Living alone? Here's what you need to know!

So guys, I'm finally here- in my first apartment, by myself. It's something I manifested for a loooonggggg time and it has definitely been a journey into self-discovery and though it's relatively new to me, I thought I'd share with  you (who may be just as eager to live on your own as I was) some of the things I've learned so far. But first, let me take you on a little journey to the past: 

picture me at 18, 19, 20 years old- I've lived with my family my entire life (and yes, I love and appreciate them) but those ages- the late teens and twenties- are intense periods of growth and feeling stifled, like you've outgrown your environment and like you can't live

in the same cycles that have grown on you like a second skin and there I was, feeling those things on an intense level. Like most, I started to dream of having my own place. How? I had no idea. I had no plan. I barely had any money. I was still in college and had no idea what working a full time job was like yet. But one thing I did know was that I was prepared to work my ass off, manifest and get it and thus a few years later, I'm here (gratefully so). I say that little anecdote to anyone who might be reading this who is perhaps going through similar fears and worries, if you work towards it, it'll happen.

But I digress, now back to the present: living alone for the first time is an experience like no other.​ You'll learn things about yourself that you didn't even know were bubbling under the surface and a lot of these things you'll learn through interactions and conversations with yourself. Unintentionally, it's normal that we absorb and slightly alter ourselves around other people's energy but think of it this way: when you're alone what energy can you become other than your own? You start to recognize and separate your thoughts, feelings, ideas and opinions. 

Likewise, you'll see yourself undoing (learning) cycles that you got used to doing in your previous environment without even thinking about it. For a really random example, I was wholly incapable of taking a shower before everyone in my house went to sleep, so much so that showering earlier in the day felt weird and unconscionable. Showering has always been my 'relax' time and so it went without thought that when I came out of that relax time, I didn't want to come out into a busy environment. But within a month of living alone, I randomly took a shower at 1pm and felt more comfortable than I ever thought possible.

Expectedly, it gets lonely until it doesn't. Humans are social creatures and especially if you're used to living with others being in your own energy for more time than you're used to can feel lonely and even isolating but it passes and if living alone is for you, the loneliness eventually morphs into a calmness that you can't live without again. You learn to love your own company and it is amazing! 

You'll start to figure out your own style... needless to say, once you get your own place, you're the one to decorate and design it in a way that meets your needs and style. I've made some interesting choices that I never thought I'd like in a home but give yourself some space (literally and figuratively) and more often than not, your creative streak soars!  Which brings me to my next point: 

Patience is a learned trait. I, for one, have struggled with patience my entire life! But when it comes to your own space, patience becomes a key factor in your daily life. Whether it's about getting something fixed, moved or even figuring out the design of the space, your patience will be tried and tested but usually the outcome is so so worth it. Don't fret, it all comes together! 

Budgeting becomes your best friend. It doesn't matter how much money you're making, when you live alone I truly believe you learn the difference between needs and wants (especially in this economy haha). And on that note...

You become super responsible. Think about it; if something needs to be bought, fixed, replaced etc. you'll be the one to get it! It seems worrisome at first but trust me when I tell you, you'll get the hang of it and it becomes easier. 

Lastly, this is less of something I've learned thus far (because I know there'll be plenty more to share with you) and moreso some advice but when you get into your own space, please romanticize and love the hell out of every single moment. For the first few weeks I didn't have a couch so I sat on the floor with a makeshift table and watched F.R.I.E.N.D.S off of my laptop. For the first few weeks, I didn't have any cookware. For the first month, I didn't have a television and so forth but I look back at those moments now and I love that it became part of my experience. And that's what it is. Living alone is an amazing experience- it's a time for you to grow in every way. 

Good luck! And please, if you have any first time living alone stories (or any helpful tips for me) to share, please comment below! 

Also, please enjoy some photos that bring me so much joy from the start of my 'living alone' adventure: