We all get Lonely….
Loneliness can cripple you, dry up your substance, your joy and your vigor. I have found that people experience loneliness all the time; it is no respecter of persons. What you do when you are feeling lonely is what matters. Some find comfort in food, sex, their favorite television show and social media. Interestingly however, these temporary fixes are just that, temporary fixes and can lead to destructive habits, regrets and more loneliness.
Loneliness is attached to a reason, there is a story, there is a history that can explain it all and we can discover it.
Reasons why people feel lonely:
Being able to adjust to life as you never knew it could be quite a challenge. This normally arise when a loved one dies or there is a separation of some kind; family members caught in a feud or friends becoming separated through migration, husbands and wives splitting up because of divorce, sibling rivalry that builds a seemingly wedge between a brother and a sister or two sisters, and the reasons extend to numerous situations and circumstances. Loneliness is real, it’s undeniable and it can be painful.
There are other reasons that I choose to describe as self-inflicted; loneliness can emerge from an unfulfilled dream or desire. A glaring one is that you are lonely because you are seeking for fulfillment through your dream lover, the one you are still waiting for.
I think it is important to understand that loneliness is nothing to be ashamed of, it is important however to acknowledge and seek to identify the source of your loneliness. This brings me to the realization that our loneliness can be short or long lived. I think it makes more sense focusing on long-term loneliness, I would define “long-term” as a consistent state of loneliness for three months or more.
A single parent losing their only child can experience loneliness. It can be very debilitating especially if their relationship was healthy; they enjoyed each other’s company. Before the loss of the child life was life, it was real and everything was just right. No one or nothing can compensate for such a terrible loss. It creates a sink-hole in your heart, in your soul and in your mind. Loneliness steps in as that emotional turmoil that creates a vacuum, a gap and a dark hole.
You may be experiencing loneliness and might be comforted to know that it’s all right, there is hope. We can grow to cope better with loneliness.
I wish to offer some possible solutions to dealing with long-term loneliness:
- As mentioned before, you should acknowledge your loneliness and identify the source. Eg: “I am feeling lonely because Sinatra by best friend has migrated; we did almost everything together.”
- Secondly, look for the positives that can come out of your loneliness. Eg: “This is an opportunity for me to search myself, spend time with me and rediscover me” or “We had great times together and I am grateful, I would keep in touch with her on Facebook” or “I am happy for Sinatra she is making the best of an opportunity”. Such positive affirmations should make you feel good inside and present that hopeful feeling.
- Thirdly, be determined not to allow thoughts of self-pity and hopelessness to resonate within you, chase them away the moment they appear. “I would never be happy again.” Don’t believe the lies about yourself.
- Fourthly, take your eyes of your circumstances and reach out to others, do something special for someone, start living for others instead of moping about your loneliness.
- Finally, do a google search on bible verses to help you deal with loneliness. Read them over and over, meditate, digest and apply. Don’t let loneliness cripple you.
Below are a few verses you can start with. Please do not take these verses for granted. God’s power to change you lies within the words you are about to read.
Revelations 3:20 “Behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come into him and will sup with him and he with me.” – KJV
John 14:18 “I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you.” – KJV
Psalm 147:3 “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” – KJV
Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”- KJV
Enjoy your journey out of loneliness into genuine joy and when you are there be an inspiration of hope to someone else.
Love these verses