Hunter S. Thompson // "We are all alone, born alone, die alone, and...in spite of true romance magazines...we shall all someday look back on our lives and see that, in spite of our company, we were alone the whole way. I do not say lonely...at least, not all the time...but essentially, and finally, alone. This is what makes your self-respect so important, and I don't see how you can respect yourself if you must look in the hearts and minds of others for your happiness."
I was born alone, expelled from my mother's body into a midwife’s arms. I grew up alone: parents and people watching, interacting. I discovered myself alone, in my own head. I found my spirituality, alone. I control who I am and evaluate myself, alone. I am alone, and it will always be that way.
In that, I take comfort; in knowing how organic it is to be alone. Alone, in the sanctuary of my mind, safely tucked away. Yet, I still find people to be beautiful and enjoy being with others. However, I don’t look into them and expect to find myself. I believe in true love. Still, I don’t expect others to gift me peace of mind and clarity.
I don’t believe in other halves. If I did, my partner would need me to be complete, need me to be their other half. Although that would be good for my ego, it’s just not right. My partner is enough, alone. In their own sanctuary, thinking their own thoughts and feeling their own ways. I believe in other wholes. Two whole people, becoming two whole people together.
But “true romance magazines” promote the opposite. They sell us the clichéd idea that we’re not truly ourselves till we meet the love of our life. Bundled in is the notion that we’re just not good enough alone. Some of us believe this propaganda. Some of us, even promote it.
I know many, who look to others to feel complete and adequate. People who don't fully respect themselves. Don’t recognize themselves as whole.
Reject this. Instead, rejoice in the realization of being alone. When fully took to heart, it is intensely liberating.
