We all need some love in our hearts

in #life8 years ago (edited)

I’ve known for a long time that humans aren’t a solitary being,

We crave the acceptance, approval and love of another. Even the strongest, most hard-faced person in the world needs that acceptance.

From a peer? A parent? Who knows, but someone.

I lived in solitude, on my own, for several years. Well, about two to be exact. As I pondered life’s mysteries and beauty.

I long craved for that friend to pop in and stay for a few days, or the parent to take a trip and spend a visit with me.

But, they never stayed.

My loneliness was like being stuck in a dark pit of bitter despair. A raincloud of negativity would hang over my head in constant winter-like ugliness

Truth is, I wasn’t without people around me, because I went to work and socialised there,

But at home, I was lonely.

I long craved for someone to share my life with. A friend, a lover, a stranger,

Anyone.

In truth I was in addiction recovery, and it was suggested that I get comfortable being alone with myself.

I don’t think they meant being alone for the next two years, though!

You see when bad times fall upon you, your real friends surface. The one’s that stick by you through thick and thin,
not the flaky acquaintances you meet for a drink and don’t see again for another week.

They disappeared.

Turns out I had three friends.

Out of the twenty or so people I had in my social circle,

Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a bad thing, it’s life. A huge friend circle would just be confusing.

But even then, I’d see them often weeks apart because they had lives and jobs and I had realised by then that I’m not the centre of the universe.

I respected that.

And then a truly amazing thing happened.

I landed a job that I had always wanted.

Suddenly, my mood had lifted, and people were coming in their droves to visit me again,

But the amazingly beautiful thing was, when it was time to go I was happy to have some alone time.

This actually hadn’t happened to me before.

I was finally appreciating some time alone, by myself

Turns out I really enjoyed it. To the extent of ditching one or two social events.

After such I didn’t feel the need to be around everyone all the time, to cling onto them for dear life.

After such, women started to appear on the scene. Because women don’t like men that obsess over them. They want to know that they have other interests and she isn’t central to you.

And yes, throughout my solitude I had found a great many interests,

So my free time was scattered,

And my friends wanted to be around me,

I was happy. I was happy with life and by then had accepted who I was.

And then the Mrs walked into my life, at work might I add!

And the rest, is history.

I didn’t know it at the time that I had just began on a beautiful journey of unconditional love of myself,

We’re told loving yourself is a bad thing,

It’s not.

Love yourself, BE who you are, and appreciate that person.

Be safe, friends.

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Strong message here. It felt like reading my story here. I had times feeling alone, though I had many friends. I mean really much friends. But something inside me was complaining. One day, through a breaking point I changed my attitude and saw everything more positive and I attracted positive things to me! In short: I love to be around people but also love to be on my own. For instance I love to take time to write article here :)

Have a nice day!

Thanks! Exactly why I wrote it. You can be "alone" or "lonely" two completely different distinctions :) - glad you've found yourself!

I agree! Looking forward for more

@lifeisawesome, thanks for this great piece. But, please shed more light on why Trump's image is in the post. Is there any meaning to that? And just to add, Love is simply Inexplicable!

None whatsoever - only that he was a harsh faced man that has a spotlight on him, and seen by some as a confident one

That's for you:

You mean Donald Trump isn't the perfect example of love and acceptance of our fellow man?! ;)

Hey, I'm no perfect example of the perfect man lol. But donald trump is a perfect example of a hard faced man that craves acceptance ;)

I could see that... he wan't so badly to be accepted he ends pushing others away... that seems to be often how it works... he certainly is entertaining though!

Oh man, not if he gets into power. Stranger things have happened!

Haha true... but there are plenty of checks and balances. Plus the house and senate are divided. He won't be able to get most of the things done people have been fearing should he win... it's all fear mongering

I'm trying really hard to like myself first, It's a painful journey but hopefully one day I will be able to smile at myself in the mirror

I know it's hard, but some great advice I have heard is... if you don't like yourself, how can someone else?!

That doesn't solve the problem, but maybe identify what specifically you don't like about yourself and work on making small changes in those areas... it all starts with one step

Good thoughts actually. This is good. This is how I changed. There was a lot I didn't like about myself, and I lied to myself to cover up those dislikes, but I knew deep down. So I took small steps to change them.

Small, achievably realistic steps. :)

Yep, if you pick one thing you don't like, get a plan together on how you can improve upon that thing and then set about doing it, before you know it, that will be improved upon. Next if there is something else you don't like you set a goal and you go about working on that... before you know there isn't really anything left you don't like...

Just remember, everyone has things they don't like about themselves so don't beat yourself up @karenb54... even if it seems everyone else has everything together, they don't... everyone has something.

Everyone means something to someone...

Oh yeah - it may seem like I've got things together in theory, but in practise my life is just the same mess as the next persons.

I like that @jrcornel - well said.

Karen - really, don't beat yourself up about it. It takes time, and when you're ready you'll shine bright like a diamond! :)

I think I have given up trying. Its 1 step forward 3 backwards. Gets to the point where its easier to accept it

If you have yourself, you have the most precious thing you can have. Everything follows. I too learned it the hard way this past year.

Awesome - the best lessons are always the hardest I'm afraid. I don't think true change comes until you've taken a sip from the cup of despair :)

We are lucky to have a few real friends that will stick with us no matter what, your story is a good reminder. :)

Thank you :) - yes, if we're lucky enough to have that, then we can conquer anything! Friends help!

Never were truer words spoken! A good friend is more valuable than gold... hey that is your posting handle ;)

I see what you did there lol!

I would have to agree:) I should consider changing my handle to Friendsmatter

Haha! Good one! Maybe... "ilovegold.... err I mean..." ilovefriends"... ;)

Can't truly love anybody until you love yourself! This article really resonated with me. I feel that a lot of people take it personally when their friends aren't around when they're down but pop back in when their back up. It's tough but who really wants to share their precious time with someone in a funk who won't budge? It always seems harsh at the time but it's our responsibility to maintain a positive attitude and attract what we want. Love the post, bless!

Thanks man, actually, you've just made me think a bit there - perhaps I judge my friends too harshly sometimes. Very true!

My/their time is precious, spend it wisely - great attitude/ advice !

Hey sorry for late response. I'm new to this but I have it down now! Your most welcome. I've read a lot of your articles (and just by looking at our names haha), I have a feeling we will have good perspective to share in this steem journey ~ Bless

@lifeisawesome, I took my own advice and I visited my dad today. I just returned from visiting him and he called me before I got home, to tell me he loves me and his grandsons.

That's beautiful! I'm SO glad you're pleased with the decision you made! Hopefully you both can work on repairing that relationship now :)

@lifeisawesome, His health is declining and he is alone because of his past decisions, but he is my dad. Plus #harveylandon the baby loved him.

I can relate to that. My Dad died a few years ago - but he was a changed man with my Son, he'd sit him on his lap and sing to him - it was crazy, things he never ever did with me.

Good article. It's important to have friends but most people need their alone time too.

Thank you, they do

The thing about "loving yourself" is it's one of the few things you can control in this world -- and thus it's something you can't have taken away.

The world is a tough and harsh place. That's just fact. It's also very beautiful and loving. A true paradox.

I've been working on "loving myself' over the last decade and it truly has transformed my life.

At the end of the day, we can be our harshest critics.

Great post -- and glad you're on the right path. :)

Thank you! - Yes. You're completely right. The world can be a haven of beauty, light and love. Or a harsh terrain of horribleness. It's subjective and you are the writer of your own story. The choice is yours :)

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