In this new generation of social media influence, we can see a lot of people showing us the perfect way to enjoy life on screen. However both the influencers and us know that it is not as easy as it is to live like how we show or see on the screen. I actually admire everyone of them who can create content, shoot it, edit it and give us the perfect content. I applaud them. However, as an introvert myself, it is hard to follow the reels or posts and try to live even 1/3rd of it.
I used to save a lot of posts and reels in instagram or tiktok that I might do one day. It might be sightseeing , trying new cafes, trying new books, take instagram worthy photos, cute outfits etc,. But if you ask me if I have tried it? I would answer yes but definitely not to the dot. There were lot of times when I have tried going to places I saved as reference, but when I actually went there I didn’t like it. It was not my cup of tea. There were many a days where I was more frusrated than actually going to that said place.
When this happened continuously, I started to analyze why I’m feeling like this? Why can’t I enjoy going out alone as I see on the reels. (Mind that I always go out by myself). There has to be a pattern. So that’s when I got this thought. I’m someone who likes to do things that keeps me occupied. I don’t have artistic skills. So I’m never interested in pottery or painting classes. However I still don’t enjoy going to spots where I just need to sit idle and watch people pass by. That’s something I don’t enjoy doing it. But there are lots of people who prefer this. So instead of following the reels or posts to the dot, I started to take the inspiration and explore things on my own. This gave me a better satisfaction than the previous one.
So these are the below things that I actually did as someone who is a complete introvert and goes out by myself like 99% of the time. This is not a guide for a trip or tour. This is something to do in a day when you just want to go out.
1. Plan your outing in a way that you cover only one place in a day.
When we see a reel, we see that the host would have covered a list of things that can be done in and around of whatever place they have gone to. But in reality not everyone can do that. So from the list take one or two things that resonates with you. Or research for yourself and select one thing to do. Not 100. Maybe you are exploring a suburb. Try one or two shops that you really want to explore. Try one cafe and order what you like. Don’t rush to cover everything at a stretch.
2. Always carry book to read or write.
If you love reading, then just go to someplace you like and read about 10 pages. That’s it. Nothing else. No thinking about anything else. If you don’t like to read then watch a 20 min video you are interested in. After that, just try to take notes of the experience of reading or watching a show in a different environment. No need to record 100’s of lines. A simple sentence like “The ambience wass good to read. It made me calm”. That’s it. Now even after a year if you read this line, it will take you back to that exact moment of time. And I bet that memory will be more cherished than the record of rushing to explore lot of places.
3. Walk with yourself
When trying to wander the streets by yourself, try to make comments about whatever you see and say it to yourself. The humour you have might actually surprise you. I know this sounds crazy. But we are all humans. If you see a two friends or a couple walking in front of you, you are obviously going to wish you had come with someone as well. So instead of feeling sad for yourself, be your own friend and communicate with yourself.
4. Take lot of photos
I’m not someone who takes lot of photos. But I started to do that because I started to understand myself more when I try to pictures of something that amuses me. Don’t try to make it aesthetic. It’s not a photography competition. Take pics of foods, drinks, selfies as much as you want. But at the same time, try to capture things that spark you. No two person can have the same spark. But when you capture it, that rolls of photos might try to tell who you are.
5. Don’t punish yourself
If you have gone somewhere and you think that you are not enjoying, don’t think that it was a bad day or bad idea. Don’t punish by blaming yourself. Instead try to understand why you are not enjoying it. What is making you upset. If you can find it then try to resolve it. Or else just go back home and say that, you put yourself out and you inturn learnt what you dont like. That’s it simple.
All these things might seem simple or hopeless. But I bet any introvert who tried to enjoy life by themselves have gone through these. I’m just trying to see if this post can help atleast one person to go out and enjoy being by themselves.
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