In the journey of life, everyone inevitably experiences moments of solitude. We all yearn for companionship and often feel lonely during these times. However, as one grows older, a realization unfolds – the happiness discovered in solitude is the key to happiness in moments spent with others. Reflecting on my experiences during the second semester of last year living in Seoul, I encountered a significant sense of loneliness. Unlike my house back home with family, always bustling with people, living in Seoul exposed me to more moments of being alone. I would always be eating alone, studying alone, and spending time all by myself. These times made me feel somewhat detached from the world. Yet, as this period passed by, I discovered ways to embrace the loneliness and eventually found joy within it. I would like to share with the readers the joy I found being alone.

In the tranquility of being alone, I had the opportunity for deep introspection. From trivial questions such as what to have for dinner, to profound contemplations about the direction of my life, my thoughts spanned a wide spectrum. This contemplative process ultimately revealed aspects of my personality and clarified how I wanted to live. It provided me with a chance to organize my thoughts without external influence. Keeping a diary was immensely helpful during this period, helping not only in organizing my thoughts but also leaving a record for future reflection. Also, with the increased time alone, I found myself able to concentrate on personal passions. Although I always enjoyed drawing, the demands of university life often limited my time for it. However, with more solitary moments, I could dedicate time to rediscover my love for drawing. Embracing solitude allowed me to engage in activities I had longed to pursue, fostering a sense of concentration and immersion in my own interests.

In conclusion, genuine self-discovery often requires moments of solitude. If you find that you are being alone right now, there is no need to worry. I hope that you can transform your current solitude into an opportunity for self-reflection and enjoyment.