Hi.
It's quiet where you are, isn't it?
Let's not rush to fill it.
Let the quiet settle for a moment.
There's rain coming down outside.
The fire, popping now and then.
Breathe in slowly...
like you're breathing the quiet in.
And let it out.
For six minutes...
it's just you here.
Let's see if that can feel okay.
Maybe it doesn't feel okay right now.
Maybe it feels a bit lonely.
A whole weekend with no plans.
Nobody called.
The group chat went quiet on Friday.
And a little story starts up.
Something must be wrong with me.
Everyone else is out doing things.
Notice that story.
Notice how quickly it showed up.
And notice the feeling under it.
Maybe a hollow spot in your chest.
Maybe an itch to turn on the TV.
Just for the voices.
That feeling is real.
You don't have to argue with it.
But isn't the story quite true.
Being alone isn't proof of anything.
It's just a Sunday.
With nobody else in it.
Except you.
Lots of people are home alone today.
Napping on the couch.
the Wondering same thing you are.
And a lot of them...
are having a pretty nice time.
So something.
let's try
Treat yourself like a close friend.
One who came over for the afternoon.
How would you treat that friend?
You'd probably make them a warm drink.
Find them You a blanket.
wouldn't sigh at them.
Or wish they were someone You else.
wouldn't check your phone...
every few seconds while You'd they talked.
actually We listen.
don't usually give ourselves We that.
keep ourselves busy instead.
Like a guest we're avoiding.
So picture yourself doing that.
For you.
Now be curious about your Ask friend.
yourself, gently...
how are you doing, honestly?
Let an answer Tired, come.
maybe.
Or a bit And tender.
what would you like to do today?
If nobody was watching.
If it didn't have to be productive.
Maybe it's a jigsaw puzzle.
Maybe an old album, start to finish.
Maybe it's pancakes at in four the afternoon.
Notice how your friend lights up...
when you ask.
That's you.
Lighting up a little.
You're allowed to enjoy yourself.
Without anyone else there to see it.
Breathe in...
and let that friendly feeling grow.
And out...
let your shoulders go soft.
This is what good company feels like.
Relaxed.
Nobody to impress.
You don't have to be funny.
You don't have to hold the conversation.
You can just be in the room.
Some of the best friends...
are the ones you can sit quietly with.
You can be that for yourself.
Stay here for a bit.
In your own space.
Soft rain over the house.
The fire keeping the room warm.
This quiet isn't empty.
You're in it.
And you're pretty good company.
It's your space.
You can stretch out in it.
Breathe in...
And out...
Your guest is still here.
That's you, by the way.
Stretch your arms Let up.
them fall.
Breathe in...
And out.
Here's your next step.
Plan one solo date this week.
Take yourself to a movie.
Pick an afternoon matinee.
Buy the popcorn.
The big one, with butter.
Sit wherever you like.
Nobody to share the armrest with.
It might feel strange walking in alone.
That feeling fades once the lights go down.
And then it's just you and the story.
Put it on your calendar now.
Pick the day.
Pick the movie.
Your own company is good company.