How You Can Defeat Loneliness One Thought at a Time
The first thing Rich does when he gets home is turn on the TV and grab a beer. Jan leaves her computer running so that she can check her email as soon as she walks in the door. Five days a week, Joe hurries home so that he can change his clothes and meet friends; his other 2 days are filled with frantic activity and nightly parties. Lindsey leaves music playing all day so that when she opens her door she does not have to face silence.
What do all of these people have in common? Loneliness. They avoid quiet, alone time at any cost. In the silence, thoughts emerge that are painful, disconcerting and frightening.
Loneliness is something that we all experience. We felt it for the first time as a baby, when we were left alone in our bed. It came again as a child when all our friends wanted to be with someone else, and again as a young adult leaving home to be on our own.
For some of us, it comes more frequently. You may experience it when you want to be with someone who is not available. Perhaps it hits you when others have something you want, but do not have yourself. That feeling of loneliness can strike even when you are surrounded by others.
Loneliness is a Part of Life That Cannot be Avoided