Never Alone
Ever felt alone…isolated…unsure of your future…much less sure of the present?
We’re pretty fortunate, we Americans. We have just about everything we want – at least what we think we want. We may not have THE exact car or home we dream of…but at least we have the ability and freedom to reach out to work hard for those things and get them if that is where we want to be.
Even the impoverished in out country have ways of pulling themselves out of the situations they are in if they want to bad enough…not that they may not need some help and support to do that on occasion. In our country, we are able to find resources for most situations.
As fortunate as we are to be here in this country, reaping benefits of a good education and an environment that provides some semblance of “security,” many people still feel lonely hopeless and isolated.
I am guessing that the statement “money can’t buy you happiness” might be the best way to describe that place in one’s life – rich or not – where you can be when you feel that way.
So what if you find yourself, at the beginning of this 2007, feeling alone and no one has come to answer that void.
Here are a few thoughts if you find yourself in this place, now or later.
1. You are not truly alone unless you choose to be. For example, the Barlow Girls sing a song called “Never Alone.” The song reaches into your soul and attempts to make you feel what it’s like to be alone. For many of us we do not truly know that feeling…but we likely will before we leave this earth.
It describes a person who waited, desperately so, for someone or something to show up in their life to help and that person didn’t arrive even though the singer suggested they would. In the chorus, the person cries out but still can’t feel that spirit by their side. However, the difference in this despair and others is that is that the singer says that “I’ll hold tight to what I know – that you’re here and I’m never alone.”
For many this may draw your spiritualism journey nearer. If you haven’t experienced that in your life, you are missing something that can boost you beyond any form of money or worldly goods. You may want to consider that in your life as you begin this new year and explore those opportunities at a local church or faith based community. You can often fill that void if you take the time to explore the possibilities.
2. Listen. Listen to the radio, soothing music, voices in a mall. Using your sense of hearing can often help boost you when you are down.
3. Read. Whether it be poetry, scriptures, or inspirational stories. Just read. Go to a bookstore, get a soothing cup of coffee, and take your time finding something to read. You can do the very same thing at the library…except without the coffee. It’s a great way to relax, be around others, and find some inspiration at the same time.
4. Write. Keep a journal of your thoughts. Sometimes seeing feelings and thoughts on paper can help you separate yourself from the situation and take a better look.
5. Walk. Something as simple as walking can help you get to a better place in your life. Make sure you walk in a safe place. Even better, find a friend to walk with, but don’t use that as an excuse if you can’t find anyone to walk with you. A 15 minute walk in the morning and afternoon can boost your spirits and make you a bit healthier at the same time.
6. Reach out to others. I consider this one of the most – if not the most – important. Often, helping others can cure the loneliness inside. You may be able to use your time and talents to support others while you support yourself. There are many other choices worse than this. Who knows, when having conversations with those you volunteer with, you may be able to help them through their hard times because you really know what it’s like to feel that way yourself. Caring for others and the world around you is critical if you are to grow.
My wish for you today is that you reach out to tackle that void that will be with most of us at some time in our lives. Find a healthy way to do that, and you’ll not only reap the benefit but will make the world a better place at the same time.
~Joellen