Singles: Be happy! Quit feeling low. You may be ‘alone’ but you don’t have to be ‘lonely.’ Your being ‘solo’ doesn’t have to be ‘so low.’ Especially this Christmas season.
Last Sunday, we talked about ‘Being Single is Not Equal to Being Sad.’ We will continue to speak about this topic because it is in this season that, unfortunately, singles become sadder and worse, become bitter.
Hear this declaration and own it: Happiness does not depend on your civil or Facebook status. You may be happily married (or happy in a relationship) or happily being single. Stop making it complicated. It’s that simple!
Hear me out: instead of looking at this season as an ‘off’ (slack, sad, low) season, why not look at it as a ‘peak’ season.
Take a look at your calendar today. It is empty! Why not fill it up with activities that will help you grow and contribute? Is there a course or a class that you want to take? Is there a hobby that you want to pursue? Do you want to write a book or compose a song? Do you want to volunteer your time in charity work or ministry? You have the time. You have the days. Fill it with joyful and meaningful activities.
Take a look at your wallet today. It is full! (Hopefully! J ) Why not start saving and investing? Why not start preparing yourself financially – select that right insurance and investment vehicle for you? Invest financially and in yourself. Invest in seminars or conferences. Invest in your personal growth (e.g. public speaking with Toastmasters, see www.toastmasters.org). Invest in your financial growth with spiritual guidance (e.g. with Bo Sanchez’s Truly Rich Club, see www.chrisdaoanis.trulyrichclub.com).
Take a look at your hands today. It is free! Look around. Find a problem and provide a solution. Help solve a problem. Is there a challenge at work that you can help address? Is there a ‘crisis’ in the community that you can help alleviate? Is there a passion you want to pursue? Is there an obsession you can turn into an opportunity to serve? Is there a business you want to build? Do it. Now.
Yes, your single season can be your peak season because you have relatively less responsibilities which means you can accept more. You can do more. You can produce more.
And the beautiful thing is that as you do any of these suggestions, you will also have the chance to meet people. To make friends. To expand your network. To have a wider perspective. To gain more experience. To develop yourself. To hone your character. As you do all these things, you might also meet the one who can serve the world with you, be with you, and grow old with you.
However, do not make this your main reason, or you might get disappointed. Serve not for the purpose of seeking (the one), serve for the purpose of serving. But do not refuse or deny it (meeting someone) when it happens. Be open and welcome it when it does happen.
So, let me repeat – Singles: Be happy! Quit feeling low. You may be ‘alone’ but you don’t have to be ‘lonely.’ Your being ‘solo’ doesn’t have to be ‘so low.’ This season of being single can be your peak season. Take advantage of it. Grow. And be joyful!
(Chris Dao-anis, CPA, DTM is a trainer and speaker on public speaking and leadership. His latest book ‘Living Large in the Little Things’ is available at Mt. Cloud Bookshop, Casa Vallejo, Upper Session Road, Baguio City. For talks and trainings, email him at chrisdaoanis@gmail.com.)