Loneliness, can be ever so loud in our mind, yet ever so silent to the rest of our world.
It can creep on us over time or be triggered due to certain events, like the passing of a loved one or the realisation of being lonely even when you are surrounded. For some, choosing to be alone is like a mini-heaven and COVID-19 the perfect bubble. For others, loneliness can leave us feeling sad, isolated and empty, and if prolonged disconnected from our purpose. Regardless, we are all social beings, and this current time has shown us the importance of human interactions, the ability to rely on each other not just for enjoyment and pleasure but in times of difficulties.
It can be difficult to start anything when you are down, and easier to make ourselves give up before we even try to improve our lives. Just as it is easy to step into that negative abyss and self-blaming, imagine if you could use that same energy to challenge yourself.
So loneliness doesn't need to be a negative space, it can be a time of reflection. Use it to think deeply about what is working for you and what isn't in terms of your needs. Ask yourself what don't I enjoy about my situation, can I be doing anything differently to be less lonely? Do I receive support from my family and my friends? Or do I need to reach out more? Do I have enought interests and hobbies, if so can I join group? If you don't have any hobbies, maybe it's time to explore.
But just remember, that the depth of loneliness is not necessarily a lack of social relationships or lack a of hobbies, activities and events, rather what may be missing is a meaningful relationship you have with yourself. If the relationship you have with yourself is not true or c
omplete, you can feel extremely lonely even when you are surrounded by a sea of other people.