Episode #52
Ep 52: Alone, Not Lonely: Rewiring Our Relationship with Solitude
Send us Fan Mail What are you waiting to do because you're waiting for someone to do it with you? In this episode of Rewired , we're exploring the difference between loneliness, social isolation, and solitude —because being alone and being lonely are not the same thing. Loneliness is real. Connection matters. We need relationships, belonging, and people who truly know us. AND... Being alone isn't necessarily a problem that needs to be solved. When solitude is chosen, it can create space for autonomy, creativity, self-trust, curiosity, and the freedom to discover what you actually want when nobody else's preferences are in the room. I'll share some of the fascinating research on solitude, why the story we tell ourselves about being alone matters, and one of my own favorite solo experiences—splurging on an incredible seat at a WNBA game, going early, staying late, meeting Natasha Cloud, and enjoying the absolute hell out of myself. And if being alone doesn't feel quite that comfortable yet, we'll practice. The Chosen Solitude Levels: Level 1: Create 10 minutes of intentional solitude. No scrolling. No filling the silence. Just spend a little intentional time with yourself. Level 2: Take yourself somewhere. Coffee. Lunch. A movie. A bookstore. A museum. Do something you'd normally think you need someone else to do with you. Level 3: Do something you really want to do. What's something you've been waiting to experience because nobody else seems interested? Go do it. Level 4: Give yourself a day. Take a day trip. Explore. Wander. Let your own curiosity determine what happens next. Level 5: Take the damn trip. One night. A weekend. A group trip you join solo. Or the adventure you've been putting off because you're waiting for somebody else's schedule, money, interest, or availability to line up with yours. This isn't about needing people less. It's about discovering that connection with others and connection with yourself don't have to compete. And maybe the next person you need to say yes to...is you. Want to practice this together? Our next Mindful MasterClass is October 21 , and we're taking this conversation deeper! We'll explore Chosen Solitude together—how to rethink our relationship with being alone and intentionally practice the freedom, agency, and self-connection that can come with our own company. Join us here: https://yesempower.com/mindful-masterclass/ Stay connected with Rewired Listen anytime on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or yesempower.com/podcast Join the Empower community on LinkedIn , TikTok , and YouTube for weekly tools, neuroscience-based inspiration, and stories of real change. Discover upcoming workshops, LaunchPad learning, and coaching opportunities at yesempower.com Empowered people empower people. Live intentionally. Lead thoughtfully. Grow through awareness.
