First, ask yourself why you are lonely.Loneliness often comes from a feeling that no one understands you or
that you are somehow separate from everyone else.
Second, learn how you cope with loneliness. When a negative feeling
like loneliness grates against us for long enough, we tend to numb it
out. There are many ways that a person might numb something out. For
some it is through addictions to drugs, alcohol, or other behaviors
(sex, video games, TV, etc.).
Others fall into a depression or otherwise shut down. By limiting
their openness to life they may be unconsciously trying to limit their
openness to feelings of loneliness.
For me, I distracted myself by keeping busy with exercise, reading,
work, and other activities. Probably the only thing that actually
served as an emotional release valve was the act of writing a diary.
Third, let go of the mindset that is creating loneliness. Do you
believe that no one wants to welcome you into their life?
If so, then you will be much less likely to reach out to others. Do
you believe that you aren’t interesting enough, outgoing enough,
attractive enough? These beliefs too will only increase feelings of
separation from others.
It is easy to see the differences between others and ourselves. But it
is through seeing differences that loneliness is born. Try to instead,
see similarities. Similarities create connection. I from a lot of
personal experience know that people have a lot more in common than not.
Fourth, take action to pull yourself out of loneliness. When we feel
lonely, it is natural to believe that there is a hole inside of us
that needs to be filled. We want to receive something to fill us up
and remove the feeling of isolation.
BUT that isn’t how the world works.
Love is an energy that only flows in one direction and that’s outward.
Love, belonging, connection… whatever you want to call it… it
isn’t something you can grasp for and pull into yourself from other
people.
Love is a gift that you give to others. When you pass a stranger on
the street and greet them with a warm smile and a “good morning,”
you are letting that energy flow out of you and connecting with
another person. That instantly makes you feel better, even if it’s
just a little bit, doesn’t it?
That is a small example, but the point is that love isn’t something
you take from others, So do something whether it’s calling up a
friend or striking up a conversation with a stranger.
Not all of efforts will be met positively, and that’s okay. That’s
not our fault. Not everyone is open to accept love right now (which is
why one thing I saw often is that a lot of us have a problem welcoming
love into our lives). However, that is not an excuse for inaction or
passivity.
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