Today I was thinking about being alone. Our current situation's been so tough on people who don't have others around to lean on when things are getting them down. So I looked for a quotation on being lonely, or alone (which I know are two separate things). What I found was undoubtedly all written before the covid19 crisis. I wonder how many of those people whose quotes are out there would feel quite the same way after being in total isolation for upwards of 6 weeks? Anyway, Henry Rollins, the singer-songwriter said:
"Loneliness adds beauty to life. It puts a special burn on sunsets and makes night air smell better."
I partially agree with him, but I also think that's putting a very heavy positive spin on loneliness. I think it can also be really destructive and exhausting.
What do you think?
I hope you all have a really good day and take care.🙏🌈
Hi Lynd, I guess it's easy for me to claim to be a loner. I do that, but actually I am not often on my own. But whenever I am, I don't seem to suffer very much! I think it's a really good idea to have volunteer schemes for those people who do struggle with loneliness, so that it's possible to enjoy a telephone chat, and I think Silverline does an excellent job with that and the elderly community. I find my sister is increasingly lonely as her husband retreats into his dementia. She is now entering the world of few outings and pleasures. As a family we are all trying to support her but it's a strange new world for her as she's always been gregarious and outgoing. I guess overall that loneliness comes in many different packages and as one member of the PWB community reminded me recently, you can be lonely in a room full of people, and I have experienced that too. Thanks very much for sharing your thoughts on the topic! 🙏🌈😊
Hi Callendersgal, I think it depends on a persons mental state as to how they cope with loneliness. My son finds no joy from it at all, even with the support and concern from family, he’s not really coping. Hopefully we can turn things around but it’s complicated. In my sons case it’s proving to be very destructive.
Hi sassy59, It is a very individual thing, as you say. I think it's often so much harder if you are struggling with problems of mental health, and it's really sad that your son's finding it so difficult to cope. All you can do is to try and keep trying. That's where loving family is the tops. Even if everyone else gives up and turns away, there's always hope that finally help will be accepted from the people who love you most. I hope so in your son's case, hopefully sooner, but eventually anyway! I feel for you all. Take care and loving best wishes to you all. xxx🌈🙏
There is a difference between loneliness and alone-ness. Some people like us enjoy being alone but not all the time...Some people lke to be alone in a crowd where they they can think without interruption but not many people like loneliness i think. Thank goodness for electronics
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