I came across this video awhile ago but BuzzFeed just included it today in 25 Things to Do When You’re Feeling Down. [Note: I’m not feeling down. In fact, I’m having a great week and feeling super productive both at work and in running. But the article made me think, and has some really great tips for pick-me-ups when you need ’em. My favorite is #25. :)]
Since starting my new job just over a year ago, I’ve spent a lot of time alone. I work alone at home. I work “alone” at coffee shops. It’s amazing what you can accomplish without distractions from coworkers (because I don’t have any, unless you count my boss.) Even though I’m not interacting with a ton of people on a daily basis, I still feel like I’m connected to a community both professionally and personally. Oh, the wonders of technology, right?
I’ve always enjoyed my time to myself. I’m one of those people that doesn’t mind going to a movie solo (although I haven’t done that in awhile). I always say that I just want to spend one afternoon in a comfy coffee shop with nothing but a good book to read. I have this idea that if I can just get away from my phone or computer long enough to read for 2-3 hours, I will feel instantly refreshed. [Anyone else feel this way?] Sadly, it doesn’t happen often but it’s still a constant dream of mine.
I think I enjoy being (mostly) a solo runner because I enjoy being alone. I like to work through things in my head while I pound glide over the pavement. I feel like I can enjoy my time with others when I’ve had the time *and space* to be by myself first, if only for a brief moment over a cup of coffee in the morning.
And while you may not all be solo runners or people that like to spend time ‘alone’, I have a feeling that some of you out there might appreciate this video:
One of my favorite lines is:
‘cuz when you’re happy in your head
then solitude is blessed
and alone is okay.
[Also, It made me think about the book, Quiet by Susan Cain too. I’d recommend it if you haven’t picked it up yet (not just for “introverts”!)]
Are you a solo runner? Do you try to spend time by yourself every once in awhile? When was the last time you spend the day by yourself?
-J
We Wander And Ponder 
Adore this post, Jenny! x
Thanks again for sharing it, Lora! I often feel silly when I post something non-running related. 🙂
Oh, I watched this video a few years ago and loved it then, as now. I recently moved to a new city and not having a bunch of friends is getting old. These lines are my favorite: “Lonely is a freedom that breathes easy and weightless and lonely is healing if you make it.” Thanks for sharing.
I felt the same way when I moved to Chicago (even while finding a group when I started college; I can imagine if would be tough later on). I just followed you on Twitter so if you want to meet up and go running anytime, just let me know! I love that line too. It’s hard to choose just one because the entire poem is so insightful! (Btw, where exactly is this spring thing?!)
I love this video/poem. I think I saw it a while back, but it was so lovely to rewatch it. Thanks for sharing!
No problem! I think I need to watch it every few months and remind myself of what’s possible alone 🙂
What perfect timing it was to come across your blog and see this post and find this video. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you liked it Migdalia!
“Count your blessings, not your blemishes” was hidden in the top 25…I like it. That video is pretty great as well, “the way bodies move to beats is after all, gorgeous and affecting” …and right now, I am heading the quote, “if you have an art that needs a practice stop neglecting it”… thanks for sharing.
I am a solo runner 3-4 days a week and a social runner 1- 2 days a week…I prefer running by myself for many of the reasons you mentioned, I enjoy the therapeutic effects of running. Running socially aint too shabby either.
There are so many awesome lines in that poem–hard to choose just one! I try to be a social runner every once in awhile. It’s good for me to ‘get outside of my own head’ and just have fun with running more often.
hahah love this! You can put me in this category of “loner runner” too! I think it’s the best 🙂
oh but when I come to chicago I expect to run together, lol. 🙂
Xaarlin recommended your blog to me and I am so happy she did! I can 100% relate to this need for alone time. I love solitude. I love people too, but I feel so refreshed after some good downtime 🙂 I really want to read Quiet. Sigh. I am studying for some stuff that is holding back my reading for “fun”!
I absolutely love this video. I just came across your blog and watched this video and was truly moved. I’ll be graduating college in 3 weeks and moving on to a new journey with a grad assistantship and start my master’s degree. I have chosen to take this journey by living alone and it will be an exciting journey. My relationship of 4 years will be tested by a distance of 3.5-4 hours between us, but life is exciting and if things are meant to be, they will be! This poem was beautiful and I probably will make it into a wall art of some sort for my apartment to remind me of the adventures of being alone 🙂
I’m so glad you liked it so much Samantha! It’s too beautiful not to share. Good luck with your move and your new journey!