I read a blog post this morning that disturbed me... a lot! I'm not linking the person's post here because I don't have permission.
What disturbed me is that so many people still have the notion that they are alone ~ when it really doesn't need to be that way. That's something we have the power to change. Not as individuals but as a community, we can change having anyone feel so completely alone and overwhelmed.
We find plenty of excuses. We're too busy ourselves. We have our own business to tend, our own concerns...
... but is that really why we're here?
Are we human beings all on this planet together for nothing more than personal empire-building? There are literally billions of us on this planet. For anyone to be "alone" is beyond comprehension.
And in the spirit of full disclosure, yes, I am very aware that I felt alone for many years. That is because I didn't hold my current beliefs at that time ~ and I didn't realize or understand my own complicity in that aloneness.
I believe we can all do more than offer emotional support to someone whose life is unraveling, who is feeling overly stressed and overwhelmed.
Sometimes even small things can mean a lot. The simple question "what can I do" can make all the difference in the world. Can I watch someone's child for evening? Can I do some footwork? Can I make some phone calls? Can I cook a meal?
I wish there is something I could offer to someone known only through blog-reading.
That post really hurt my heart this morning. It will be sticking with me all day.
Peace,
~Chani
Friday, April 27, 2007
You are not alone!
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19 comments:
Sometimes I think that even physical pain is preferable to the psychic pain of loneliness.
Your compassion is beautiful. Even leaving a comment that the person is not alone helps.
A nice reminder to look around and be the community that we want to live in.
I hope the person whose blog so touched you will follow you back to yours, and will find the loving community that surrounds you here.
The beauty of this world is that if you WANT to be alone, you can be.
The ugliness of this world is that those that cry out for human contact are often ignored.
The trick is to get it to work for you precisely when needed. I'll let you know when I figure it out...
You are a compassionate soul, Miss Chani.
you are so right. but i think the emotional support is powerful, more so than the tangible sometimes. it's like being held up by invisible hands or something (is that cheesy) but i mean that.
and you did that today.
I think so frequently so many are totally unaware of the impact they make by doing something or nothing.
I would so much rather offend someone by reaching out (And trust me? It happens, even if done in utter kindness and with diplomacy, and not trespassing on any boundaries beyond "completely ignoring others' existence.") than distress them by not, and have them feel un-cared for or alone.
I hope that person sees your blog post.
And I agree with your POV here, what you say. True, true.
You have such a good heart, Chani. I feel blessed to know you.
So many walking around half-dead and broken-hearted...
I know. And I believe whole heartedly what slouching mom said. If someone would punch me in the gut then at least it would take my mind off of feeling as low as I do now.
you are really so lovely
I too have read blog posts that have had me wanting to reach out and offer a hand, or a hug, or a quiet word and it is almost painful not being able to do so.
Chani,
you honor me in so many ways that you will never realize. Reading your posts reminds me of the graciousness of a world forgotten. your comments touch my heart. Thank you for caring.
I hope this person reads your words. Sometimes that can be enough to feel not so all alone.
I have to belief that she must feel you holding her in your heart.
Oh, come on, tell us the URL for the blog! A blogger wouldn't mind you sending readers.
You're right. It really doesn't need to be that way. I,too, hope that person will end up here and read this. We've all been there. You have such a good heart Chani.
I do believe, for many, a virtual hug does not fill the loneliness that only being in-person can do. There have definitely been times where I felt so alone, and despite having wonderful friends on the other end of the phone line, it barely took the edge off the aching. Hopefully, it is only temporary.
You are an amazing person! I have often felt so alone and just knowing there are people in the world feeling the same way you do, puts my heart a little more at ease!
Thank you so much!
All the best always,
M
I have found a lot of warmth and support in the blogosphere. And, I had the opportunity to reach out to a very depressed twelve year old blogger in the UK, last week. I think we can make a difference.
On a side note. That sign gave me chills. I know that thought and that feeling. Chills, I tell you.
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