I need space. I'm also an only child. It's possible that's why I have an overwhelming need to spend large chunks of time on my own. Or perhaps there's no connection and the need for autonomy is a common human trait.
I adore my family and enjoy spending time with friends. But when it's all said and done I really like being alone.
I'm not talking about the need to be forever alone. Gosh no. The nights would be lonely and the dark could bring monsters. But I thrive on having a few hours a day where there is nobody else in my space.
And when I say "thrive" I actually mean "survive". If I don't get the house (and therefore my work space) to myself, the walls start to close in and my chest becomes heavy.
So while I thoroughly enjoyed having the kids home for the last 7 weeks and the hubster doing his "summer work from home" thing, what I'm lovin' about life this week is getting back to having some space.
It's amazing what I can achieve when I'm in my own company.
So tell me, do you like being alone?
What type of environment helps you to thrive?
When are you the most productive?
What are you lovin' about life this week?
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It's time for the Lovin' Life Linky brought to you by Team Lovin' Life: Deep Fried Fruit, Seize the Day Project, Debbish, Write of the Middle, 50 Shades of Age and Lifestyle Fifty #teamlovinlife
I'm the eldest of 4 & growing up had no space & way too much noise. I need a certain amount of both to feel ok.
ReplyDeleteI had NO noise growing up. I can handle it for a while, but then I need a quieter feel. My kids aren't noisy which is a good thing ... although my husband is a bit loud at times.
DeleteI'm an early bird today...and will ink up when it's open. I did not know you were an 'only' and I understand that time for yourself and being by yourself is what you crave. I am elder of 2. I am the girl. The boy, in my humble opinion, was revered for that..oh, there's a conversation that could go on! Nevertheless, I will not. Happy Thursday Leanne. D xx
ReplyDeleteBoys often were revered for that, back in the day ...
DeleteI would think that's just a mild introversion - you 'recharge' when alone. So while you enjoy being around others, it can be draining (of energy) and so the time alone boosts your reserves.
ReplyDeleteRecharge is a great word for it.
DeleteI do best with dedicated time each day 'on my own' whilst the rest of the house sleeps, half an hour in my office before work starts, the drive home. Only I'm not an only child.
ReplyDeleteThanks though for giving your perspective as an only child, it will help me understand where my son is coming from in the future.
SSG xxx
PS - being HEALTHY and body aware in my Lovin' Life post today. Go. Me.
Only children rock!! I have a friend who was worried that her boy would be an only (he now has a brother) and came to me for tips. Most people don't realise I'm an only.
DeleteAloneness is critical to my mental health and clarity of thought. I know some think it's lonely but I am more likely to feel alone in a crowded room.
ReplyDeleteYes, I understand that. I thoroughly enjoy my own company.
DeleteI'm more productive on my own, especially after spending time with like minded people. All my close friends are only children, I think coming from a big family they craved spending time in my world, just as much as I craved time in theirs.
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting that you're drawn to only children.
DeleteSounds to me you are an introvert and need some space to recharge - married to one, and it's really important for her to get some alone time on a regular basis. : ) #Lovinlife! Sharing a little photo set that I took this week of the sunrise!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear you understand her needs. My husband is learning that about me ... slowly.
DeleteI am totally enjoying my first home alone day today since the kids returned to school! I just feel so free and able to do anything I want without interruptions!
ReplyDeleteI hear ya!
DeleteYes! I'm the same. I'm doing a second 3 month stint in a seconded position and it means I have almost zero alone time. It's hard, I forget how much I need it til it's gone!
ReplyDeleteI actually go stir crazy. I was lucky when I was in my Government role because I had an office. Which meant I could shut the door and get that alone time to get stuff done.
DeleteI'm the youngest by 7 years, and wonder if that's why I enjoy my own company and love time alone. I like company, but am basically an introvert. Like you, I get much more done when there's noone around. I have the privilege of being able to do some work from home, and find that these days are so much productive than when in the office.
ReplyDeleteI have always been more productive when at home alone without the interruptions.
DeleteI adore being alone. I used to be one of those women who constantly sought out girlfriends for entertainment and conversation, but as I have got older I can't be bothered with some of the drama and constant bitchiness that comes with having girlfriends. I find now I don't need to compete with others and I'm more than content with my own company. However, like you I love having my family around me and socialising with a few close friends on a weekly basis.
ReplyDeleteI'm content with my own company too. I like hanging out with others, but not for long stints. A weekend away every now and then works for me (but I'll often only do one night when others do 2 or 3 because of my need to be alone).
DeleteThat was supposed to be "a girls weekend away"
DeleteI'm the same. I absolutely love my alone quiet time. I can write in peace and just enjoy the serenity. Bliss!
ReplyDeleteBliss
DeleteOh I so hear you Leanne! I love my children and husband, but I was SO relieved on Tuesday when everyone went back to school and work. January was a super challenging time to work at home with everyone around me, making noise and asking questions while I was busy getting things done for clients! I'm happy to spend time with my loved ones, but I'm very happy to have time alone at home - loving the silence and only the pooch for company :) #TeamLovinLife
ReplyDeleteI hear ya re January. I was trying to get the magazine done. Trying to get my book to the printer. It was so hard to get any true concentration.
DeleteI love alone time. I've talked before on my blog and elsewhere about alone-ness and loneliness. I never feel the latter, but sometimes feel alone.
ReplyDeleteI've basically lived alone since 1991, so I don't know how I'd cope having people around all of the time. I tend to think of the fact I draw energy from alone-time as being an introvert thing, but when I was young I loved spending time with others.... so it's kinda interesting. For me a turning point came when I was 16 and became anorexic. I suddenly stopped wanting to do stuff with others.
I thought of you as I wrote this post. I wondered if you'd like to do a house swap! LOL. You can have my family for a week and I'll take your spot up there without other bodies to have to share with.
DeleteHow interesting that you say that Leanne!! Because I truly feel the same way and I'm an only child also!
ReplyDeleteMy husband is so good about letting me have my time, too---he says he can tell when my ducks are quacking and I need my space! LOL
jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
I used to need to be around people but now I like my own time.
ReplyDeleteYes, perhaps it's an age thing.
DeleteI need space too! I am an introvert (more and more as I've got older) and I need time alone to recharge. Love being social but it drains me and I need to recharge. I have my sister and her two kids living with me at the moment and I am sinking fast. I am desperate for my alone time. So yes - know exactly what you mean! #TeamLovinLife
ReplyDeleteI am thinking mine might be a "more and more as I get older" thing too.
DeleteAbsolutely relate. People wear me out! I need space to recover from social and family situations :) #teamlovinlife
ReplyDeleteI think it's as much about the energy of other people too, as it is about their interactions. They don't need to even speak to take up space.
DeleteAbsolutely relate. People wear me out! I need space to recover from social and family situations :) #teamlovinlife
ReplyDeleteOn the introvert/extrovert scale, I am pretty much in the middle - slightly learning towards extrovert. Which means although I enjoy being sociable, I also need my space!!!
ReplyDeleteSpace! Give me space.
DeleteI totally need alone time every day. I cannot work with others in the house - even when they are doing their own thing - i just do everything better when it is only me and my thoughts and creativity.
ReplyDeleteExactly! That's exactly how I feel too Deb.
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