Finding Peace when alone...

Solitude was a foreign concept to me until recently. In fact, it was nonexistent until the last few years. My older 2 daughters are now in college. This leaves me, my husband (J), my youngest daughter and now the puppy. Solitude isn’t the only foreign concept, an empty calendar is too. You see, from the time I was born, there were always people around. I am one of 4 children. When I was 14, my mother was diagnosed with ALS and required constant care. For 10 years my house was NEVER empty. The front door seemed to constantly be opening and closing with friends, family and nurses. On the rare occasion, when my house was empty, such as if my mom was in the hospital, my house felt like an empty tomb. The silence was unnerving. I never thought of what I wanted to do. I usually just wanted to be at the hospital with her. After my mom died, my younger sister, Dad and I actually had to learn how to get to know one another. Gone were the constant demands of caring for mom. We had to get used to the quiet. It didn’t last long for me.
Six months after my mom died, I married a great guy. He proved just how great, very quickly, because 9 months later my younger sister moved in with us. My father died of sudden cardiac death. J and I became instant parents of a teenager. Our first daughter came 7 months later. A happier chaos of life continued but chaos none the less. I am not complaining, life has been great. I have been blessed with many gifts: A healthy family, a loving extended family and lots of great friends. But there had been little time for self. Even if I did have time during a school day, while my girls were younger, it was filled with chores and errands. Taking time for me never entered my mind. A funny thing happened as the years went by, time spent on tasks was lessening and my inner voice was speaking up. Time alone started to become a commodity I cherished. I would spend it walking, meditating or just reading books on spiritual topics. I realized I do have interests of my own. I may even have a dream or 2! So I listened to myself, finally, and took a yearlong class in metaphysical training. I learned about intuition, mediumship, crystals, astrology, spiritual healing and more about the Tarot. It was more than an eye opening experience, it was soul opening and life changing. I didn’t realize how much I missed this part of myself until I discovered it. I am sure in my past lives, I have also been spiritual and perhaps that was the pull all along.
Today’s society very rarely speaks of taking time alone… time for you. Yet, this can be one of life’s best medicines. It is good for people of any age.
I am thrilled with what I discovered! Perhaps, you will be too!