Solid Attitude

Loneliness is what gnaws at us when connections fail. But solo time is essential, can help us think clearly, breathe calmly, and even feel content.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/collections/201105/solitude-vs-loneliness

First of all, yes, I have been faithful to the dedicated half hour of working out in honor of Team SJR. Sometimes a walk is just a walk. No heavy revelations. Just exercise. I feel a half hour isn't nearly enough to accomplish my physical goals,which is all I have been doing, but I am on track with consistency. It is the the absolutemust each day. It's non-negotiable. Nothing to debate, ponder, or talk myself out of. It is a given, a constant. It just is and will be. I am committed to that half hour. No matter I am devoted to my girls for a half hour time slot. It's so little to ask when you are so precious to me.
Today, I walked outside in the cool fall breeze. I had no choice, but to do a mindful walk since I had no earbuds available. The leaves haven't changed yet and I was mindful of all the shades of green. I watched the wind make the leaves appear to be clapping their hands. My eye caught the mass of trees swaying at the tree tops. The wind made the trees look all manic, swaying and tossing to and fro. The trees looked at as if they were gossipping to each other and 'ruffling feathers' as they rustled around.
Then my eye took to one tree. It was the tallest of trees in the area, not particularly majestic, but it appear unmoved by the breeze. I wondered how that tree managed to stay out in the open, all alone, yet hardly moving when the other trees were being blown significantly. I noticed how large the trunk was. Thick and solid.
Thick and solid. The base of it was Thick. Solid. I realized there is something to solitude. Some strength it gives. This tree was not a busybody with the rest of the bunch. It wasn't going with the crowd. It just stood tall and strong and took in the sunlight, relaxed and calm. As if the wind of change was not going to rustle its leaves.
Being alone has always been equated with lonliness to me. But, I'm learning it doesn't have to be. Being alone is an opportunity for solitude. A time to build a strong 'solid attitude'.