Solitude during healing

 

Embracing Solitude During Healing: The Honest Truth

Navigating Alone Time and Facing Pain When Everyone Expects You to Be Strong

How Many of Us Are Truly Comfortable Being Alone While Healing?

Let’s be honest: when life knocks us down, how many of us are genuinely okay with sitting in silence, facing our pain, and embracing the solitude that comes with healing? Or do we prefer to keep moving, staying busy to avoid the discomfort, hoping the hurt will fade in the background? If you’re like me, you may find it easier to distract yourself, to fill your calendar, to smile for everyone else—even when that smile feels empty inside.

The Pressure to Be “Okay”

I used to think healing was something I could schedule around other people’s needs. I avoided my uncomfortable moments because I felt too many people were depending on me or expecting something from me. There was always a responsibility, a commitment, a role to play. My smile became my shield way to assure everyone I was fine, even when I wasn’t.

Keeping It Moving vs. Sitting Still

It’s easier to keep it moving, isn’t it? Staying busy, checking off tasks, to pretend the ache doesn’t exist. We tell ourselves we’re strong, we’re resilient, we’re “just getting through.” But in those rushed days and crowded moments, it’s easy to lose sight of ourselves. The pain lingers beneath the surface, waiting for a quiet moment to resurface.

The Fear of Facing Uncomfortable Moments

There’s a real vulnerability in sitting with our pain. It means letting go of the distractions and facing what hurts. For me, that was terrifying. I worried about letting people down. I thought if I stopped being “okay,” I’d somehow fail those who looked up to me. So, I kept moving, kept smiling, kept pretending.

Finding Courage in Solitude

Yet, healing requires honesty—with us most of all. It’s about admitting that the smile doesn’t always match how we feel inside. It’s about giving ourselves permission to be alone, to sit with our discomfort, and to let ourselves feel. When I finally allowed myself that solitude, I discovered that it wasn’t as lonely as I feared. It was where I started to understand myself, to give voice to my hurt, and to begin the process of truly healing.

Choosing Yourself

If you’re reading this and nodding along, know that you’re not alone. Being strong doesn’t mean ignoring your pain. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is pause, step away from the expectations, and allow yourself to heal—even if it means being alone for a while. That solitude isn’t emptiness; it’s space to grow, reflect, and rebuild from the inside out.

A Final Thought

Healing isn’t linear, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. It’s okay to need time alone, to struggle, and to admit when the smile feels heavy. By facing our uncomfortable moments instead of running from them, we give ourselves the chance to emerge stronger, more authentic, and genuinely at peace.

So, how many of us are truly okay being alone during our healing? Maybe not many—but the journey starts with honesty and the willingness to sit with us, even when it’s hard.

Sincerely, Feeding Her Soul