What is the difference between these two strong statement words? Well “Lonely” is a feeling an effect of being alone, whereas “Alone” is a state of being, defining the exact condition. Which one defines you today…exactly there where you are reading this blog??? Are you alone or lonely?
Being alone is not necessarily a negative state of being, nor does it imply that the condition of being alone is linked with poor mental state and associates thereof…..you see it is in that state of being alone that true self-reflection is possible, where the mask can be taken off and the reflection of your true self can be seen or even searched for. We truly need to grasp the great role of what being alone plays in our emotional growth and self discovery. Yet so many of us are afraid of being alone and what that will mean for our self reflection, how we will feel about what we see and the difficulty of addressing those “reflections “…. Being alone, truly alone with only you as company every now and then, gives you the opportunity to just be you simply and honestly…. giving honest feedback to yourself about what is great and what is not so great…being your own best critic….in this alone state taking the opportunity to have a mental recharge day, were you are the primary provider of the emotional feedback you give your mind and either recycling, learning, holding on to, letting go off or researching the thoughts, feelings and actions you have. You see being alone can be the greatest investment you make in your mental wellbeing. Just like we plan to be social, we need to schedule alone time.
Now on the other side of the coin, lies loneliness…..where you feel secluded and confined in your own thoughts and feelings. You feel empty, as if nobody cares nor understands and you are not noticed in this strong sense of seperation from those around you….you can be lonely and surrounded by hundreds of people. Addressing loneliness can be a battle in itself… but I dare you to take the path of healing instead of avoidance. Identifying and taking on the issues that lead to feeling lonely, will start the domino effect of healing. Become part of a support group for fellow lonely agents, reaching out to a friend about how and why you feel the way you do, seeing a therapist, doing research on your current mental state. You will be amazed to see that infact you are not alone in your loneliness….reach out, or take the hand offered…there is such an amazing breakthrough waiting to take place!
Being alone should not be a burden but a celebrated part of your being. Our creator saw and guided us on the importance thereof. Loneliness on the other hand is not a set in stone mental state, but rather an opportunity to be your own personal archeologists in identifying the real treasure beyond all the rock and dust that loneliness has formed around you as protection of hurt and/or trauma.
Don’t feel alone in your loneliness, reach out there is support. Don’t be lonely in the state of being alone, it is time spent with not only you but who you want to be.
Regards from the alone time investor
Naomi
“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace. Matthew 6:6