If you are as old as I am you will know who sang these words, and this phrase still holds true in 2011.
In our busy and hectic lives you’d be surprised how many people, deep down inside, actually feel lonely. Sometimes we get stuck in habits that keep us distracted from feeling the truth of our loneliness, such as compulsive eating, drinking, shopping or gambling. Sometimes we simply turn to dogs and cats and other pets to fulfill some of this emptiness.
I’ve come to discover that even people who appear to have tons of friends and appear to be social butterflies admit that they are lonely when it’s time to go home. When does this happen? The loneliness shows up if they’re not getting along with their spouse or partner or if they are single and living alone. It’s not human nature to live a solitary life. People have been helping each other for centuries. The richness of life is felt when you have the pleasure of sharing and co-create new adventures and experiences with someone.
I went to Western Michigan University in 1965. However, I had the pleasure of graduating from the University of Life and/or the School of Hard Knocks in 2004. This is when I realized that even though I was married, (for the 2nd time) I was very lonely. This is when my search for the meaning of this loneliness began. I wanted to understand this empty feeling, to understand myself and some how find a way to enjoy my life fully, no matter what.
The answer is clear now. My loneliness came from me not loving me. I had two long marriages, and a total of 30 years of verbally abusive husbands (ex-husbands!). I had become addicted to negative self talk. I ran the words through my head so much so, that these words became my beliefs about me. I was successful in many areas of my life, such as my career and raising four beautiful and intelligent children. However, I had this voice in my head that was very critical of me, especially when I weighed more that our society portrayed as the “ideal body type” and certainly when I binged on food during the emotional times in my life.
So how did I overcome this? I learned about the universal Law of Attraction and once I understood it and practiced it, I never went back to recreating negative or painful experiences again. I am married to Kevin now and my life is amazing. I have the most rewarding relationship I’ve ever had in a marriage and I am full of joy and happiness. I don’t worry about other peoples’ opinions anymore. Perception is in the eye of the beholder. Everyone is free to have their own opinions and now I am free to be me.
So my advice to everyone is to let go of any negative self talk. You are one of a kind and there is no one else exactly like you, so start right now to love yourself just the way you are! The benefit for you is that you will never be lonely again.
Suzanne