Freelancing to Freedom

I wasn’t exactly a party animal in high school. I had friends, was involved in numerous extra-curricular activities, and liked to go out on weekends, but my favourite thing to do in the evenings back then was lie on my bed and listen to music or read for hours in solitude. I felt grounded, safe. This love of solitude is partly what drives me to freelance.

It’s amazing just how quickly it is to forget about this need for downtime though. When I get into the habit of constantly going out and socializing, being alone suddenly scares me. Everyone is different, obviously, and many people thrive on constantly being around others, constant stimulation. If you happen to be one of those people, however, don’t underestimate the power of even just an hour or two of solitude – and I don’t mean solitude on Facebook or your phone.

Shut it off for a while. When’s the last time you just sat and used your imagination? Daydreamed? Read a book to find inspiration for creativity? When I take time to ground myself at home alone, I’m able to see my goals more clearly. I get ideas and inspiration from others, but I need that quiet time to process it, to reflect.

Granted, being alone with your thoughts isn’t always an easy thing. Sometimes when you actually spend time getting to know yourself, you don’t like what comes up. But the only way to move forward is to move through it. Face what’s popping up, get it out. Don’t hide from downtime out of fear of what you might find.

I challenge you to spend a night in, to make a date with yourself for some quiet time.

This week’s goal: Cut out social media completely during productive work hours. Seriously.

Songs of the week:  “Tongue Behind My Teeth” – The Staves, “Hallways” – Islands

Namaste 

Rachel

My favourite place to just sit and think.