Learning to Let Go

I shared previously that at the start of this year I’d been learning about forgiveness — how letting go allows us to find small moments of joy in everyday life. More recently, after being knocked flat by the flu, I wrote about the importance of rest and how giving our bodies time to recover helps us rise strong.

The Power of Solitude

Now, I want to share something else I’ve been learning — the quiet, surprising power of spending time on my own.

A Life Surrounded by Connection

For most of my life, I’ve felt blessed to never truly be alone. As a daughter, wife, mother, and now grandmother, I’ve always had loved ones around me. That is a privilege I don’t take lightly, especially knowing that loneliness is at epidemic levels and that social connection is so vital for our wellbeing.

Why Solitude Matters

But in recent years, I’ve discovered that alongside connection, we also need solitude. As an introvert, I find big groups can be energising in the moment but often leave me feeling drained. What refills me isn’t more noise or activity — it’s stepping away. A solo day trip, even something as simple as a coastal drive, a walk through a new town, or sitting quietly with a coffee and a book, gives me the chance to breathe and return to myself.

Restoring Ourselves to Be Present

I’ve come to see that solitude is not about rejecting people or relationships — quite the opposite. It’s about restoring the parts of me that get stretched thin. When I give myself that space, I come back to my loved ones calmer, lighter, and far more present. Research has shown that intentional time alone can reduce stress, restore clarity, and even boost creativity.

Connection and Solitude in Balance

Of course, I carry deep gratitude for the people in my life, knowing not everyone has constant companionship. But this is what I’ve learned: connection keeps us grounded, and solitude helps us grow. Both are essential if we want to live a truly balanced life.

Small Steps into Solitude

A solo day trip doesn’t need to be extravagant or far away. It could be twenty minutes walking on the beach, sitting in the park, or exploring a new corner of your own city. It’s less about the destination and more about giving yourself permission to simply be with yourself, even if only for a short while.

Returning with Strength and Gratitude

Because sometimes the most powerful journey is the one we take alone — not to escape the life we love, but to return to it with renewed strength, gratitude, and resilience.