Feeling Alone?

There’s not one person who hasn’t gone through times when they felt totally alone, even in the most crowded of rooms. When life starts getting rough, it is too easy to fall into depression and most people keep to themselves more then, resulting in an increase in loneliness. Others handle this feeling at the opposite end of the spectrum and will stay out and keep themselves busy until they can no longer go anymore and then sleep. Any of this sound familiar? It does to me. None of us are strangers to feeling alone or depressed.

One thing to remember is that feelings are temporary and not to let them control your life. You can have multiple feelings at the same time in fact. Also, think about right after you get married and that cloud nine you’re on. Ah yes, the honeymoon stage. At some point, you think something’s wrong with your marriage because you don’t “feel” the same as you used to. The cloud nines in life are wonderful but also temporary. In a marriage, love is a commitment, not a feeling. Surprised? Well, be glad because being angry is a feeling, too, and you don’t want to stay angry your whole life either!!

There are a few things you can do to help bring yourself out of this funk. I have found that going for a drive or a walk, or sitting by the river or a waterfall—anything that surrounded me with beauty and God’s presence—helped. Also, embrace these feelings and recognize them for what they are: temporary. Then, the next day, make a commitment to yourself to do something that makes YOU happy and feel good.

There have been many times when I was single and living on top of a mountain that I experienced feeling alone. When I finally realized what was going on, I would make a tray of veggies, deviled eggs, cheese (you get the picture) and put it in the fridge. Then I would fill the bathroom with candlelight and soak in a hot bubble bath with smooth jazz music playing. After the bath, I would bring out the tray of goodies, put in a movie “I” liked and would end up having a nice evening. After a good night’s rest and feeling at peace, I would set out once again to conquer the world until the next time.

During all of this, I continuously reminded myself that not only was this a temporary feeling but I was never alone, for God is always with me. There were other times I just started cleaning with some great Gaither tunes playing and felt better because not only was I productive, but singing along with Gospel tunes lifted my spirits as well.

There’s no particular set thing (such as bubble baths, driving, walks)  for anyone to do to just make this feeling go “poof.” The one thing we can all do is pray and count on the fact that God is listening and He will help you through this time if you ask Him to.

Also, remember you are not alone ~ we’ve all been there ~ it will get better.

May God bless you all!

This is DeVaughn ~ bringing it home.