"That's Your Superpower" by Elena Goodrow

When I originally sat down to write this post I intended to write about my birthday trip to Nashville, TN this past weekend, but someone told me something this morning that I couldn’t get out of my head. It was a comment made by my server at a local cafe and it really struck a chord with me. Don’t worry though, I will still update you all about my birthday trip.

This morning I went to school to take my anatomy and physiology test, and on test days we don’t have as much coursework or lab time. I got out of school much earlier than usual, so I decided to stop by my favorite breakfast place. It’s a local cafe that serves delicious breakfast sandwiches on an everything bagel flavored sourdough loaf… it’s just as scrumptious as it sounds. I had a long list of errands looming over me, so what better way to start my day than with a good breakfast? The server had lots of Southern small town charm, chatting up the locals about how their Great Grandmas were best friends back in the day. When she stopped by my table to refill my water, she gave me a look that was full of admiration. She said, “I love that you’re taking yourself out for breakfast. Young women doing stuff on their own? That’s a superpower, my dear.” I was thrown off at first, most servers in this small rural town tell me that I shouldn’t have so many tattoos or give me rude looks when I’m holding my girlfriend’s hand. That wasn’t the case this time. I’ve always felt comfortable going out and doing things for myself, but I hadn’t thought of it as a superpower before. After I ate and began to leave she shouted after me, “Keep using that superpower!” The rest of the day I’ve been thinking about the power of solitude.

It is inevitable that we will be alone at times. Those times can be during the day when you’re home and your family is out at work, or at night before you go to sleep. Even if you live with your family, roommates, or a partner, there will always be moments where your only company is yourself. Being comfortable during these moments can be hard. I know I can easily get lost in my thoughts, and before I know it I’m having an anxious spiral. I’ve worked hard to prevent this, as I don’t want every time I’m alone to lead to an anxiety attack. Now I’ve grown to love the time I have with myself. I enjoy cleaning my space, cooking new recipes for myself, taking a walk, writing for this blog, singing, or making something. I always look forward to when I get to see my girlfriend again, or when my family gets home from work and school. Until then, I can thrive in solitude. I think that is definitely a superpower. 

Finding power in being with yourself doesn’t mean isolating yourself from others. Surrounding yourself with loving people is a superpower too! Moments of solitude and moments of social interaction can coexist in one’s life, each holding something special. I got to spend lots of time with my family this weekend on my birthday trip to Nashville, each moment was so special. (How’s that for a random segue?)

I turned 21 years old last week, and I wanted to go to Nashville to celebrate. Not only does Nashville have an endless number of bars to enjoy my first legal drinks at, but it’s also home to Taylor Swift related attractions. Taylor Swift has always been a huge inspiration for me, she is one of the main reasons I got into music and singing. I got to see The Bluebird Cafe where she was discovered at 14 years old. I went to her favorite coffee shop, sat on her reading bench at her favorite park, and got to see old concert outfits and guitars at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Besides the Taylor Swift themed sight-seeing, I also explored Downtown Nashville and got to see many types of bars. My favorites were The Lipstick Lounge and the Greenhouse Bar. The Lipstick Lounge is a lesbian bar that hosts local queer musicians and does karaoke, and it was such a welcoming fun experience. The Greenhouse Bar is a literal greenhouse full of plants with a big bar down the middle, you sit on mushroom stools inside the trees while you enjoy a floral cocktail. I loved sharing the excitement of this birthday trip with my parents and my girlfriend, I will hold onto these memories forever!

After all the fun in Nashville, now I sit alone writing and cleaning for the day. I’m soaking up the alone time after a busy weekend, finding peace in the solitude. How do you channel your superpower of solitude?