How to be Alone

Survive being on your own by sitting on the sand and looking up to search for stars. Stop to appreciate unexpected fireworks. That's for you, a little piece of magic to bask in for yourself. Stare unabashedly at groups of people - lovers holding hands, friends in circles, ladies dancing in clubs. Don't rush through the crowd, be a proud spectator. Watch a poi show and appreciate the bravado it took for those poi dancers playing with flames, dancing to different beats, like Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" followed by Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance," literally playing with fire. Don't be such a freeloader, donate some loose change when those dancers pass the hat. Ignore strangers who comment on things other than talent. Approach the performers and get answers to questions you have about their dance routine.

Don't be afraid. Don't be scared. You're going to live through it and you're going to come up more courageous and faithful. 

*Written about five-and-a-half months ago when I found myself in Boracay, which seemed like the worst place to be alone.