The Sound of Silence

I was an empty nester in Florida this past weekend. It quite honestly felt like I was living a retired lifestyle. There’s only 40 more years or so until I reach that level, but who’s counting? LOL. Abby and Carol jetted off to New Hampshire to enjoy some delicious local New England food and reunite with family and friends. Now that I have nestled myself into Florida for the past few months, it is starting to feel like home, but so much of it is still so foreign.

I was challenged to embrace the sound of silence for a few days with nobody around. It’s different because back in New Hampshire, I could have alone time, but still have my family and friends to hang out with. I was never truly alone. This time though, I was in charge of creating memories in complete solitude. I have always been an independent and go-with-the-flow person that I’ll enjoy whatever I am doing, so I was curious how my weekend would go with no plans in mind.

My best friend Michelle is someone who inspires me every day as she has been living on her own since college. She let me know that although solo days are hard, they are good for making you feel comfortable with who you are. That is beyond true! If you aren’t comfortable and happy with being in your own company then what makes you marketable to others?

When you live on your own, you are in charge of your mood, how you fuel your body, how you wake up and show up every day, etc. I spent one night gathering up ingredients I had in the kitchen and whipped up the most delicious flatbread pizza. It consisted of naan flatbread, asiago cheese spread, raspberry preserves, caramelized onions, shallots, and garlic, mozzarella cheese, spinach, prosciutto, oregano, and a hot honey drizzle. It will now be one of my specialty recipes, and it was all created on a whim, which was the best part. I curled up on the couch, and started watching a new TV show. It was the perfect night in.

Another day consisted of venturing an hour away to Pembroke Pines, FL to have lunch at the Dumpling King. The most elite xiaolongbao dumplings (steamed soup dumplings) I have had were in Las Vegas, NV at Din Tai Fung, so these were not as memorable, but still really tasty. I got the steamed chive, pork, and shrimp soup dumplings, and the fried pork dumplings, which are pictured below. Something I find comfort in is grabbing food, parking my car somewhere to eat, and listening to my favorite music. It’s a mixture of providing comfort to your body, mind, and soul.

Before picking up Abby and Carol at the airport, I spent the tail end of my weekend driving around different areas of my town, taking different roads, and exploring the ins and outs. I did some furniture and décor shopping for my bedroom, and took myself out for ice cream. I also grabbed a coffee at the best local coffee shop, Deke’s in Delray, and the barista asked me if I had any plans for the day. I responded that I didn’t have any, and before I would be like “Wow I’m so boring.” However, I was peacefully content with having nothing set in stone and letting the day unfold before me.

Basking in your own silence can sometimes be overwhelming and ironically loud and busy – at least for me as I feel that my mind rarely shuts off and is continuously thinking and on overdrive. Just remember that being alone does not have to be lonely. It felt great taking some uninterrupted me-time and enjoying my own company for a few days. You are capable of so much, and we often don’t give ourselves enough credit for the way we carry ourselves. Do not let anyone cloud your judgment on who you are or what you deserve and need in order to thrive and be happy. Embrace the silent moments and downtime. Give yourself all the time you need to be who you were put on this earth to be.

“I think it’s very healthy to spend time alone. You need to know how to be alone and not be defined by another person.” – Oscar Wilde

Give your body the time to unwind when it needs to. It’s okay to not fill up your schedule during your downtime hours. You are the main character of your life, and if you are not taking care of yourself, then you are doing yourself a disservice. There is only one you, so put 100% of your love and effort into yourself each day.

Remember to stay humble and kind, always!

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xo –Jess