How to Transform Loneliness into Solitude

The thought of being alone can be frightening or even paralysing. Yet, some relish being alone. When you are alone, you seclude and isolate yourself from others, whether you choose to or not. Yet depending on your perspective, alone-ness can be a time for solitude or a sense of loneliness.

Loneliness is the emotional pain from social isolation or inauthentic relationships. A prolonged sense of loneliness can have mental and physical health consequences.

On the other hand, solitude is the enjoyment and positive emotions of being socially isolated. People who regularly seek solitude bask in their inner peace or seek greater closeness and insight into their spirituality. In solitude, you can contemplate and reflect, which helps you to better understand and regulate your emotions.

Solitude is the antithesis of loneliness. To change loneliness into solitude, learn to enjoy your time alone. Find things you've always wanted to do but didn't have the chance.

Take a stroll along a lake. Read that book on your shelf. Pick up the guitar again.

Learn to enjoy your own company, and you will never be alone again.

You cannot be lonely if you like the person you’re alone with. Wayne W. Dyer