It's normal to be lonely sometimes, we're only human after all. And on occasion, your best friend will be there to hold your hand while you wait for hours at the hospital. And your significant other will be there to hold you while you cry yourself to sleep. But life can get crazy, and there isn't always someone there to answer our frantic 4am phone calls.
I've gone through phases in my life where I look desperately around for someone or something to kill the loneliness inside of me. And it never really works, because using something to kill that natural feeling inside of you is like putting a bandaid on a bullet hole. It will never be enough.
So I propose a more balanced approach to loneliness. In those moments where you feel frustrated, alone or sad, just be with it. Just acknowledge that you're lonely, and that it's okay. Don't beat yourself up because you don't have a 24/7 stand by the way that some people seem to. And don't try to run from it, just try letting it be.
And when it dies down a bit, which it will. Embrace the loneliness. Spend time with yourself. Make a date with yourself doing your absolute favourite thing. Write in a journal and get to know your thoughts and feelings. Throw yourself a treat night where you order your favourite foods, and watch Netflix. Spend as much alone time as you can. Learn to be with yourself and love that.
You should never be afraid of just being with yourself. You're amazing, and you're the first person who should know that. I want you to know that. Your life, your thoughts, and your passions deserve your utmost attention. It's time to become your #1 priority.
And on those nights where what you're going through gets to be too much for you to handle, don't feel embarrassed to call someone. Because we need people and their love in our lives as much as we need to love ourselves. It's never been about having one or the other. For me, it's about having both.
If you're struggling for ways to spend some quality alone time, check out my previous blog post here.
Be kind to yourselves, xoxo Jo