On Being Alone

Sometimes it is a choice, sometimes not. Solitude can be both a blessing and a curse. Whether it is intentional (you need some space, or time to yourself) or unintentional, I believe we were never meant to be alone. 

For a while now, I craved solitude, yet now that I have it..I would genuinely welcome an interruption. We need space, sure, but it should only be temporary. We were made for connection after all. 

Sometimes life is too much, and isolation seems so overwhelmingly attractive. Whether it be laying in our bed for a while, or choosing to leave the scene completely. I, for one, am grateful to the friends that didn’t leave me that way in those moments. 

Though at times we don’t recognize, or want to admit it; we need each other. 

I also understand some people may not have anyone to pull you from the doldrums, and that makes me sad. It’s in my nature to be there for people when they need me, and I am grateful it has mostly been a two way street. 

For those who don’t feel like, or literally, have no one to seek solace with, I grieve with you. My hope is this becomes a rare occurrence. 

In these times, I understand the notion of not wanting to be a burden, and there are times where we just don’t have the energy to ask for company. Hell, we may not even recognize we need/want it. That’s okay. 

My encouragement to the lonely is: when you need space, take it. When you are isolating yourself due to anything other than needing space, try to be open with those around you about it. My hope is they understand, will give you some space, but won’t leave you to wallow forever. 

To those on the outside: please respect our boundaries, but don’t be afraid to step in if you feel we need it. Though we may object, a lot of times it’s exactly what we need.