Brace yourselves for some honesty in this post. This blog's headline is "Life is full of so many wonderful things", but there is also truth in saying that life has many ups and downs. With winter still in full force (see picture below for current conditions), I thought it would be okay to talk about loneliness (a common feeling associated with this season). Winter has an effect on so many people. It takes up our conversations; it consumes our mind. I didn't fully understand winter gloom until I moved to Michigan and, honestly, it makes me feel sad and lonely.
Thankfully, we aren't alone when we feel lonely. Loneliness isn't static. It comes and goes for most people. You can be lonely, but not be alone. Thank God for that! With RJ studying for boards, and with us being away from so many friends and family that we love, Michigan at times can be lonely. It is a truth that has been slapping me in the face this winter. It is near the end of February and I am tired of feeling lonely. So, I am going to work on embracing the fact that I am not alone. In Michigan, I have a loving husband, I have colleagues at work that I consider friends, I have a work-out buddy that I met at my gym, a neighbor friend who is amazing, friends that are also supporting husbands/partners at Dental School, and I managed to find another best friend (yes, I am convinced you can have several..I have about 5). I also have a large support system thousands of miles away. Isn't distance just an illusion? I also believe that God is with me always and therefore I am definitely not alone.
Thankfully, we aren't alone when we feel lonely. Loneliness isn't static. It comes and goes for most people. You can be lonely, but not be alone. Thank God for that! With RJ studying for boards, and with us being away from so many friends and family that we love, Michigan at times can be lonely. It is a truth that has been slapping me in the face this winter. It is near the end of February and I am tired of feeling lonely. So, I am going to work on embracing the fact that I am not alone. In Michigan, I have a loving husband, I have colleagues at work that I consider friends, I have a work-out buddy that I met at my gym, a neighbor friend who is amazing, friends that are also supporting husbands/partners at Dental School, and I managed to find another best friend (yes, I am convinced you can have several..I have about 5). I also have a large support system thousands of miles away. Isn't distance just an illusion? I also believe that God is with me always and therefore I am definitely not alone.
I am extremely blessed even in this current bout of loneliness. If you have been feeling the way I have been feeling, now you know you aren't alone in that either.
Let's commit to embracing those around us that can help pull us out of grumpy, sad, and lonely seasons.
Let's commit to embracing those around us that can help pull us out of grumpy, sad, and lonely seasons.