I know, this subject seems odd. A lot of people fear loneliness. And there are some people who enjoy the silence around them. But the concept of no one being there for you is a daunting thought. Loneliness is not healthy and It can cause health problems. But the Brightside of being lonely does exist. It’s a great opportunity to reflect and grow – to really learn things about yourself you normally wouldn’t if you’re constantly surrounded by people.
Listen to yourself
A moment of loneliness allows you to connect with yourself. Your mind is loud for you to hear and pay attention. This is the time to understand your thoughts. Any issues or pain you are going through can be thoroughly analyzed. This moment can be scary for some because facing off with your thoughts is unpredictable (especially if you suffer from mental illness). Take the time to develop a deep relationship with yourself. This is the perfect time to figure out your limits and what you desire most from life. You’ll be surprised how beneficial this is. I’m usually a lone wolf. Those times of complete silence have made me more aware of who I am. I’ve realized any mistake I’ve made or hurting someone’s feelings when I’m alone with my thoughts. My alone time helped me look closely at my decisions and taught me how to make better ones.
Connecting with God
Loneliness gives you a chance to hear God clearly. You are not distracted by outside influences – it’s just you and your creator. You can have a deep conversation with God and hear his reply. Reading the Bible and meditating on his word is another way to have one-on-one time. You’ll suddenly feel peaceful in silence and the fear of being alone will slowly melt away. Knowing God is with you at all times when no one else is will fill your mind with ease.
Explore more
If you are lonely, don’t feel bad. Some people take it as being a sad thing or pathetic. Use your alone time to experience adventures. Don’t feel embarrassed to travel alone or attend a movie by yourself. The best relationship you can have is with yourself. Take yourself out for dinner – treat yourself. You deserve the best and if another person can’t provide that for you (or they try but can’t fully deliver), give yourself the best. Being lonely doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
Do what you really want to do
Family and friends have the tendency to influence our quality of living. Sometimes, we feel obligated to care for others before we care for ourselves. Use your loneliness to do and be exactly what you want. If a friend usually wants you to be a party animal but that’s not who you are, use your alone time do what you want to do. If family expects you to put their needs first, being lonely gives you the opportunity to put you first. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not encouraging anyone to isolate themselves – that’s not the point. Those few moments you have of complete solitude can be used for self-improvement and enjoying who you are to the fullest.
Improve your dating life
The best way to know what you want and don’t want in a relationship is to know who you are. Being lonely is good in this situation. Utilizing the previous methods can strengthen your perception of a potential mate. Take the time to know your limits and needs, and you won’t want someone who might be bad for you. This is one of the great benefits of loneliness. You’ll develop so much respect for yourself, so you can’t afford someone to come in your life and mess that up.
Of course, if loneliness is causing you great sadness, talk to someone (i.e. friend, therapist, or call a crisis line). Attend church or some other community and surround yourself with positive people. Otherwise, use your loneliness for good. Create an unbreakable relationship with yourself.
That is some great advice! You’ve truly motivated me in going through this rough time. I agree my loneliness have been a wonderful tool for self growth, and I do know myself much better now. It’s a time to find your true self, and understand and control your mind. Thank you for sharing!
I’m so glad! Thank you.
Beautiful and very timely advice, thank you!
Aww, I’m glad you like it. Thank you.
Lonliness is not the same as aloneness. “I may be alone but I am not lonely.” Your post is full of great advise when one finds themselves temporarily alone. Nonetheless, there are those of us who choose to be alone as I have since childhood. I do have two long distance friends that over four decades I have come to know I may be alone, but they are right behind me and that for me is enough. Working on my relationship with G-d has taken a fresh step toward reconciliation and I will admit a sense of peace has surrounded that issue.
Sometimes, they can be one in the same. If you find yourself alone most of the time, the sense of loneliness kicks in. Plus, you can have tons of people around you and still feel lonely. And if you like being alone (like I do sometimes) you can still feel sad and lonely after awhile. Some people don’t want to admit it.
Sadness would be a prominent emotion with loneliness and that one cannot deny. Whether they correlate the two depends on introspection. Overly empathetics, like myself, cannot stand for too long being around people. Overly taxed emotionally we need aloneness to regroup. Honestly I do not recall in my 57 years ever being lonely. Those dinner s out inside a crowerestaurant
It truly depends on the person. You may be different from other people. That’s good you don’t consider yourself “lonely”. But this is for those who need pointers on how to cope with loneliness. In order to be lonely, there are times where being alone qualifies.
Sometimes, I write without consideration, transferring my frustrations of late onto your post was uncalled for and I apologise.
I understand. I really appreciate that Thank you.
As a sufferer of depression, this really helped me and I agree with every point you made. Amazing post.
Thank you so much!