How to Live Happily Single Ever After

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Written by Jimmie Burroughs Email to a friend

With nearly half of those living in the U.S. being single, but most of them preferring to be married to the right person it becomes obvious that most people think married life is a happier life. I agree, but I also believe that single life can be a very rewarding life also.

I’ve been single twice in my life: Before I married at 24 years of age, and since my wife passed away seven years ago. I’ve enjoyed single life both times but not as much as the 44 years I was married. I was fortunate enough to have a beautiful wife both outwardly and inwardly. We were different enough to keep it interesting, but had enough in common to makes us compatible.

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But back to the object of the title, “How to Live Happily Single Ever After”, I do believe that single life can be fulfilling. So I want to share 8 things that have helped me to enjoy my single life for more than 7 years now:

• Having God’s presence in my life
• Having a little dog
• Having a purpose to keep me busy
• Dropping television
• Having a hobby
• Traveling
• Having a social life
• Not feeling sorry for myself

Having God’s presence in my life

I’ve heard people say a lot of times that “I don’t see how people make it through life without God.” Since I have had God in my life since I was 13, I don’t have much of a reference point otherwise, but I understand what they are saying. God does give assurance in times of doubt; comfort in times of grief; strength in times of weakness, as well as his promise to always be with us through everything we must experience in life.

God’s grace is always sufficient in everything. I can attest to that because he has helped me through all the ups and downs of my life, and he is the primary reason I can live single happily ever after if necessary. You can also experience the same. God loves you too and wants to be with you. Why not find your own relationship with God today? If you decide to, I will send you a lot of helpful information at your request, including the best book on love ever written “The Greatest thing in the world” by Henry Drummond, in eBook format, and all free of charge.

Having a little dog

I’ve owned a dog off and on all my life, but the dog I have now was not my idea; in fact I opposed getting him for a long time and only finally said OK when my wife was coming to the end of her life. I’m sorry I hesitated at all now that it’s too late. However, as I look back, I think my wife got the dog thinking of me, because she knew she would be leaving this life and she wanted to leave something that would help me to continue on.

If that was her thoughts, she was so right because McDuff, that is the name she gave him, has been such a help to me. I have come to love him like he was always a part of my life; it is hard to imagine not having him. It is said that a dog is the only thing that loves you more than they do their own life, and I believe it. McDuff is a little white Westie who wants to always be near me. At night he sleeps right beside my bed and remains there until I rise in the morning. He is very good about leaving me alone while I work at the computer during the day, but at times he does come over and mussel my hand to pet him or let him outside.

Having a purpose to keep me busy

After my wife passed away I retired from my business, and also completely revamped my life in search of new purpose and meaning. It took a full year to accomplish it, but it was certainly a right step in the right direction. Today, after more than seven years since her death, I feel that my life has been a contribution to the life of others through my volunteer work and my writing. It also has allowed me to do things and go places that I never thought of before, but things that have added so much joy and purpose to my life.

About a year and a half ago I decided to put up this website and write articles based on my years of experience in living life. I have written about things that have helped me to grow personally, and some things I hope will help others to do the same while avoiding some of the mistakes that I’ve made. I guess it has helped some, because I have received over 150,000 expressions of gratitude from all the articles I’ve posted, including the articles posted on my other websites.

Dropping television

I realize there are some good TV programs both entertaining and educational, but for me it was requiring too much of my time; time I wanted to spend otherwise. The older you get the more precious time becomes, far too precious to waste. It is going on five years now since I made that decision, and it certainly was the right one. My bed time is 12 midnight, and I am busy right up until that time, and with no TV to occupy my time.

Having a hobby

Having a hobby is an excellent way to spend part of your time. I started learning to play guitar a few years ago and started singing country music. While I certainly don’t claim to be a musician, I love to try to play and sing and it has been not only a challenge for my brain, but a lot of fun also. If you like, you can hear me try to sing by clicking here.

Traveling

Part of my planning during that first year after my wife died was to purchase a motor home to do some traveling across country. At this point McDuff and I have traveled in 37 states from Washington State to Key West Florida; from Arizona to Maine and many other places in between. I’ve traveled to many places that I’ve only read about or seen pictures of, but couldn’t go there because of work and other responsibilities.

I love to travel, but sometimes it is just a short trip to the Corp of Engineers RV Park on the lake about 20 minutes away from my home in Nashville. When I go there it is like having a home right on the lake without all the cost and upkeep.

I’ve also combined travel with volunteer work. I have done volunteer work in Arizona, as well as in Florida.

Having a social life

It is easy after you lose a mate to become reclusive, but that is one of the worst mistakes you can make. “People need people” as the song says. Socializing helps to get your mind off your loss and helps you to enjoy the company of others. My only complaint is that I need to take more time for it.

Not feeling sorry for myself

Quite honestly I could set around and feel sorry for myself all day long but I made up my mind from the beginning that I would not do that and so far I haven’t. You have known people for sure who are always crying and feeling sorry for themselves because their mate died and they are all alone, but for sure you had rather not hear it. The fact is I don’t feel sorry for myself at all, and maybe it is because I’ve cultivated that attitude now for several years.

Conclusion

Finally, Life is what you make it whether married or single. “How to Live Happily Single Ever After”is possible because it is how I now live, and so can you if you must. I hope some of the suggestions above will work for you also. Let me know what you think in a comment below in the share section.

About the author: Jimmie Burroughs is a motivational speaker and author who has been involved in teaching Christian Personal Development for more than 30 years. There are hundreds of articles to help you on this website, Website Contents , in your person growth. Be sure to take vantage of the FREE offer to get the  “Personal Development” eBook while available.

 

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