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In a world that often celebrates the hustle and bustle of social interactions and the constant need to be surrounded by others, choosing to be alone can sometimes be seen as a sign of weakness or failure. Yet, the truth is that it takes an immense amount of strength to embrace solitude, especially when the alternative is to be poorly surrounded. This sentiment resonates deeply with me, as my life has been a testament to the power and necessity of being alone.

Embracing Solitude Amidst Loss and Grief

My journey through life has been punctuated by profound losses that left me feeling isolated and alone. The death of my middle brother to cancer when he was just 17, my father’s mysterious death at 18, and my mother’s passing from cancer when I was 19, all during critical years of my life, thrust me into a solitary existence. Each loss was a stark reminder that sometimes, the only person we can truly rely on is ourselves.

Despite the loneliness that came with these losses, I found a certain strength in solitude. It was in these quiet moments of reflection and grief that I began to understand the depth of my resilience. I learned to find peace in my own company and to draw strength from within, rather than relying on external validation or support.

Navigating Life’s Challenges Alone

My life continued to present challenges that tested my strength. A troubled marriage that ended in adultery, my time in prison, and two suicide attempts were all chapters that forced me to confront the harsh realities of being alone. Yet, each of these experiences also taught me invaluable lessons about self-reliance and inner strength.

During my incarceration, I had to navigate a world that was harsh and unforgiving. Being alone in such an environment was daunting, but it also pushed me to dig deeper within myself to find the courage and resilience needed to survive. It was during this time that I began to truly appreciate the power of being alone, not as a state of isolation, but as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

The Power of Solitude in Personal and Professional Growth

As I rebuilt my life after prison, I embraced the lessons learned from my time in solitude. My work with Persevere, where I support individuals with lived experiences and trauma, has been profoundly influenced by my own journey. I understand the importance of creating a supportive environment, but I also recognize that true strength often comes from within.

Managing a team with diverse backgrounds and experiences requires a delicate balance. I strive to protect my staff and their workload, ensuring they have the space and support to thrive. At the same time, I encourage them to find their own strength and resilience, much like I did during my solitary moments.

Sharing My Story to Inspire Others

Today, I am dedicated to sharing my story to help others overcome grief and find their own strength in solitude. Through devotionals and self-help books, I aim to provide the tools and encouragement needed to embrace the power of being alone.

In a society that often undervalues solitude, I hope to shift the narrative. Being alone is not a sign of weakness, but a testament to one’s strength and resilience. It is in these moments of solitude that we can truly connect with ourselves, find our inner strength, and emerge stronger than ever.

Conclusion

The amount of strength it takes to be alone instead of poorly surrounded is indeed extremely underrated. My life has been a journey of discovering this strength, and I am committed to helping others find it within themselves. Whether through personal loss, professional challenges, or the quiet moments of reflection, solitude has been my greatest teacher, showing me that true strength comes from within.