Cheers to the Next Chapter

"Cherish your solitude. Take trains by yourself to places you have never been. Sleep out alone under the stars. Learn how to drive a stick shift. Go so far away that you stop being afraid of not coming back. Say no when you don't want to do something. Say yes if your instincts are strong, even if everyone around you disagrees. Decide whether you want to be liked or admired. Decide if fitting in is more important than finding out what you're doing here. Believe in kissing."
-Eve Ensler

The time has come. I am moving out of my little Cheery Lynn home. A little over two years ago I chose to live by myself. It has been undoubtedly, the best decision I could have ever made. I remember when I was little, my mom told me that some of the best years of her life had been spent living alone. I remember being in shock: what about burglars? Fires? Creepy people? Who would be there to save me? And I had sworn from then on, I would never feel comfortable living by myself.

"If you're lonely when you're alone, you're in bad company."

- Jean-Paul Sartre

My experience has been quite contrary to my childhood beliefs. I have loved every minute of living by myself. I have always been relatively introverted. I regret it took so long for me to get here. Yet, I don’t. It is hard for me to put into words what I have gained from this experience. Over the past several weeks I have made a point to make mental images, take pictures, and really appreciate all that is mine. 

"I have to be alone very often. I'd be quite happy if I spent Saturday night until Monday morning alone in my apartment. That's how I refuel."

-Audrey Hepburn

I am on to bigger things, I am sure of that. I have never been more excited about the next stage of me. No hesitation.

But, what I leave behind is a stage of my life I will never, hopefully, get back; a time to focus solely on myself. 

"My alone feels so good, I'll only have you if your sweeter than my solitude."

-Warsan Shire

And all along, I realize, she was trying to tell me: you can only save yourself.

But, you’re sweeter than my solitude.

Cheers to the next chapter.