Living alone…
Yes, I can, but definitely there are negative effects that are related to living alone without any family or friends to interact with.
The most obvious aspects are a sense of isolation and alienation; a sense of having no connections with others. Living alone without a sense of connection with others leads to feelings of loneliness, helplessness, an inordinate amount of time spent focusing on ones self, and depression.
It can lead to unstable emotional states and irrational thoughts, Yes.
It is important to have a sense of belonging, a sense of acceptance, a feeling that one matters and makes a difference in other peoples lives, that they bring some value to others, and that they are understood and that their ideas and behavior make sense and are approved by others.
It is also important to our mental and emotional health to feel that we have a connection with others. Others validate us and confirm that we are okay, that our aspirations are worthy, and that we are deserving of praise, acknowledgement, and attaining the things in life that we desire and aspire to. Without this validation, one is only left to question themselves.
For anyone who does live alone and does not have social connections - consider ways you might get out and connect with others. Even going out for a walk and just smiling at others who are out doing the same can do wonders for your sense of worthiness when they return your smile at you in return. If you’re feeling up to it, you can add saying “Hi” to your greeting and feel the joy of someone else offering you a friendly “Hello” in return. Acknowledging others and being acknowledged back is a basic way to begin building self-esteem and to see you provide value even in the simple task of acknowledging others presence in the world.
Seeing our value reflected back through others is a basic building block of confidence, and not only do people with many supportive relationships weather lifes storms much easier and bounce back much quicker, but there is evidence that they feel less stress, and live longer as well.
If you find you must live alone for some reason, the next best thing is to get yourself a pet I guess? (impossible in my case) Something who trusts you, depends on you, that you can care for, and who is always there for you. Having pets can heal faster from operations they say, less tendency to loneliness, and so on… it’s not a substitute for connections with other people, but it’s far better than living completely alone.
To all my fellow OFWs…
Cheer up!!! (“;)
