The Antidote to Loneliness Isn’t Always Connection

Because loneliness and aloneness are not the same thing

Sometimes we think the cure for loneliness is more people. More plans. More time with friends.

And while connection is beautiful, I’ve found that it’s not always the antidote.

Sometimes, the true medicine lies in learning how to be with ourselves—fully.

The truth is… Loneliness & aloneness = 2 different things.

A Common Pattern

We fill the void with many things.

Even if we had our best friend over for the longest, soul-nourishing dinner…

When they leave—and they always do—

That quiet emptiness often creeps back in.

Why More Connection Isn’t Always the Answer

People CAN be there for us.

And that’s the beauty of connection and community.

But I find it can be a trap if we seek antidote there.

Thinking more connection can eradicate feelings of uncomfortable, maybe even heart wrenching loneliness

The Real Medicine

What’s helped me instead… was allowing a kind of death.

Letting the feelings of loneliness wash over me, and then away from me.

It’s tender. It can be scary. But it’s also deeply freeing.

You Can Still Want Love

We all want to be loved and comforted. And that’s okay.

Let your people support you. Let community hold you.

Let others be there for you,

But not to cure you of your pain and loneliness.