Check out my progress on Solitary Pursuits
While I thoroughly enjoy spending time with my friends and family, as an introvert, I’ve discovered that I often must balance my time spent socializing with the time devoted to more solitary pursuits. As my dad would say, I need time to “re-charge my social battery.”
For example, this weekend in itself was a demonstration of said balancing. I spent much of the past few days partying it up at the lake with my family:
However, there were also a few moments I reserved for myself:
A nature walk by the lakeside
A puzzle made and sent to me by Seth
What kind of “solitary pursuits” do you partake in to maintain your well-being?
Perhaps the solitary pursuit I partake in most often is cooking. Take a look at what’s been rolling out of my kitchen since Friday…
Saturday
After an exhilarating run yesterday morning, I returned home hungry for a savory breakfast. After a little rummaging through the refrigerator, I came up with an Italian-inspired breakfast pita.
Between a visit to the farmers’ market and a long boat ride, I managed to squeeze in a quick lunch.
I was anxious to use some of my farmers’ market eggplant, so I made a simple ratatouille for dinner.
Sunday
For breakfast this morning, I made a variation on my Tofu-Banana French Toast by making them into sticks and dipping them into a maple syrup-almond butter sauce.
Before heading home, I had another hummus-centric meal.
When I returned home I became quite immersed in completing Seth’s puzzle, and before I knew it, dinner time had arrived. Accordingly, I put together a simple salad. Love this Annie’s dressing!
In honor of National Ice Cream Day, my parents and I made a return to Yogurt Mountain. Fro-yo craving finally satisfied.
Don’t forget to enter my cookbook giveaway before tomorrow at 8PM! Good night.
Filed under: Meals
Caroline Yoder, dietitian-to-be and all-around foodie.
I didn’t used to EVER need solitary time. I loved being around people at all times. I don’t know if it was growing up or Duke or what but now if I don’t have a few hours to myself my brain starts to go into overdrive and I get a little weird.
Your french toast sticks remind me of this kitchen gadget I saw at Bed Bath and Beyond that you could press onto toast and it sliced into 4 pieces…..OR you could just cut it yourself haha. Needless to say I didn’t buy it
Yup, I love having “me” time! There are those instances where I just want some time alone, doing things by myself. I would call myself an introvert too.
I was just looking at your tofu-banana french toast recipe and it looks so simple and delicious! I really wanna try it when I get back home. And I find it so cute that your boy sends you puzzles
You’ve got it sussed m’dear. Life is all about balance. I am definitely inclined to be solitary but I know it’s important for my wellbeing to be spend time with others so I deal with that by taking plenty of time for myself so its not so overwhelming and more enjoyable
I can do anything on my own- walking is a great one, just me and my thoughts…
That tofu, banana french toast is definitely a must-try for me.
Love xx
You and Greta are true beauties
and your eats look fabulous as usual – so inspiring!
xoxo Mel
Glad you had a fun trip and managed some time for yourself! While I love being with people, I always need some “me” time.
I’m the same way. I’ll spend a day or two with friends and then need some time to recharge by myself. I usually do so by just having a nice meal by myself, go spend time with my horse, or whatever else that’s just relaxing.
I’ve definitely become more of an introvert over the years, but for some reason, I don’t mind being around my family–it’s a lot more relaxing than being with peers. Perhaps it’s because I’m so comfortable with them and know that they can respect my need to read a book and have quiet time??
I am very much an introvert and love moments by myself to recharge my social battery. My job requires me to be more of an extrovert so I find my nights and weeks tend to be on the quiet side – I love to cook and run as well!
amen sista! i’ve been spending UBER time with the family and sometimes it’s nice to just get your own r&r on and get in some “me (or you haha)” time!
although i do love me a good tubing ride
HOW FUN!!!! I was to go to a lake for a weekend getaway!! And fro yo is my addiction lately
I am extremely introverted.
I love me some solitude. When I need to recharge, I like to read an old favorite, play piano, write in my journal, or go for a walk while listening to movie soundtracks.
After seeing the various meals in this post, I am quite inspired to make something similar!
I love having time to myself to like you say, “recharge my batteries”. Whether i’m simply watching a dvd, or away out for a nice walk, i sometimes only need my own company! I really like going for a walk in the rain, but only if i have an umberella and it’s not windy rain! Eugh!!!
Some yummmmy looking foods. I can totally relate on the jigsaw thing! A cuople of weeks ago i was trying to do a 5000 peice jigsaw and i’d only got about thew a fifth of it in 3 hours..the time whizzed by!!! xx
I’m the same way. If I get too much time around people I start tuning everyone out. It is not on purpose; my brain needs a rest from all the talking.
It looks like you had a great time at the lake. Hopefully you didn’t lose your swim suit or are sore today.
I love alone time. I need it. I usually go for walks, runs and definitely cook/bake. I thinking baking is the best stress reliever. The lake looks so so beautiful. And I always enjoy seeing the different hummus sandwiches you come up with. Good luck with the apartment hunt and enjoy your time with the man <3