The term solitude literally means the state of being alone and humans seem to be afraid of it. Different people have different outlook towards solitude, and only a few look at it as bliss. Not many people entertain the idea of being alone as they believe that being alone will leave us deeply unhappy.

I treat solitude as a state of blissfulness. It helps me unravel and detangle my emotions and feelings. It provides rest to my restless mind. It gives me time to think and reflect about who I am, where I am, what I am going to do with my life and how far I have reached.

The world has become a harsh place. Every day is a rat-race, we face cut-throat competition all the time. This can be overwhelming. All the expectations that are bestowed upon us can overcrowd us and leave us feeling horrible. How can we feel better and unwind then? The answer lies in solitude.

Solitude separates you from the crowd, it allows you to indulge and engage with yourself. When you stop interacting with the outer world, you can interact with your inner world. When you quiet the voices outside, you can listen to the voices inside. Solitude helps you control your mind, and a tamed mind is what leads to happiness.

Solitude also connects you to your conscience; it helps you decide what is right and what is wrong. It is only once you are alone that you can think for yourself, clearly and loudly.

My point is, while solitude is only possible when you are alone, it doesn’t always lead to loneliness. Even when loneliness and solitude are used interchangeably, there is a solid difference between the two.

Solitude is a choice. Loneliness stems out from circumstances. Solitude can be taken advantage of. One can benefit from solitude. Solitude is a voluntary isolation; it can be steered into positive direction. Loneliness on the other hand is involuntary and often leaves a negative impact.

Solitude is a positive state of mind, loneliness is just the opposite.

Solitude is a positive and constructive state of engagement with oneself. It is giving company to yourself.

Instead of treating your time of solitude worrying that you are lonely, use it for an inner journey to yourself and growth. It is okay to be by yourself, it is okay to find time for yourself.

Solitude is a refreshing opportunity to renew ourselves. In other words, it recharges us. We all need periods of solitude, although we probably differ in the amount of solitude we need. Solitude helps us analyse our self-worth, it puts things in perspective, and it prepares us for challenges that lie ahead of us. It helps us take control of the steering wheel of our life.

Wagle is pursuing an MBA at Charotar University of Science and Technology, Gujarat, India.