Solitude is the state of seclusion from people or the environment. It is a good medicine for those that seek to interact with their inner selves. The degree of solitude might be a factor when it comes to judging a person’s personality. People who love to be by themselves most of the time are known to possess an introvert personality. While those that enjoy lack solitude are known to possess an extrovert personality. However, depending on the state that one puts themselves in, solitude is a necessity in one’s life. The state of seclusion helps one to venture and investment on their personal growth with the aim of being better.
Personality traits can help create or break a person when they are among others. Extroverts tend to stand out in most crowds or groups as they seek attention and control over them (Meng-hu par 3). They are know-it-alls when it comes to certain topics, and they can talk for a long time without stopping. However, they suffer the most when it comes to solitude. They have a fear of being alone or lonely as certain thoughts might run in their mind which might break them (Meng-hu par 4). Hence, they will try their level best to associate with someone at the expense of ruining their day.
Introverts, on the other hand, tend to enjoy their solitude as they prefer being alone most of the time. Their seclusion from people makes them explore their inner selves and think more about their future and aspirations. However, the excess solitude affects their lives externally (Meng-hu par 6). They suffer more during interactive sessions as they lack the basic conversation skills, making them have a hard time cooperating with people. In some instances, it makes them prone to bullying and exploitation by others. Eventually, they develop a state of being fearful towards people, especially in secluded places.
Such diverse effects of solitude make people fight against it. Others feel that it is a personality disorder since most of the time it shows diverse effects on people. From the two traits, an imbalanced measure of solitude can affect one negatively. However, having a balanced level of solitude will help one develop better traits in their lives. The famous poet, Rumi, stated that spending time alone in a secluded place would be worth more than anything else that life can provide (Gregoire par 2). There are several benefits of solitude to one’s lives, which can help build stamina, concentration and stamina.
Seclusion allows artists to clear out their distractions and open their mind to new ideas for their work (Gregoire par 4). Most artists prefer to sit in a room alone with their tools and music for their mind to flow with ideas. Others enjoy the fine breeze of nature and the humming of birds to help them in creating their pieces. It is the reason creative people prefer to work at night because there is less disturbance from people and the peace helps them to expand their thoughts.
Depressed people suffer more when they are around people since they tend to act as distractions to their thoughts. However, depression can still come from being alone, though it might not be diverse (Gregoire par 5). From research, the time adolescents spent alone helps them wade off depression. Adolescents have a hard time adjusting to their changes and at times, it is worse when they see others growing faster than them. Hence, depression continues to haunt them as they try to find answers to their differences. Being alone helps them to understand themselves, their feelings, and body changes. However, the treatment does not only apply to teenagers but everyone.
Living in the developing cities brings about stress and distractions from the simple things in life (Gregoire par 6). Technology, people, and work are major promoters of stress as one seeks to be on par with the changes that occur on a daily basis. Hence, taking a vacation or holiday helps one to slow down their lives and rebuild themselves. Solitude integrates with the alone time helps one relax their mind and appreciate the world without technology. It helps one to reflect on their lives and create a schedule once they return to normalcy. Life can sometimes be brutal to a person’s life and may lead to death if one lacks proper relaxation strategies.
Solitude helps one to improve their focus, memory, and self-esteem. It provides one with the time to enjoy life by themselves and make them love being alone (Gregoire par 7). People spend time looking upon others and how their lives are greater than theirs. In such instances, one lacks the focus and self-esteem to believe that they can concur most of their issues. At times, it becomes a competition when two or more people try to outshine each other. In the end, one lacks the focus and appreciation of themselves. With time, they lose contact with themselves since they spent most of their lives chasing other people’s lives and feelings. The seclusion from people’s lives and activities will help one to appreciate themselves more by reflecting on their changes and achievements.
In conclusion, solitude can determine a personality trait. Despite the opposition by people about solitude and its diverse effects, it is important for one to schedule some time alone as it helps them gain back their lives and aspirations. It promotes personal growth and appreciation, which plays a major role in a person’s overall progress in life.
Works Cited
Gregoire, Carolyn. Being Alone: 7 Reasons Solitude Can Be Good For You. 22 January 2013. Web. 29 February 2016. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/11/being-alone-6-reasons-to-_n_2456462.html#gallery/274198/0>
Lewis, Jerry M. Can It Be Done Alone? Solitude and Personality Maturation. 3 December 2009. Web. 29 February 2016. <http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/articles/can-it-be-done-alone-solitude-and-personality-maturation>
Meng-hu. John M. Oldham's Solitary Personality Type. 2009. Web. 29 February 2016. <http://www.hermitary.com/solitude/personality.html>
