Joyful Ruins

Dear Younger Me,

There is so much value in doing things alone.

It’s not always enjoyable, but it teaches you something.

You don’t always feel comfortable or confident while being alone, but you will after you’ve done it.

One day, you’ll be in a new city, state, or country even. You’ll have few  or no friends because you’re new and you’ll have a sudden sense of adventure. You want to see places, taste different foods, explore.

As you have no one to do it with, you’ll go on your own.

You’ll sit at a table in a 4-star yelp restaurant. People may watch, you may feel strange, but the food will taste delicious and somehow, you’ll feel stronger.

You’ll walk on the sidewalk alone more confidently, you’ll share the beauty of a hike or mountain with yourself. You’ll find yourself slowly but sweetly in these solo moments. Seriously, embrace them.

You’re not really alone anyways. You’re sharing each moment with a God who loves you. Being alone will teach you that God is your only true and steady companion.

And nothing is more amazing than that.