Is it time for some time with yourself? (Thursday Thoughts: 9 May, 2024)

Do we ever really spend enough (or any) quality time with ourselves? Good mental health starts with the relationship you have with yourself, and in this issue of Thursday Thoughts I’m sharing a simple way to connect with yourself more. So, let’s talk!


Hello Talkers! 👋🗣😃

My partner was recently away for a few days supervising the annual school camp (or, as I call it, ‘hell’… oh, the horror!) and aside from having to figure out how to use the dishwasher (don’t judge me), it’s been a nice opportunity to spend some time with myself and just ‘be’. Now, don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t all fun and joy; by the end of the third and final day I was talking to myself and really looking forward to having some help with looking after our animals… but, still, you know, there were a lot of positives.

In our noisy world where we’re constantly connected, finding time to just be by ourselves can feel about as rare as a quiet and calm moment in an episode of the Real Housewives.

But have you ever stopped to consider the pure, unadulterated bliss of spending time alone? Not just to catch up on work or chores — but to truly engage with your own thoughts, and really enjoy your own company?

Spending time alone isn’t about being lonely; it’s about relishing your solitude. It’s that golden opportunity to tune out the noise of everyday life and tune into your own inner voice. Think of it as a mini retreat where the guest of honour is none other than — you guessed it — your wonderful self! It’s the perfect time to explore the nooks and crannies of your mind, perhaps rediscover a long-forgotten hobby, or simply sit back and watch the world go by without feeling the need to be anything other than present.

Why does any of this matter? Well, your relationship with yourself is the longest one you’re going to have in your life… so you may as well learn how to lean into it more and connect with yourself on a deeper and less-superficial level.

So here’s my tip of the week: Schedule some time with yourself. Start with just half an hour, maybe once a week, and mark it in your calendar as non-negotiable ‘Me Time’. Use this time to do something that nourishes your soul like reading a book, walking in the park, sketching, or even daydreaming. The key is to be intentional about this time. This isn’t about being productive; it’s about being present with yourself. Making a habit of this can not only boost your mental health but also enhance your relationships with others. When you’re more at peace with yourself, you bring a better version of you to every interaction. Plus, you might just find that you’re pretty good company!

Until our next talk,

Jeremy 😃


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