Good Monday Morning to you all!  Happy Thanksgiving week to all my fellow Americans!  Cheers to a short week!  It's Katie here, from The Mishaps and Mayhem of a Solitary Life!  Today it's my turn for The Blended Blog's Self Help Series!  I'm not going to lie...this one was a tough one for me.  What could lil old me help anyone with?  The TBB girls have been knocking out out of the park with their posts.  I've learned so much and have been entertained. When I wondered what to write, they even had suggestions for me....drinks!  HA!  But when I thought about it...really thought about it, I thought that what I'm actually really great at is being alone.  And here's the kicker....I ENJOY it!  If you've read my blog you know that I'm single!  And I know the adventures or lack there of, of a single girl is not for everyone! But it doesn't have to be.  When the TBB girls wrote about mom life or cooking, I found something I could identify with!  I hope that no matter where you are in life, you'll find a little tidbit in here that you might be able to identify with, too!




Learn to be alone...and be ok with it.
It's not easy for everyone to be alone.  Some people can't do it.  Often times, finding it extremely difficult to cope if there is not constant chatter around them.  They just can't do quiet..I, on the other hand, cherish my alone time. I am happy coming home to a quiet house where I can hear myself think!  I can entertain myself with a good book, movie, dance party in the living room or a TV binge-fest!

Have the courage to go OUT in PUBLIC ALONE!
I am fortunate enough to live in a town within walking distanceof a Main Street filled with great shops and restaurants.  When I first moved here, I was hesitant to go anywhere alone.  But I headed out for dinner one night, and discovered something.  I actually wasn't alone in dining alone!  There were three other people at the bar eating alone!  I will admit that I've eaten at a bar alone, but I wouldn't necessarily dine at a table alone!  But it's not because I couldn't or wouldn't feel comfortable.  It's really just because I don't want to take up a table for two.  And eating at the bar welcomes a conversation or two with strangers.  I wouldn't do the same if I was at a table.  And I don't just go out to eat alone!  I've been movies, downtown parades, and fairs...all on my own!  And I always have a great time!

Treat Yo' Self
Whether you're single, attached, or otherwise, take a little time for yourself. Don't worry about the money! Buy the shoes, get the manicure, have the glass of wine...or two.  Take a long hot bath, go to a show, etc.  I'm confident, you'll never regret taking the time for yourself!!


Be alone...but never lonely!
I'm alone a lot but can honestly say I'm never lonely.  There's a big difference.  Some people who are surrounded by a group of 20 or more, can't say that.  I like me!  I don't mind being alone with just me and my thoughts!  Being  alone doesn't mean I don't have any friends or am depressed, it just means I don't mind it.  There have been plenty of times where I've had the option to go out with the crowd and chose not to.  And that's fine.  Sometimes a Saturday night "in" is good for the soul!  But if you are feeling lonely...reach out to someone for comfort!

In the words of Justin Beiber...You should go and Love Yourself
Back in February, Deena wrote an awesome post about self care and loving yourself first, for our Look of Love series.  It was great.  Loving yourself first is so important, not self indulgent. We are all pulled in so many different directions, we need to take care and time for ourselves! Even if all you can manage in a day is five minutes of alone time, take it!!


How do you feel about being alone?  Do you welcome it? Does it scare you some? Let me know in the comments below!