Why I Thrive in Solitude

A Path to Authenticity

In solitude, I can become my true and authentic self. The path less traveled is where I feel most comfortable, away from the distractions of society. The noise and chatter of other people often pull me away from my core, but when I’m alone in nature, I find clarity. The outskirts of the city, the open spaces, and the quiet forests offer a peace that allows me to fully engage with who I am.

Early Lessons from Nature

From a young age, I was drawn to nature. The Wissachn forest in my backyard became my playground, where I built teepees with sticks, climbed trees, explored caves, and created my own adventures. Indoors, I spent time alone with toy warriors, crafting stories and battles in my mind. Even then, I found strength in solitude. This independence, cultivated through hours of playing alone, gave me a foundation of self-reliance and creativity that has carried me through life.

Reflection and Mortality

Solitude allows me to reflect deeply on life and mortality. Each moment of quiet offers a space to contemplate the bigger questions: Why are we here? How do we spend our time wisely? Ancient texts, like the Bible and Greek philosophy, have guided my reflections. These timeless pieces of wisdom have stood the test of time, offering insights that are often lost in the noise of modern media.

I find these texts offer more value than most things society tells us to focus on today. The pursuit of fame, wealth, and superficial status fades in comparison to the timeless lessons found in these works. Mortality reminds us that life is fleeting, and it pushes me to focus on what truly matters.

The Importance of Religion and Community

Religion once held communities together, providing shared morals and purpose. Today, we often replace religion with bureaucracy or shallow ideologies. I’ve seen firsthand the power of faith in uniting people, especially during my time in Jericho, where I prayed in a mosque with brothers, and in Zambia, where the village came together around stories of Jesus.

These experiences taught me the importance of striving to become the best version of ourselves. When we live with purpose, grounded in something larger than ourselves, we create stronger communities. Treating others as we would like to be treated, as Jesus taught, is a principle that has the power to change the world, starting with our immediate environment.

Health and Self-Sufficiency

Solitude also allows me to focus on what truly matters: health and self-sufficiency. My time in the Peace Corps in Zambia taught me how to live with less and rely on myself. From slaughtering goats and plucking chickens by hand to drawing water from a well, I learned the value of physical labor and the rewards of self-reliance.

In contrast, modern life often pushes us to chase material wealth—cars, vacations, and status symbols that ultimately hold little value. True wealth lies in health, the ability to move freely, walk upright, and enjoy the outdoors. It’s in these simple yet meaningful aspects of life that I find purpose and satisfaction.

Finding Peace in Nature

By distancing myself from society’s distractions, I’ve aligned with nature and found peace in simplicity. Whether it’s through photography, exploration, or simply walking through the woods, the solitude I find in nature allows me to thrive. I’ve finally found my place, standing tall amidst the ruins of modernity, and embracing a life that is rooted in purpose, health, and peace.