People change, that is for sure.

In my younger days, I used to be more “social” than I am these days.  Truth be told, I was a bit of a party girl.  I would hear the word “Party” and I would say what time.

As it is… and for a lot of different reasons… my little party girl self is long gone.  Merely a fleeting memory of flipping beer caps like little Frisbee, and eating jars of a jalapeno peppers… just because I could.

These days, I am much more introverted, and I take great satisfaction in finding blessed solitude.  I call it blessed solitude because a lot of times, it is my favorite place to be.  In introspection.

It is in this state of self-examination, soul-searching, and contemplation,  that I think my best ideas.  It is also in this time… that I  think my worst ideas.  Oh the perils of introspection.

A lot of people don’t like to be alone.  But….. solitude isn’t something that should make us uncomfortable or frighten us. On the contrary.   Solitude is something that should truly excite us.  It  should bring joy into our hearts.

It is when we spend time by ourselves….. alone…… that we can find what is  hidden deep down within ourselves.  Hence, the joy.

It is in those times that we spend time along….  and in a place of silence…. that we can discover our inner beauty, or true happiness…  the love in our hearts….. and the light in our souls.

A very smart man named Rumi, once said  “Everything in the universe is within you. Ask all from yourself.”   Or, if you prefer the Bible version, you can find it in  Luke 17:21……  “They can’t say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ You see, the kingdom of God is within you.”

This is what spending time alone in silence does to you. It quiets the mind and it awakens the heart.

It is all within us… love and happiness.  If we find the place of appreciation, we also can find abundance and contentment within ourselves.   I think it is good when we can get to know ourselves in this way.   Because when we know ourselves in this way, only then is it possible to know others.  And to appreciate their goodness and love.  And be with one another in all of this.  Alone… Together.