Our language has wisely sensed the two sides of being alone. It has created the word loneliness to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word solitude to express the glory of being alone.
~ Paul Tillich

I spend a lot of time alone. I live alone (well, don’t tell my cat I said that) and when in Second Life I am usually on my own. I have read a lot of blogs where the authors also spend most of their time isolated from others while in world. In terms of social media and virtual worlds, that may appear to be a contradiction. Aren’t we supposed to be out amongst others, sharing our time and lives with the inhabitants of our world(s)?

Not necessarily. I am usually comfortable in my aloneness. Yes, I experience loneliness from time to time, but I don’t usually let it linger for too long. I prefer to see my self-imposed isolation as a time for reflection, for understanding why I am the person I am, for thinking rather than speaking too soon.

I see myself in solitude much more than as lonely. And I am happy with the person it has made me.

No credits today. Just take the time to think about who you are instead of going shopping. Even I am doing the same.