I find when I feel lonely, it’s usually because I’m withholding my true self in my encounters. It’s less about being alone literally and more about feeling that I’m not really being seen. For example, the loneliest time in my life was when I lived in NYC–and I was surrounded by people. As soon as I engage with someone about something that really matters to me, I start feeling more connected and less isolated!

I cant remember ever not feeling lonely. I’ve self-medicated and stayed in relationships I shouldn’t have as a result and I am only now learning healthy ways to manage it. I struggle with a “higher power” because I am a deist, but I’m trying to get past that and find a connection. I read a post on tiny buddha in Oct of 2011 and because of it, I was finally able to end my 16 year long emotionally and physically abusive marriage. Since then, I’ve been reading posts 3-4 times a week  and I will continue using the site to aid me in my recovery from both substance abuse and codependency.

I look forward to reading and learning from these forums. 🙂

i find when i’m feeling lonely I am disconnected with my self — my source — that space inside me that makes me feel whole and complete. What helps me get back in touch with that part of me? Meditation. Dance. A conversation with a good friend. Listening to music. Playing my guitar. helping someone. Loneliness is hard, but I try to remind myself it is a great teacher.