Am I Really Lonely?

There seems to be a difference between being alone and being lonely.  Being alone is a physical fact; I am by myself, solitary and unaccompanied.  At least I perceive it is.   Being lonely is an emotional experience, it doesn’t require physical isolation.  I can be in a room full of people and still feel isolated, unsupported, unheard, deserted, abandoned and cut off.   Sometimes I perceive I am standing solo without companionship and support only to find out others are available and are reaching out to me but I have been blinded to their intention.  Other times I feel connected, only to discover I am being misunderstood and scorned.  Communication sure is a difficult process.

Today I will open my heart to those who cross my path and graciously welcome them.  I will remember those who stand by me and are with me in spirit, if not in flesh and gratefully acknowledge that rarely do I ever really stand alone.  I am connected in ways I am only beginning to discover and this is both comforting and reassuring to know.