Connection & Loneliness

I’ve been writing a book over the last few months. The book is a compilation of women’s stories of addiction. I have spent months meeting and speaking with women in recovery, to learn about them. It is an absolute blessing to be trusted with these stories and I know they will inspire others.

Now, as I work each day to write, I find commonalities among the stories. Perhaps the most common thread among all of them is loneliness.

The question becomes: how do we manage loneliness? How do we find our way back to connection?

"We are hardwired to connect with others, it’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering."

BRENE BROWN, DARING GREATLY

If you love someone that is struggling with addiction, mental health issues, or recovery, ask yourself if your loved one might be lonely. It is important to remember that we cannot fix or solve anyone’s problems for them. Instead, we can support and lift them up. Encourage them. Invite them to a book club. Or church. Or dinner.

Just don’t be tied to the answer. We need to keep our own health at the top of our minds. It is great to be there for someone. But if the answer is no, accept it and move on.

We all need to feel loved and we all need to feel connected. Just proceed with caution.

Tagged#addiction,#brenebrown,#connection,#loneliness,#mentalhealth,#recovery