Growing up, I spent a great deal of time alone and became very attuned to my spirit. We coexisted in this habitat called the human body, and we spent a LOT of time together…that is to say, the three of us. Me, myself and I.

Through the many years that I have lived, I have had to navigate around communities of people for reasons of school, work, children, husbands career, as well as life events that always brought us into the company of other people. Yes, I do like people, but not in large gatherings. I prefer them one on one because the intimacy of two people visiting together gives me the sense that our communication matters so much more than just sitting in a room listening and contributing to inconsequential chatter. Oh how I hate the feeling of having to change who I am to “fit in” to any particular group.

As I have aged, I have given myself permission to be my authentic self, however that may present itself.. I like being one with nature for it frees up my soul to coexist with other living parts of Gods creation. No audible words are needed. It is soul enriching to just see and BE a part of it. When I do this type of living, I revert back to my comfortable company of three. Me, myself and I.

Perhaps this is why I am a writer. I like putting my thoughts down on paper to be read by myself at a later date. It is fun to revisit those thoughts from a different vantage point in my life. To write, one must be alone and yet I never “feel” alone because I am together with my thoughts and whatever brings them to mind.

Today, I am alone in my home and I see the sun sporadically peeking in through my windows. The fan is whirring softly as it rotates from left to right. The clock is ticking determinedly from the mantle, while the cuckoo chirps in the distance from our home office. The Grandfather clock also bongs its announcement of time. At some point I must have had a love affair with clocks for I have so many so of them. These are the only sounds I hear in my house today.

Sometimes, I have music playing from the speakers overhead, reflecting and echoing my mood for the day. I will sing along and let the sound fill my ears and wash over my soul with something that speaks to my feelings.

There are times I love to sink deep into our big old chair to read a book which takes me far away from here both in distance and lifestyle. As I turn the pages, I form a sort of friendship with the characters and the story fills my heart. A good movie can do the same.

I do enjoy people…just not a lot of people at one time. I love my husband and absolutely know God gifted me the blessing of this beautiful soul with whom I share my life. He and I are so much alike, we could easily close the door on the chaotic world beyond our family. Its nice to be with people who know us so well and who love us despite our flaws and imperfections.

Yet, we are drawn into the world, again and again, to try to make a positive impact and leave it a little better than how we found it. We know this is what God wants from us.

So, off I go now, into the rest of my day. I see a breeze ruffle the leaves of a small tree outside my window. The thermometer is warning me of the heat and humidity building up out there, so I must dress accordingly.

I am grateful for my quiet time in the cool interior of my home this morning by myself. My soul has been refreshed and I feel content and at peace.