Did you ever hear the expression “Lonely in a crowd?” Have you ever experienced it? It’s such an alarming feeling that it makes you want to run! Running doesn’t fix the feeling of being alone, nor does it erase the grief or anxiety that accompanies loneliness. What does? I thought about this the entire night after I left my grandmother’s 80th birthday. I was surrounded by family and friends, and yet my heart was pounding, and I felt like I was suffocating. My reaction was to run, leave the party, drive to get my children, and hold them close. The only thing that brought me relief was holding my babies and feeling the connection between mother and child. That connection is what brought me calm…
During our bouts of grief, the only helpful thing is connection. There are two kinds of connection: 1. Superficial social connection, such as acquaintances, or 2. The bonds of true friendship/love, where the person knows you both inside and out. I know why my children brought me peace. Because I love them and they love me, that unmistakable bond that holds us together, a hug, a glance, a warm smile, all have the power to erase loneliness. So, the next time you feel that despair, find your child, your new love, your friend, and talk about it, give them a hug, say I love you… And see how you feel!