Do you ever feel lonely
and isolated and disconnected from the world around you? I love spending time
alone but I hate feeling lonely. The
difference between being alone and being lonely lies in perspective and
perception. I choose to spend time alone because it is an opportunity for me to
do self-reflection, introspection, personal growth and most importantly spend
time with God. It is a personal choice. But loneliness is something altogether
different. When we experience loneliness we feel isolated or disconnected from
others sometimes accompanied by emptiness, sadness and a longing for real
connection.
Loneliness can occur even when there are people around or in a crowded
room.
Loneliness is nothing
new. In fact if you go back in the Bible to Genesis, loneliness was man’s first
real challenge. In Genesis 2 God assigned Adam the awesome task of naming all
of the creatures. Now think about it. Adam had to come up with names for all of
the creatures. That had to be hard work but he managed it. However it also caused
him to realize that none of the animals could be companions for him. “So the
man gave names to all of the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild
animals. But for Adam no suitable helper was found.” (Genesis 2:20 NIV) Even if
he had a dog, cat or fish they couldn’t solve his need for connection and
companionship.
May is mental health
awareness month and it should come as no surprise than loneliness is a growing
concern in today's society. With the rise of technology and social media, many
people are finding themselves feeling more isolated and disconnected than ever
before. Initially, I thought much of the loneliness was a result of what happened
during the pandemic. But according to data included in The
2023 U.S Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection
and Community, even before the COVID-19 pandemic
about one-in-two adults reported experiencing loneliness. Amongst young adults the
rate of loneliness has increased every year between 1976 and 2019.
Dr. Vivek H. Murthy 19
& 21st Surgeon General admits that back in 2014 he did not view
loneliness as a public health concern until he heard stories from fellow
Americans. His report indicates several sources documenting the highest
prevalence for loneliness and isolation among people with poor physical or
mental health, disabilities, financial insecurity, those who live alone, single
parents, as well as younger and older populations. But don’t forget about ethnic
and racial minority groups and LGBTQ+ individual who also experience
discrimination or marginalization.
Loneliness is a powerful
emotion that can have a significant impact on both our mental and physical
well-being. Extensive scientific findings from a variety of disciplines,
including epidemiology, neuroscience, medicine, psychology, and sociology,
converge on the same conclusion: social connection is a significant predictor of
longevity and better physical, cognitive, and mental health, while social
isolation and loneliness are significant predictors of premature death and poor
health.
Belonging is a
fundamental human need – the feeling of deep connection with social groups,
physical places, and individual and collective experiences. Studies have shown
that prolonged feelings of loneliness can lead to increased stress levels,
higher rates of depression, and even a weakened immune system. In fact,
research has compared the effects of loneliness to smoking a pack of cigarettes
a day in terms of its negative impact on health.
Despite its powerful
presence, it's essential to remember that we are never truly alone. Several
scriptures in the Bible will remind you of God’s promise that “I will never
leave you nor forsake you.” My favorite is found in 1 Kings 8:57 “May the Lord
our God be with us as He was with our ancestors, may He never leave us nor
forsake us.”
Loneliness can be a
signal that we need to reach out and connect with others, to share our thoughts
and feelings, to seek comfort and companionship. It's a reminder to nurture the
relationships that bring us joy and support, and to take steps to build new
connections. Remember, in moments of loneliness, there is always hope for
brighter days ahead.
Here are 5 additional
things you can do to remember you are not alone.
1.
Reach out to a friend
or family member. Sometimes just talking to someone you trust can make a big
difference.
2.
Get outside. A little
bit of fresh air and a change of scenery can lift your spirits.
3.
Engage in a hobby. Do
something you enjoy that can distract you from feelings of loneliness
4.
Volunteer – Being a
part of something bigger than yourself and helping others is a great way to
connect with your community and feel a sense of purpose.
5.
Practice self-care by
taking time to care for yourself both physically and mentally.
Solopreneurs often find ourselves
feeling lonely because we are solely responsible for our business's success.
The journey of entrepreneurship can be challenging and isolating at times,
especially when faced with tough decisions and obstacles to overcome alone.
Without the daily interactions and support system found in a traditional
workplace, solopreneurs may struggle to find like-minded individuals to bounce
ideas off or share their successes and failures with.
In 2023 I left a company
I had worked for 23 years to begin life as a full-time entrepreneur. I found
myself spending long hours working on my business, often feeling isolated and
missing the camaraderie of my former colleagues. However, I soon realized that
being an entrepreneur doesn't mean you have to go it alone. I started reaching
out to other entrepreneurs in my community, participating in networking events,
and joining online forums where I could connect with like-minded individuals.
Slowly but surely, I
built a support system of fellow entrepreneurs who understood the challenges
and triumphs of starting a business. Through these connections, I found not
only companionship but also valuable advice, inspiration, and even potential
collaborations. As I embraced this new chapter in my life, I learned that while
the journey of an entrepreneur can be solitary at times, it doesn't have to be
a lonely one.
I am of the belief “no one grows alone” that’s why when I created
Pearls Perfected Institute (PPI) I wanted solopreneurs to remember that they
are not truly alone. Building a network of mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, and
friends who understand the entrepreneurial journey can provide much-needed
support and camaraderie. Although
Pearls Perfected Institute is primarily a technology company, we recognize the
importance of fostering a supportive community and are intentional about
designing technology that fosters healthy dialogue and relationships for mental
health and wellness experts in private practice.
Our institute provides a
platform where professionals can come together to share knowledge, experiences,
and strategies to enhance their practices and better serve their clients. Through
networking events, mastermind groups, and online learning forums, members of
our community have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals,
build relationships, and collaborate on innovative approaches to mental health and
wellness. Whether you are a therapist, counselor or a coach we provide a safe
space for collaboration and growth so we can collectively strive towards
excellence in our respective practices.
Schedule a demo
and see how you can be a part of a community that is “transforming mental
health and wellness professionals with user-friendly technology that keeps
clients learning long after their sessions.” Have you checked out my live
streaming show Asking for a Sister Friend? If not catch a replay on my YouTube Chanel. While you are there, subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Would you like to
be my special guest? I invite you to join me to share your expertise and knowledge
with those who need your services. Together, we can perfect our pearls of
wisdom and make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.
Blessings,
Dr. Janice R. Love
Founder & CEO Pearls Perfected
