Loneliness

Lately, I’ve been feeling this quiet kind of loneliness. The kind that shows up when I’m surrounded by people but still feel miles away from everyone. I was at a café the other day, sitting across from friends, and while they laughed and shared stories, I felt like I was just there. Nodding. Smiling. But not really seen. I kept thinking, if I left right now, would anyone notice? I don’t always know how to explain it. Sometimes I’ll send a voice message, pouring out something honest, and get a dry reply. Or I’ll dress up hoping someone will notice, but no one does. It makes me feel small, like I’m trying too hard. Like I care too much. On nights like those, I light the candle by my bed. I play one of those songs that feel like a hug. I sit with my thoughts, not to fix them, just to listen. I hold my own hand, figuratively and sometimes literally. I write in my journal and remind myself I’m still here, still feeling, still trying. That counts. And then something soft happens. My best friend sends a meme that makes me laugh. Someone says, “I thought of you today.” I remember I’m loved, even when I forget. Even when my chest feels hollow. I don’t have to be surrounded to be understood. Sometimes, I just have to come home to myself first. #FeelToHeal #LonelyNotAlone

• Solitude
• Connection
• Emotion