Let it be so.

"Solitude is the garden for our hearts, which yearn for love. It is the place where our aloneness can bear fruit. It is the home for our restless bodies and anxious minds. Solitude, whether it is connected with a physical space or not, is essential for our spiritual lives. It is not an easy place to be, since we are so insecure and fearful that we are easily distracted by whatever promises immediate satisfaction. Solitude is not immediately satisfying, because in solitude we meet our demons, our addictions, our feelings of lust and anger, and our immense need for recognition and approval. But if we do not run away, we will meet there also the One who says, "Do not be afraid. I am with you, and I will guide you through the valley of darkness." Let's keep returning to our solitude." (Henri Nouwen)

Henri Nouwen is brilliant. But here, is not telling me something I haven't heard, he is telling me something I need to hear every day. I need to hear it maybe more than others because I scored as an 'E' on the Myers-Brigg test, for extrovert. I get my energy from people: a great thing, but not when solitude is ignored.

I will say 'yes' to solitude and 'no' to people more often. This is something I have been trying for 3 years and it does not come easily, but when I take care of myself first, I can take care of those around me better.

Let it be so.