Lonely: You're NOT Alone

What have you missed most?

Hey people...Happy Monday Facebookers. Just want to check in with people. Covid is calming down in the world and we're stepping out a little bit at a time. It feels a little strange, doesn't it?

Besides your family and friends, what did you miss most? Besides hugs, I missed smiles. I hope that doesn't sound too trite, but it's true. I could tell people were doing their best to smile with their eyes. But nothing matches a smile that you can't help but return and then wear on your face for the rest of the day. (Feeling a little squishy today folks)

As my favorite tiktok'er Greg of says...find your joy!! (And check out his tiktok, if he doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will)

The Road Is Long....

Be okay with opening up about how you're feeling. Don't wait until the last day to say you really needed a hand, a shoulder, someone to listen or listen to...We cannot wait until there is no road in front of us to share how lonely that road has been and how sad we feel. I have a friend with a bunch of kids and grandchildren, yet she is very lonely. She is able to say it out loud and it helps her and loved ones to be more vigilant with each other. Most people are afraid to say just how lonely they are. Society has created a sense of shame around the things we only whisper about...pain, sadness, fear, depression, shame itself and loneliness. They hold up people who "never complained" as the ideal human. I can almost guarantee every single person's quiet inner voice has questioned these things. And many or most never say what they really need with these burdens upon them for fear of being judged. I think those who judge feel the same fears and envious maybe even jealous of someone being able to unburden themselves in such a viaceral way.

It's okay. Say it out loud. Reach out into the world...to friends and family, your clergy or other spiritual advisor. Here...this place is meant to be a forum. Talk amongst yourselves...talk to me. But just feel free to talk.

Regardless of your political perspective and I am absolutely not inviting any debate and will delete any comments that are even remotely related...

I just want to say to those who are home and alone, this is a bad day that will get better. I hope you are not personally affected by the events in the US capital and wish nothing but peace in our nation and all around the world. Sometimes world events can make us feel even more isolated and alone. You're not alone in those thoughts and you are welcome to reach out.

It Is Okay to Not Be Okay

I hope all are doing well. The pandemic has been looming over us for many months now. For those of us who live alone it can feel heavy sometimes. Remember that you are not alone with those feelings. While that may seem cold comfort...I believe if you look around...out here in the cyber world you can find voices looking for people like you who are like them.

Quiet moments, like lying awake in the night, can lead you to negative thoughts...the coulda shoulda wouldas, all the things you think you did wrong, feeling hopeless and helpless over the situation of the world right now, and many other thoughts that just keep playing over and over in your head and weighing heavy on your heart.

Reach out to friends, family, your place of worship and really reach out into cyberspace. If you need to reach out for professional help that is not a bad thing. Counselors and psychotherapists are thriving during this time. If money is an issue there are opportunities out there with community health centers and it doesn't hurt to ask a counselor if your choice if they have sliding scales...many do. Remember you are not alone...there may not be someone right next to you, but there are many who feel the same as you. Needing people is a normal human need. Don't let anyone tell you different. Reach out here...post a story, a message, a question, a joke, something that maybe tells a bit about you.

How is eveyone today?

Chatting on FB today, one of the people in one of my Meditation feeds asked if anyone had trouble meditating recently. 99% of the respondents said yes. Focusing on oneself in a time like this seems the epitome of selfishness. It isn't. Caring for yourself right now is likely the best thing you can do. I also realized my friends and I had sunk into a place where we weren't/aren't keeping up with each other like we did at the beginning of this covid hell. Try not to let your personal lifelines, like meditating, reading, exercising, walking or playing with your pet or just dancing in your livingroom and interpersonal activities like tailgating with your friends and family, a well paced social distanced walk together, Zoom calls. You have to take care of you.

You're not alone, we are most of us feeling overwhelmed and need to know there are others out here who know exactly how we feel. It's okay to reach out here and check in, say hello. For my American compadres, the election and covid have really put people at odds. I am not going to take any sides here nor will I tolerate any arguing or politics. I was simply saying all of this is tearing us apart and making us feel even more isolated. UK folks, I know Brexit is overwhelming and you just want them to make a decision. I wish you and all our friends of the world the best in getting through your respective holidays and coming across the new year even better. This isn't my last text of the year or anything like that, just making sure you know there really are others thinking about the same things and having the same anxieties. Hang in there, we're here for you.

How's everyone today?

Remember

Right now there is so much going on in the world. So much in the United States and other countries that is dividing nations and ultimately the whole planet.

Remember to keep in mind there is so much you have no control over and that's okay. You're not alone
Remember to take care of yourself and your families. You're not alone
Remember we are all part of our nearest communities, local regions and citizens of the world. You're not alone
Remember none of us think the same way. You're not alone
Remember that not everyone has the same beliefs. You're not alone
Remember you get back what you give. You're not alone

Remember you are not alone!




Political or ideological commentary will not be tolerated. Any kind of ad or solicitation will earn you a ban. This is a secular, apolitical page. Hate speech of any people or group of people will earn a ban. Positivity is our goal.

Getting Out When They Are Telling Us To Stay In

Our county here in Washington state has some interesting social distancing rules now...we cannot go out to a restaurant unless we live in the same house...unless of course we dine al fresco and all of the outside tables are taken right now. However last night had a chance to go out to a waterside place near home with my friend. The tide was high and choppy, coming up through the slats in the floor, crazy windy and after a very long hot day working from my home office, it was getting kind of cold. But we were both determined to be out having fun and we did...cold, hair flying, splashing water and all.

Get out of the house and have whatever fun with a friend or friends that social distancing can provide. Be smart about it and let's get this country and this world well so we can get back to big hugs!!!!

Hi folks...

How is everyone doing? Really...let us know. Are you okay?

I have to apolgize for being away from this blog for so long. So much has happened in the world. And frankly I think many of you can relate to not really wanting to acknowledge actually being alone now during this time. In this past two months you've seen what has been passing us by and settling in. This is a staunchly apolitical and non world headline type forum. I will say this you're not alone in wanting to fit in, be a part it all, not sure how to be part of it all, and not wanting to be alone while holding on tightly to this spinning planet.

All are accepted here...and you are not alone.

To all:

Good Sunday morning. Out on my patio listening to the birds waking up. I've been going for a few hours out here now. When I opened the blog this morning, I saw a really negative comment to my last post. Obviously a troll, but yet, I feel sadly I have to say this....any hate speech of any kind, negative, racist, homophobic, sexist, political commentary will earn you a ban. This is an apolitical, secular, place if peace.

I'm not sorry if you don't like that. I want people to find a forum for connection. Please if you see something negative, feel free to notify me. In the meantime, enjoy your Sunday. Do at least one nice thing just for you today. Hopefully it's good weather where you are. If not, you can still do something nice, just for you.

Living Space vs Working Space: Mind the Gap

Hello folks...sorry for the hiatus. I was caught up in the working from home, living at home alone and the blurring of those lines. Caught in the same space trying to separate the two. It really weighed on me. Add to that life alone and it was a recipe for being an automaton zombie living in the gap.

Meditating the other day I was reminded of the gap. That peaceful place we find in the breath of meditation. My gap was no longer peaceful nor restful...I was becoming physically tired, frustrated and achey.

I did my best to remove or at least separate my living space from my working space. So far so good. As I said to my friend today, embrace the space for work and let it be just for that.

It can be difficult being alone to identify these places in our life when we aren't caring for ourselves. Stopping and taking that deep breath in the quiet helps to relax our bodies and our minds. I've started my meditating practice again. My work is in a completely different room from my day to day living space.

I've stopped listening to the negative people (Facebook itself is really negative sometimes, but you don't have to look at those posts. I have one super funny friend and she brightens just about everyday! Guessing she doesn't even know it.) I stopped watching the news...my daughter got me a Switch for Mother's Day. It's a bit of mindless fun and distraction from the mundane.

So what I'm saying is if you're working from home, make your space. If nothing else try to put it away every night. Make moments just for you. There is NOTHING selfish about it. You're there alone...to thine own self be true. Care for your loved ones, but you need to make sure you're one of them.

Dancing in Your Livingroom

Happy Friday all:

I know many of us are at home due to the global pandemic and others may be at home due to mobility issues or other reasons as well. I find that I sit a lot and when I get up I feel like I haven't walked in days.

I had my music on and got up and started dancing in my livingroom. It cleared my head, reminded me of good times, made me smile and I felt really good inside.

I know there are some of us who might not be able to get up and dance, but I do encourage you to turn up the music every once in awhile and dance or sing or both. I believe we all have music that moves our souls. So whether you are mobile or not, turn it up and let it move you.

What song moves you?

Take care and remember you can come here to say hello and find someone to talk to. There are a lot of really nice people out in the world who want to talk with someone too.

Something to do tonight at 7PM EDT (US). If you follow you will be notified when his evening shows begin.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1131391947237731&id=165652659960

Hi there....How's everyone's Thursday?

I have to take a day away from time to time because Facebook gets too negative. I don't want to get into the who's right conversation. But I do need to caution everyone to please temper your tempers. Don't let foolish or harsh words of angry people get you down. I find sometimes it makes me feel hopeless that this will never be over. But I do know it will. We just have to be vigilant. Do the right thing to protect ourselves, our loves and everyone else.

I can't wait to hug my family and my friends. I live alone, so there's no hugs while all of this is going on. As I know some...many of you are also alone. The sun is out, in many places that this reaches. If so and if not, how are you doing? What are you doing in this spring weather, whatever that looks like?

Cheers to you all!!

If you're in a situation where you are unsafe, fear for your life, need help, reach out.

Remember:
You are LOVED...
You are ENOUGH ...
You are BEAUTIFUL...
You are FORGIVEN...
You are WORTHY...

Call today
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
If you are in immediate danger call 911 NOW!
US: 1-800-799-6233
that's
1-800-799-SAFE

Republic of Ireland
Women’s Aid
If you are in immediate danger call 999 NOW!
Helpline: 1800 341 900 (24 hours, 7 days a week)

United Kingdom/Northern Ireland
If you're in immediate danger dial 999 NOW.
0808-2000-246

I reach my heart and soul to you all. I understand and have been there. You don't have to stay no matter how much you think you do. You are loved, you are not stupid, no one will blame you. I walked away when I was a young woman and no matter how old you are now, you don't have to stay with an abusive partner or parent or whomever is abusing. There is life beyond abuse.

Stories of the World:

If you have been following me from the beginning or you only started yesterday, you may have read the why I started this blog. I'm telling my story and want you to tell (post) your story. What inspires you? What wakes you up in the morning? Why are you here? Please post your stories...

When my mother was in hospice with Stage 4 metastatic cancer, having resigned herself to the inevitable and not wanting to face her final days feeling sick from chemo or radiation, she chose to not pursue any treatment.

I know I felt angry with her for giving up, for not caring about anyone else's feelings. She was giving up seeing her only granddaughter graduate high school, go to and graduate from college. She was letting go. She said and I can only understand now from a distance, that she wanted to control the last moments of her life.

I did however keep talking with her and asking why she was giving up. I remember she looked at me and with the solemnity of a judge, she said words that haunt me and echo in my mind every single day "What kind of life is this." It was as much a statement as plea and request to understand the loneliness she felt deep within her being.

In the following weeks, she withered and aged years it seemed, as she let go of life and hope. At times she seemed angry and other times simply resigned. I just wanted her to smile...to laugh...to know she was loved...needed. When her eyes gazed beyond me when we talked (I mostly talked) I hope she knew she was loved.

I was in a meeting when my mother past away. In the middle of my company's factory when I heard my brother's voice telling me our mother had died. I recall many moments, in glimpses from the rest of that day. But not very much.

In the following days, weeks, months I kept wondering how I could memorialize her. While I spoke of her, I kept thinking of her words and how lonely she was.

After almost four years, this blog was born. I wanted to reach out. Maybe there was a way to heal me, other people and the spirit of my mother who I hope still lingers in my home and knows I am with her in my heart everyday.

Right now the world finds so many of us scared, lonely, in need of connection. I know it's frightening the state of the world, but you can connect here and many other places. Reach out and tell your stories...

I hope to hear from many of you.

Lanelle

Spring!!! Hey I know it's hard right now. Working from home makes the world seem like a neverending Groundhogs Day!

I have started taking walks during business meetings, planting some plants in my garden during business meetings, and play my music all day (stop watching the news). What I've noticed us how positive the sunshine and music makes me feel. Get outside. I believe mist people have the ability to walk around their neighborhoods. Do it! Pick up a bag of potting soil and plant some flower starts. (All the stuff in the pics was during business meetings today...not much but new life)

It's little things right now that will lift us up. Let some small activity brighten your day. We're getting close to flattening the curve, but you don't have to hide completely in your homes.

Calling all you closet rock stars or rock stars only in your livingroom or driving in your car...post your videos of singing or dancing or any other fun (always PG here) for others to see and enjoy.

Thanks!!!

Friend Citizens,

I want to reach out to those in the world who are isolated and struggling with addiction. During this unprecidented world event, being isolated and away from loved ones and friends, you may feel unable to cope. If you are feeling that way, reach out to your sponsors, contact your local support group. There are virtual meetings and always someone on the line who can help you out if you are struggling.

You are not alone.

Make the call if you need to.

Sending again...it's a good message and want to check in on everyone. How is everyone doing? Can we check in and make sure we're okay and reach out if you need to talk or share a story or tell a joke (keeping it clean)?

Mandatory Isolation: Stay Calm

I know this is a bit of a scary time...I know I keep wondering what is going to happen. But a couple of things...I know if we are required to isolate ourselves even more, it might seem overwhelming. I know being at work and out socializing with friends being limited is driving me a little stir crazy. But it doesn't have to. I talk with friends all day everyday. I talk with colleagues during the day. Talk with family. Don't isolate yourself completely.

Keep calm and carry on (wish I'd said that). It's really good advice. We're here, reach out here. Post some ideas on what you're doing to keep yourself busy if you are stuck at home or in quarantine?

Seen on my special assignment travels for work today. A blustery day in Seattle.

Post a picture of something in your day that makes you smile.

Corona Care Corner:

It's Okay To Take A Break

I was off of FB for a couple of days. Even though we are here looking for and sharing positive messages, the constant barrage of the news of the world, some people's spin on that news and other negatives are mentally and emotionally exhausting. I needed a moment to breathe and a break. I think it helped. I also didn't watch the news.

It's okay to take a break from all the news of the world. While abiding by your local rules, get fresh air! Get up and dance and get lost in the music for a few minutes (this one can't help but put a smile on your face). Binge on a series or a bunch of Disney movies. Play some games with your family if you are with your family. If you are not, engage online. My friends and I are going to do that this weekend.

What are you doing to keep you sane and feed your soul? Remember, even though you may be alone in your home, you are not alone. Really...

Good morning all, I hope you are doing well today. Please check in if you are, check in if you're not. Check in and let us know how you're doing...good or bad, we're here to help.

I had a rough day Friday for some reason. I got out into the garden this weekend and it really helped.

Sending air {{HUGS}}

To all followers and visitors:

This page is meant to be interactive. I encourage you to post messages. If you need to talk, need to know you're not alone in the world.

I ask that you please be respectful.

Okay...something silly and fun and less serious:

Your quarantine nickname is how you feel right now + the last thing you ate out of the cupboard...go

Signed,
Dismayed Honey Nut Cheerios

Thanks Emma Love:

I'd like to mention one facet of this epidemic that I have not heard mentioned yet. Covid-19 is deadly and it is imperative that those who are able to self-isolate do so. However during this time of social distancing, I would like to mention that to people with reoccurring depression, self-isolation can be deadly. This is true of many mental illnesses but for this discussion I would like to focus on depression. Don't get me wrong, even people with mental illness should be self-isolating for their safety and other's. But if you know someone with reoccurring depression, they may need your help even if they don't know how to ask for it.

I often describe my depression as siege warfare. I am a city under attack surrounded by an enemy that is never completely defeated but in the good times they are kept at bay. During the bad times they take whatever opportunity they can to infiltrate my city. I take medication which builds a wall around my city, it helps keep the enemy out but I still have to make sure that I have access food and supplies otherwise the enemy will be able to surround the wall and starve the city until it is too weak to defend itself. I make sure my city has it's "resources" to withstand this siege by making sure I socialize, exercise, follow a daily routine, and be productive. The wall (medication) gives me the strength to do those things but it's on me to make sure I follow through and push myself. Sometimes I do not succeed and that's when my depression hurts me, my loved ones, and my life.

The problem with self-isolation is that it has become exponentially harder to do those things despite all efforts. All the tools and resources I use to fight off the enemy have been taken away and my city is at risk of collapsing in this siege. I am lucky that Iive with my mother and have her support in battling this, but many are not so fortunate.

Please reach out to your friends with mental illness during this isolation. Facetime them, play video games over the internet with them, text them and remind them to take their medication and ask if they've showered and dressed today, whatever you can do to help them fight off their depression during this time.

Depression is deadly. We have already lost too many lives to this virus, don't let it take your loved ones with mental illness too.

I don't often do ask this, but please, please, share this with your friends.

Corona Care Corner:
Stick to a Routine

This has been my strategy for coping with the isolation. Personally, I live alone and it's challenging for sure. I do have my pets, but the hugs just aren't the same. Here are some things that work for me:

* Wake up at the same time, even on the weekends.
* Keep strict work hours if you are able to work from home. I try to not do overtime if I don't need to.
* Have meals at the same time everyday.
* Get regular exercise. Exercise videos or at home equipment. I have an exercise bike and my doctor suggested doing intervals at 10 minutes per hour. Just to keep moving and the blood pumping. I also try to do all of my steps even if while watching TV at night just to top it off.
* Go to sleep at the same time everyday.
* Reach out to family and friends for support...co.e here for support and make new friends. Really!!!

Stay positive as much as you can. Most of us will feel occasional levels of despair and that's okay. We can recover from this. I know it's frightening. You're not alone in this. The whole world is involved.

Stronger together.

Copied and shared from a favorite meditation pages. Great message:

7 Things you can do to reduce the stress over the Coronavirus

Take a Breath

Did you know that breathing and thoughts are connected? When you feel anxious and stressed out, your breathing becomes shallow, rapid, and occurs from your upper chest. Mindfully directing the breath can trigger the brain to reduce the number of anxious thoughts and restore wellness in minutes.

Begin by taking an extended deep breath from the belly and release it through your mouth for 4-6 rounds. This simple breathing exercise can bring attention to your body and trigger a rapid relaxation response.

Close the Chapter on Storytelling

Storytelling happens when one thought is connected to another thought; they are falsely categorized in the mind as fact. Thoughts are not facts. Catch yourself when you're running storylines in your head and say "thoughts" to yourself and smile because you just caught yourself and prevented a potential negative thought from running a muck in your head.

Become Aware of Rapid-fire Questions

Do I have enough toilet paper? I use at least 1 roll every four days and I only have 50 rolls so that's 200 days worth, is that enough? What if I run out and cant get anymore. What will I do? It sound silly but we do this more times a day then we are aware of, especially during times like these. Catch yourself quickly. The act of noticing will help you step back, become aware, and feel safe again. Giving yourself the space to allow presence of mind to guide you.

Reduce the Number of Conversations About Coronavirus

Too much information is a bad thing when it comes to mulling over the same information over and over again. Try avoiding having the topic of conversations always being about the virus and the effects. Trying to start other topics that are more refreshing, empowering, giving and loving.

Become Selective About the News

The 24/7 news broadcasts are overstimulating. They create a sense of urgency. Unless you are directed to stay on top of the news in your area by state officials, due to a state of emergency, or other directives by your state or government (or health care provider) turning off the news for a few hours can help you de-stimulate the brain.

Start Journaling

Take 5-10 minutes to mindfully journal. Within a few minutes, you will notice that your head begins to settle down.

Simply write down the flurry of thoughts running through your mind and circle only the ones that are facts. Now, highlight those that are simply thoughts or storylines as described earlier. The act of writing often discharges pent-up emotion and allows for a cathectic release of energy.

Take Time to Meditate

Meditation is key to de-stimulating the brain and resting the body. It allows you to bypass thoughts, trigger rapid healing and slip into a place of stillness. In essence, it allows your brain and body to rest and recharge at the same time. With regular meditation, your brain shifts out of the “fight and flight” response that is triggered in times of stress, and helps you to sort through situations with clarity and ease. Start setting aside a bit of time each day to meditate.

Namaste!

What's your uplifting moment today? Mine was the sun shining into my home.

A little article on coping right now. This is a blip in time. It will be rough in many ways, but it will pass. Take a peak, it's a quick read.

Remember, you're not alone. We're all out here feeling separate. Virtual hugs. 💞

6 Coping Mechanisms to Try If You're Feeling Alone Learn about effective coping mechanisms that help manage loneliness, which affects many people and can carry heavy consequences.

How Are You Really Doing?

How is everyone today? I know I had a rough day yesterday, better today, but had needed to let out the emotion of it all. I am on week four so a little ahead of most as I was already sick with a bout of bronchitis. There will be ups and downs through this for the heartiest of souls. I live alone and still, being isolated you really feel the weight of it all.

It's okay to be mad or sad or any other feelings (I'm sure some kids are happy to be out of school...parents, not so much). Keep to a schedule. Working from home I make sure to work my regular work hours and no more. Routine really helps. Then dinner normal hours, meditation, watching some shows. Drinking lots of water...I don't know why I'm working this one so diligently and exercise a few times a week.

Please remember we're all in this together. You are not alone. Reach out and let us know how you're doing and if you need just chat.

I use Insight Timer as my meditation tool of choice and highly recommend.

Take care all.

Virtual hand holding. The power of connection!

media1.tenor.co

Calling all stressed out citizens of the world!!!

Good morning friends. I have to be honest and I want everyone to feel the same and admit when they feel overwhelmed. I hit a wall this morning. Logically, I know this will pass. Emotionally just a wave of anxiety this morning.

What is everyone doing to keep their spirits up?

Hey there citizens of the world...how are you doing today? Right now looking for ways to relieve the boredom...that's both a question and what I'm actually doing. If you're stuck in the house, this looks like a cool thing to do. Museums of the world...ONLINE! Might not be the same as in person, but you can plan to see to up close and personal when the world calms down and is healthy again.

Hang in there friends, you are not alone.

12 World-Class Museums You Can Visit Online You don't have to leave your couch to take in a little culture. Find out which world-famous museums you can virtually visit today.