The Tig Archives

The Art of Independence

The Tig - 9th September 2016

I was about 20 years old when I was first saw a movie in the theater by myself. It was "Forces of Nature" with Sandra Bullock. And there I was, tucked away in the quiet (and now defunct) Fairfax Theater in my hometown of LA, watching a movie about natural disasters and feeling something being unearthed within myself. It was scary and unfamiliar, yet grounding and absolutely invigorating. And from an optics perspective it seems so silly – because you're simply watching a movie by yourself (as we often do at home) – but to experience this in public unnerved me, which is why I had to do it. To laugh loudly and unapologetically alone while in public. To simply be. With that said, there are so many important things you should do for yourself – to flex your independence and allow yourself the opportunity for greater growth. After all, they say happiness begins with self-love. And enjoying your own company is the very best start for that adventure. Here are the things we suggest you check off of your self-care bucket list:

See a movie alone. This can feel oddly intimidating at first, but once you realize that you have the freedom to see absolutely anything (and not have to share the popcorn, at that), a solo movie trip can be totally liberating. That embarrassing rom com you've been eyeing? An indy documentary that intrigues you? Go for it. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the quality time with your favorite person (you!).

Take yourself out to dinner. Sure, you can use the buffer of a book or a phone and happily sit at the bar if it makes you more comfortable – but take yourself out. And be not afraid of what people think of you. Eat your meal mindfully (i.e. please don't shovel it into your mouth so you can race home to your comfort zone). Enjoy the date with yourself. We find sitting at that bar for a meal helps with the first attempt – and you'll meet some fun people there as well.

Buy yourself flowers. I do this every week. There's just nothing like the smell of fresh flowers and the life they can bring into your space. And the act of buying them always feels like a fun "treat yourself" moment. That said, it doesn't even have to be flowers, per se. Whatever little thing that makes you feel adored; do it for yourself. Weekly.

Take yourself on vacation. A tough one. At least for us it is. Sitting over lunch with Dan from The Tig Team, we are reminiscing on his solo trip to Cape Town many moons ago and my recent jaunt to Oxfordshire solo. It's not easy. But it's important. To be present and to power through the feelings that waffle through your head and heart of loneliness and boredom. Let that stuff go. Enjoy it alone. You deserve it.