Finding Sanity in Solitude

  • Posted on: 18 June 2021

The year 2019 was an absolutely favouring time for me. My journey as a student had just begun, it was a great feeling to finally be part of a prestigious University such as NUST. The year was filled with new experiences, faces and most importantly, added knowledge. It was truly the ‘university experience’ I had yearned for. The following year, which was my second year, I was hopeful it would be better and offer even more, but it turned out to be less of the norm. On March 13th 2020, Namibia reported its first positive Coronavirus case, and it left everyone in limbo, including myself.

The experience I once wanted so much was halted as the whole country went into lockdown. This was for a time span of nearly three months, which was not ideal for a productive student, as myself. My classes were now being offered online, which was new and hard to adjusting to. Communication was now moving into a more digital era and it was not easy at all as I found it hard to get by and being unable to maximise my full potential in the way that I intended, in the beginning of my journey.

During this confusing time, being alone was now a state of comfortability. One needed to keep themselves busy in every possible way to avoid going into a depressive mode amidst the global pandemic. I began picking up on creative ways to stay sane such as drawing, dancing, and sewing, since they were things I never had time to do, but finally got into. Sometimes I would virtually reach out to my friends and family. It was not the same, yet we reconnected and it helped fill the void. Other times I would just go outside and sit in the sun. I missed going to places, since we were not allowed any movement into the country.

Being in solitude has personally been beneficial to me, as it gave me time to rejuvenate and reflect on my life. I believe learning to be alone is something everyone needs to master as it gives one a broader perspective on their journey and finding oneself. Being in solitude is all-in-all not a bad thing. It builds character and understanding of life in various ways. This experience gave me more than just time to spare, but an outlook on my world in a more detailed way.

Author: 
Malilo Limbo