Lonely or alone?

Quote:  "If we don't know how to be alone, we'll only know how to be lonely." Sherry Turkle, Professor of science, technology and society.

There are many times in our lives that we are alone but it is our choice whether we feel lonely. Sometimes being alone is simply being in a place with no people or pets around to provide companionship.  We have a choice to use that time productively to reflect on ourselves, our goals, our progress in steps to our future plans, our faith, our love of family, love of ourselves, reading, watching shows that we haven't had time to fit in our schedule, time to write to family, friends and neighbors. time for prayer, time to dream and time for yourself.

Sometimes we are alone in groups of people because we are not involved with anyone else in this setting.  We can still find peace as we observe others, actively listening to the nearby person. searching for others who appear to be experiencing sadness or grief and being present with them in silence with an encouraging smile, touch or reassurance. When we reach out to others, even when we are alone, we become comfortable with ourselves.

If we choose to be lonely, we can cut ourselves off from others either by retreating from interaction by being physically alone or avoiding physical, emotional and psychological association with others in a group setting. All of us are lonely at times but we can change lonely to alone with a little effort. Instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, we can reach out to others who may be experiencing a more difficult time than we are.  We are in this life together and we can help each other to weather the storms of life by being available to each other.

Are you alone or lonely?  I'm sending you my encouragement and love so you are not lonely!