As someone who has serious issues with depression and is also unashamedly introverted, I can tell you that I have dreamed of being a hermit multiple times in my life (side note: if you feel that way too, you should totally check out Samuel Barber's Hermit Songs). There are just days when I really can't stand being around people anymore, and I want to retreat from the world forever. It's a strange thing to explain to someone who doesn't feel that way, but here's the closest analogy I can give: imagine if you were locked in a glass box full of tarantulas and blood-thirsty homicidal clowns. Do you feel so panicky that you can't breathe? Do you want to simultaneously cry and run for the hills? Then you are ready to be a hermit! Here's what I would do:
1. Find a mountain and build myself a tiny little cottage. I would bring a piano, my cat, and my most treasured belongings. I would live near a cliff where I could lower down a basket for supplies, but otherwise I would be totally isolated.
2. I would cry from relief. I really want to be a hermit.
3. I would spend days outside just thinking and enjoying the world around me.
4. I would write nonstop.
5. I would never think about any responsibilities I have again. Freedom!!!
6. I would get lonely.
7. I would invite my family to live with me.
8. I would invite my closest friends over.
9. I would no longer be a hermit.
10. That would be okay.
11. I would be a selective hermit. Maybe I could just have my own room that was soundproof where I could retreat whenever I need alone time.
12. My life dream would be fulfilled.
I guess when I think this through, I'd really be a terrible hermit. I don't think I deal with boredom particularly well, and there are some people that I love too dearly to leave behind. Still, there's something to be said for solitude.
-Laura
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