Finding Support When You're Lonely

Hi loves!

Initially, I wanted to talk about overcoming disappointment, but I've decided to postpone that until next week. It's been a long, hard year for many people, and it feels like there's a lot of bad in the world that somehow keeps getting worse. I've heard so many stories from people who are struggling with loneliness, anxiety, depression, and just a general lack of hope in things getting better. A lot of people are just feeling unsupported and having to carry the weight of the world alone.

And I think it's important to acknowledge that these feelings are valid. It's not a shock that so many people are beginning to feel this way.

There is so much awfulness running loose in the world. Every day feels like it's something new, something worse-- and without any solutions ever suggested to make it better.

The reality is that people feel more alone than ever. The reality is that people have more access to everything than ever. And that combination is not a good one.

I'm not going to get into specifics about anything or claim to have a cure-all fix to this problem. People are all different, which means people react to and process hard things differently. But what I can say is that something that is universal for everyone is the need for connection.

Humans need support from other humans.

By support, I mean being there for each other. Letting friends, family, maybe even strangers you pass on the street know that you see them and care about them.

For some reason, there is pressure on people to keep everything locked up. Bottle the emotions, tell everyone you're fine, and never, ever let anyone get too close. And good Lord, that is about the worst thing anyone can do to themself and others!

We were designed to be in a community. People thrive when they have others in their lives that can trust and confide in. It doesn't matter how strong you come off, everyone needs comfort every now and then.

You can't do life alone. You shouldn't have to do life alone.

It can be hard to be vulnerable with people-- whether that's with family, your best friend, or a therapist-- exposing your inner feelings and struggles goes against the norm of being "independent and self-sufficient". But it isn't healthy or good to be so "independent" that you end up isolated.

Think of the people you interact with regularly and think of the ones you trust. Who are the one or two individuals who make you feel safe?

When you talk with them, don't talk about superficial things like the weather or what you watched on TV last night. Have the actual, deep conversations that matter, open up about the things that worry you or just ask for someone to be a listening ear as you engage in a healthy vent.

We've all heard the quote "Two minds are better than one". I think that quote goes deeper than just brainstorming solutions to problems or teaming up on a work project.

Two (or more) people are better than one when it comes to going through the trials of life.

Find your people, take care of yourself, and know that you are so loved and not alone.

Love y'all!

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up... Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." --Ecclesiastes 4:9-10;12