Читать книгу Above and Beyond - J.S. Dorian - Страница 61

“Loneliness breaks the spirit.”

JEWISH PROVERB

Many a sad song has been sung about loneliness. Indeed, probably as many poems, plays, paintings, and novels have been inspired by loneliness as by love; there is nothing as heart-wrenching as feeling all alone, even in a crowd.

While loneliness may inspire creativity, those of us with chronic illness who regularly experience the feeling find nothing inspiring or even interesting about its advent. To the contrary, loneliness almost always brings with it self-pity, depression, and despair.

However, many of us are finding that we no longer have to feel alone, no matter what our circumstances. All it takes to restore a sense of connectedness is the willingness to reach out, especially to others who are similarly challenged.

We are doing so in very practical ways, using telephone help-lines and attending support group meetings. We are also reaching out with our minds and hearts, reflecting on the reality that at this very moment, in places all over the world, there are other people in exactly the same situation with the very same feelings. We are not alone and need not feel alone ever again.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

I am not alone.