I read these words anf they are a comfort, because I feel exactly the same. 🤍
The time by myself has become exciting and full of creativity and calm. I have also thought about finding a job that only occupies 30hrs a week, over the regular 37,5hrs.
My solitude comes when my partner has work during week ends, during his solitude hours where he does things in his shed or fixes his boat, which I sometimes help him with, but we also enjoy to have these things apart, and tell each other what we have created. I also enjoy to have solutide on the my train rides. I’m yet to make a routine for it to be daily, but it will come naturally I believe.
My creativity envolves writing my journal, crochetting, making small designy things, tending to my poetry, making small lists, meditating, or doing something seasonal, like making things for christmas at the moment, so I don’t have to rush. It’s really a time to make my own magic. ✨
I’m so pleased these words were a comfort to you. Stepping down my hours to be more creative has been a revelation for me. I would recommend it, if it’s something you feel you can make work financially.
I love your words ‘it’s time to make my own magic’ ✨Keep making magic!
Ahhh solitude is medicine... I used to be so fearful of it... but over the last ten years... and especially in the last 4 since becoming a Mother... it’s essential. Xx
I can resonate so deeply with this. I used to struggle to be in my own company but genuinely crave it now. So important for our emotional health as well as our creativity 💛
That's so interesting that you used to fear solitude and are now in need of it! Our needs change as we go through our lives and perhaps we learn to feel more comfortable with situations that once felt challenging? Thanks for sharing Lauren!
I'm finding it harder to get out of bed early the past couple of weeks because it's so dark. Here in the UK the clocks change by an hour soon so we will have lighter mornings again for a little while. Your hour of writing sounds blissful, Maria!
I’ve tried to be a morning person but it’s a habit I just can’t crack. The idea of a regular hour of me time before everyone wakes appeals but if it does happen it’s usually by accident!
Such a lovely read Sarah and Hannah, thank you! It was great to hear more about you Hannah and I absolutely identify with the need for solitude. I seem to crave it more and more as I get older, as I have less of it and as I have more desire to express myself creatively. I no longer have the early morning solitude that I used to, with two demanding little ones around (who are very early risers) so it’s about grabbing the time that materialises during the day with both hands. I now have two mornings a week of childcare which I generally want to spend alone thinking/dreaming/creating/filling my cup! xx
Everything I create is in snatched moments of time, so I can relate to that feeling of having less opportunity for solitude while also craving more of it! Even if it’s 10 minutes to write in my journal, or 5 minutes to play with an idea, I need that time in order to feel like me 💛
Yes you’re right and it is important to take the snatched moments as sometimes I will not do something if I feel I won’t have enough time but a little is definitely better than nothing at all! xx
I have so little solitude at the moment, but 15 minutes in the bath before the baby and my big boy invade feels glorious! Also Hannah I think we have a major music connection!
I can really relate to the innate need for solitude. I homeschool our two daughters and am very rarely alone in our house so that hour in the morning before everyone gets up is absolute gold to me. Although someone needs to have a word with the cat and dog because they seem to think it’s time I should spend cuddling them instead 😅
Oh we have a cat who expects attention as soon as I have a moment to myself too! What do you tend to do with that hour when the cat and dog aren’t at your feet? I can only imagine how important it is to you. I have so much respect for homeschoolers 💛
It depends on the day really but usually I just enjoy sitting with a cup of tea, catching up on SubStacks or reading a book, and watching the sun rise. I often wish I was doing something more productive with the hour but I find the calm start helps to prepare me for the busy day of pretending to be a teacher 🙈😅
Such a lovely read to learn more about Hannah's journey. I love the question; to me, solitude has always been a natural part of who I am. Adapting to new cultures, learning new languages, and living in foreign countries has created a gap between me and everyone around me.
So, making things and being creative with my hands became my way of finding connections and feeling comfortable in these new situations. I've always enjoyed long-distance running and wild swimming while growing up, though I still play team sports occasionally. I also loved solo traveling in my early twenties but also having short chats with strangers when I needed it. Journaling and sketching served as a creative outlet, just like designing and making clothes did back then.
Today, I still live in a foreign country and we’re travelling in our van for a week (on the road as I write). Yesterday, after spending three hours in a small village, the culture and noise were enough for us. Now, we're driving to a very isolated spot on the coast, where I'll either be looking for shells on the beach, taking photos of flowers, or painting in my sketchbook 🌻
Really interesting read, and I’ve enjoyed following Hannah’s journey as we’ve both taken a very similar path in recent months.
I gain my solitude either by walking the dogs, a great way to start the day, or by running, which I know for many may not be considered as solitude, however for me it gives me time to think, pounding the streets, switching off from what’s going on around me, and is often where I come up with some of my best ideas 🤎
I used to be a runner and can totally resonate with the way it gives you time and space to think. There’s something about the rhythm of it, maybe? I miss it!
I read these words anf they are a comfort, because I feel exactly the same. 🤍
The time by myself has become exciting and full of creativity and calm. I have also thought about finding a job that only occupies 30hrs a week, over the regular 37,5hrs.
My solitude comes when my partner has work during week ends, during his solitude hours where he does things in his shed or fixes his boat, which I sometimes help him with, but we also enjoy to have these things apart, and tell each other what we have created. I also enjoy to have solutide on the my train rides. I’m yet to make a routine for it to be daily, but it will come naturally I believe.
My creativity envolves writing my journal, crochetting, making small designy things, tending to my poetry, making small lists, meditating, or doing something seasonal, like making things for christmas at the moment, so I don’t have to rush. It’s really a time to make my own magic. ✨
Hi Nadja,
I’m so pleased these words were a comfort to you. Stepping down my hours to be more creative has been a revelation for me. I would recommend it, if it’s something you feel you can make work financially.
I love your words ‘it’s time to make my own magic’ ✨Keep making magic!
I think it will be part of my ‘work wish’ list ✨ Thank you and you too. 🤍
Such a thoughtful response, Nadja. Thanks for sharing. You know how much I love your poetry so, to echo Hannah, keep up with the magic making 💫
That is so kind of you, and so lovely and valuable to hear, Sarah! Thank you. ✨
Ahhh solitude is medicine... I used to be so fearful of it... but over the last ten years... and especially in the last 4 since becoming a Mother... it’s essential. Xx
I can resonate so deeply with this. I used to struggle to be in my own company but genuinely crave it now. So important for our emotional health as well as our creativity 💛
Yes! So so much value in it I can now see!
That's so interesting that you used to fear solitude and are now in need of it! Our needs change as we go through our lives and perhaps we learn to feel more comfortable with situations that once felt challenging? Thanks for sharing Lauren!
Absolutely! I was afraid of meeting myself on the quiet when I was younger but now I just long to be with myself!!!!! Xx
I relate to all of this! I'm an early riser too. I journal and try to get an hour of writing in before the house gets into motion.
I'm finding it harder to get out of bed early the past couple of weeks because it's so dark. Here in the UK the clocks change by an hour soon so we will have lighter mornings again for a little while. Your hour of writing sounds blissful, Maria!
Thanks for reading and sharing, Maria!
I’ve tried to be a morning person but it’s a habit I just can’t crack. The idea of a regular hour of me time before everyone wakes appeals but if it does happen it’s usually by accident!
Such a lovely read Sarah and Hannah, thank you! It was great to hear more about you Hannah and I absolutely identify with the need for solitude. I seem to crave it more and more as I get older, as I have less of it and as I have more desire to express myself creatively. I no longer have the early morning solitude that I used to, with two demanding little ones around (who are very early risers) so it’s about grabbing the time that materialises during the day with both hands. I now have two mornings a week of childcare which I generally want to spend alone thinking/dreaming/creating/filling my cup! xx
Everything I create is in snatched moments of time, so I can relate to that feeling of having less opportunity for solitude while also craving more of it! Even if it’s 10 minutes to write in my journal, or 5 minutes to play with an idea, I need that time in order to feel like me 💛
Yes you’re right and it is important to take the snatched moments as sometimes I will not do something if I feel I won’t have enough time but a little is definitely better than nothing at all! xx
Love to hear your perspective and journey on becoming a multi-hyphenate Hannah!
Thanks Reid!
I have so little solitude at the moment, but 15 minutes in the bath before the baby and my big boy invade feels glorious! Also Hannah I think we have a major music connection!
I'm grabbing lots of micro moments here and there too. And yes, I think you and Hannah have a lot in common!
Every little bit of time is precious; enjoy those 15 minutes! Ah yes, I think we do 🎼
I can really relate to the innate need for solitude. I homeschool our two daughters and am very rarely alone in our house so that hour in the morning before everyone gets up is absolute gold to me. Although someone needs to have a word with the cat and dog because they seem to think it’s time I should spend cuddling them instead 😅
Oh we have a cat who expects attention as soon as I have a moment to myself too! What do you tend to do with that hour when the cat and dog aren’t at your feet? I can only imagine how important it is to you. I have so much respect for homeschoolers 💛
It depends on the day really but usually I just enjoy sitting with a cup of tea, catching up on SubStacks or reading a book, and watching the sun rise. I often wish I was doing something more productive with the hour but I find the calm start helps to prepare me for the busy day of pretending to be a teacher 🙈😅
That sounds like the perfect way to fill your cup!
Early morning solitude is the best. The day holds so much promise and possibility at that time ✨
Such a lovely read to learn more about Hannah's journey. I love the question; to me, solitude has always been a natural part of who I am. Adapting to new cultures, learning new languages, and living in foreign countries has created a gap between me and everyone around me.
So, making things and being creative with my hands became my way of finding connections and feeling comfortable in these new situations. I've always enjoyed long-distance running and wild swimming while growing up, though I still play team sports occasionally. I also loved solo traveling in my early twenties but also having short chats with strangers when I needed it. Journaling and sketching served as a creative outlet, just like designing and making clothes did back then.
Today, I still live in a foreign country and we’re travelling in our van for a week (on the road as I write). Yesterday, after spending three hours in a small village, the culture and noise were enough for us. Now, we're driving to a very isolated spot on the coast, where I'll either be looking for shells on the beach, taking photos of flowers, or painting in my sketchbook 🌻
This sounds so dreamy, Susan. Solitude really does seem to be woven into the fabric of who you are ✨
Solo travel is something I’d like to try. I haven’t done it for years but I think I’d really appreciate it now.
Your trip sounds wonderful, Susan! 🧡
Really interesting read, and I’ve enjoyed following Hannah’s journey as we’ve both taken a very similar path in recent months.
I gain my solitude either by walking the dogs, a great way to start the day, or by running, which I know for many may not be considered as solitude, however for me it gives me time to think, pounding the streets, switching off from what’s going on around me, and is often where I come up with some of my best ideas 🤎
Exercise is such a good way to gain solitude. I love to walk or cycle (occasionally run 🥵) to get some headspace
I used to be a runner and can totally resonate with the way it gives you time and space to think. There’s something about the rhythm of it, maybe? I miss it!