The other day, I had a conversation with my Dad that made me smile.
DAD: “I wonder who you’ve taken after in our family.”
ME: “What do you mean?”
DAD: “You’re alone in a cabin in the Norwegian Highlands, far from civilisation, where the closest grocery store is about an hour and a half away.”
ME: “What’s wrong with that? I love spending time alone with myself. I don't function without it.”
DAD: “That’s exactly what I’m talking about! I never understood how you can be happy and content with being alone.”
ME: “Dad, I need quality alone time to reset from the world. And also, during COVID, I learnt that people won’t always be there when you need them. The only constant in your life is you, and there's a difference in being alone and being lonely.”
And it’s true. Solitude has become one of the most important parts of my life. It’s not about shutting people out, it’s about letting myself in.
When I’m alone, I can hear myself more clearly. I can feel my emotions without rushing to edit or explain them. I can remember what actually matters to me, without the noise of everyone else’s opinions. It’s in the quiet that my mind untangles, my heart softens, and my spirit steadies.
Solitude has taught me clarity. It’s shown me how little I truly need to live well. The more time I spend in my own company, the more I realise that so much of what we chase is unnecessary. The truth is, a simple life can be a full one when it’s rooted in presence, intention, and self-respect.
I know some people struggle with the idea of being alone. They see it as loneliness. But for me, solitude is something different entirely, it’s companionship with myself. It’s knowing that my own presence is enough.
And this time at the cabin? It’s deepened that knowing. I’ve realised I don’t need constant connection, endless stimulation, or a packed diary to feel whole. I just need to come back to myself, often and without apology.
So yes, I’m happy alone in the middle of the Norwegian Highlands, miles from the nearest shop. Because I’m not really “alone”, I’m with myself. And that’s a relationship I’ll always nurture.
Journaling Prompt:
How do I feel when I spend time alone with myself? What practices or rituals could make that time feel more nourishing?
Inspired Action:
Set aside one hour this week to be fully alone, no phone, no TV, no distractions. Use it to reconnect with yourself in a way that feels good to you.
Need a soft space to land in the middle of it all?
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