Yesterday, I ate my lunch alone. Actually, I eat lunch alone quite a bit, and you know what, it’s really ok.
Look, I know that they’ve written books about how you shouldn’t eat alone, but I value the few moments I have in my day when I can just stop and think. If you know me outside of this blog, you know that I’m a work like mad kind of person. I look angry when I read because I get really focused. I type furiously. You get the picture.
When it take the time to stop, sometimes I just need quiet. I need time to stop communicating. To gather my thoughts and actually live in the moment, not the assignment at hand. I need to detox from my computer screen and my moving fingers and eyeballs.
Yesterday, I took time out of a very busy day at SC and had grilled cheese, creamy tomato soup, and lemonade. It was wonderful. I ate by myself in a restaurant. I brought a book along to amuse myself while waiting for some delicious eats. It was simple and I enjoyed every minute – but why did so many people look at me like I was growing another head?
I smiled at the waitress and I thanked her when she brought my drink, my food, and my check. I was very cordial. I didn’t talk on my cell phone. Was there something on my face? Did I offend someone by sitting alone? Did I make someone feel uncomfortable? Did they think there was something wrong with me?
I didn’t entertain these questions until after I got into my car. But I really don’t care. I feel perfectly fine taking time out of my day to just chill. I eat alone sometimes. I go to movies alone sometimes too. These are just activities that I just like to do alone every now and then. Simple pleasures and a quiet mind.
Add grilled cheese and freshly-squeezed lemonade and I’m in heaven.
How about you? What are your simple pleasures?
People forgot what stillness can mean. It’s great that you found time to connect with Mandy in the middle of your hectic schedule.
I agree, I like my alone time too, but it always makes me sad when I see people eating or going to the movies alone. But now that I see your point, perhaps those people enjoy solitude too. I’ll have to remind myself of that the next time I see someone alone, and remind myself not to stare.
:) We’re not always sad. Though I have to say that I’ve stopped and felt sad for those alone before. Sometimes I forget that it’s ok too.
Thanks so much Donya :)
I totally agree, after programming for a couple hours people wonder why I just need a little alone time to get my brain focused again.