1 . Ways to Embrace Solitude (独处)

For many, being alone is something they shy away from because it’s like loneliness. But loneliness and solitude are not the same.    1    . The latter offers a chance to direct attention to self-care and self-discovery without outside influences or expectations from others. It sharpens your concentration and helps you focus on your tasks and also boosts your creativity regularly.

Psychologists even consider solitude as important as relationships and view the ability to be alone as a sign of healthy emotional development.    2    , just as people learn social skills to guide themselves in the world of relationships successfully. And some specific strategies may make it a constructive, enjoyable experience.

Enjoy solitary activities

People who enjoy solitude find satisfaction and meaning when getting absorbed in a hobby, reading for pleasure, or getting out in nature. They rarely experience boredom when they’re alone and genuinely enjoy themselves while doing something interesting.

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In solitude, buried feelings, memories, or problems can surface. Rather than avoid being discouraged by them, you can learn to engage in the regulation with curiosity, using the private time to explore your feelings without judgment. Accepting and expressing them safely helps you self-regulate and release stress.

Be self-reflective

People who enjoy solitude are willing to self-reflect.    4    , reflecting on their values, or considering the bigger picture. Instead of going round about situations you can’t control, self-reflection invites self- awareness, bringing you closer to insight about who you are.

Know when to exit solitude

    5    , if you begin to feel lonely or your thoughts turn to self-harm. It is equally important to know when it’s time to leave solitude and seek the company of others.

2 . Last Saturday, when I cleaned up my house, I found a box simply marked “Nick”. I felt excited upon seeing the _________ of my eldest son, who now lives far away. _________, I spent hours looking through the box and I _________ an envelope, which said “For Nick to read when he is grown”. I have a tradition of writing_________ to my kids at different times in their lives. This _________ letter was dated Mother’s Day fifteen years ago, when he was in kindergarten (幼儿园). And _________ it brought back memories of a day when I _________ what a truly selfless and kind child I had.

You gave me the best _________ I’ve ever received today! I know you have been saving money for weeks to buy the _________ you wanted for a long time. Yesterday you ____________ me to take you to a nearby store. You ____________ me as I looked at things, and ____________ I liked something, you would ask how much it cost. I liked a lovely little teddy bear a lot. You ____________ that you loved it too and ____________ the bear all by yourself. Then you said you were ____________ because you had no ____________ to buy me a present and would just make me something for Mother’s Day. This morning you woke me up with a package. You were so ____________ and excited! There inside was the little bear. You ____________ your toy for me!

You are truly ____________ and I am honored to be your mom.

Love,

Mom

I smiled as I read the letter and I ____________ it to Nick. I hope reading it will make him remember how cute he has been and how happy I feel to be his mother.