough to enjoy alone time.
One of the realizations I found when studying my emotions was intentionally befriending myself. I know that sounds like cheesy self-help lingo, but consciously affirming oneself isn’t selfish. On the contrary, befriending oneself places you in a positive place where you feel confident enough to care for others in a meaningful way.
Likewise, I also had to take an honest look at what I believed. Am I living my theology? As a Christian, I believe each person is made in the image of God. Christ was born, was a living example, died, and was resurrected for each one of us. The Holy Spirit knows the number of hairs on our heads, loves us so much that prayers are heard, and our lives are guided. If I am unwilling to enjoy being with myself, I do not respect what God made and spend so much time caring for each day.
Today, do your evaluation of your emotions. Are you comfortable being alone? If you are, you are blessed. If being alone remains a struggle for you, go through the process of affirming yourself, not because you are perfect, but because you have value and worth. Then, reflect on your faith. Remember God’s love for you, made eternal in Jesus, with the ongoing care, guidance, and love from the Holy Spirit. The more you can affirm and love yourself, the more you care for and love others.
