"There are occasions in all our lives when we need to be alone with our thoughts; times when our own conscience is unsettled and final judgement is required to place the heart at ease. I sometimes need to be left alone to mull things over in my mind, with my only contradiction being self at play. When I'm alone, I do not have to answer to anyone except my own conscience. I can do or say what I please. I can free up my mind from the criticism of others and instead of being my own worst enemy, become my own best friend once more.
Sometimes I need to be alone to enable my thoughts to flow freely and expand; not have them reduced to oral soundbites, expressed to please others. At such times, being alone becomes a necessary selfishness. I know it is 'me time' that I must take if I am to reach a place where my mind gains strength from the the presence of surrounding peace, for only in such solitude is found enough encouragement to lean upon oneself with greater confidence and conviction.
Beware however, of spending time alone with hurtful thoughts instead of puzzled ones that are open to answer, as thinking hard on a painful past is like putting a gun to one's head, but not pulling the trigger. Being alone should be used to settle emotions and lead to resolution, not result in self-recrimination or dwell in permanent regret.
The paradoxical purpose of taking time out and being alone, is so that we can find the means to happily return to our family and social groups and function better. Moments of solitude are beneficial to our sense of wellbeing, but are most fruitful when what we discover can be later shared and talked about with others. There is nothing sweeter and more rewarding than a joyous secret, once revealed. Mankind was born to share. It is our safety valve; it is our nature." William Forde: December 5th, 2015.