Alone is not Lonely

I have lately been discovering the difference between being alone, and being lonely. It seems that as a culture we more and more pride ourselves on how much we can cram into one day. ESPECIALLY if we are parents. Not only are we not ok being alone, we are teaching our children that they must be constantly doing something with someone.

Well…as life would have it…I am alone. Not what I planned on. I do not remember sitting as a little girl daydreaming of the day I would be 36 and going through a divorce and living as a single mom. Ya…every little girl’s dream. But even still, I am alone.

Now don’t start thinking I am having a “woe is me” pitty party. I am SURROUNDED by amazing friends and an incredible support system. And this is where I see the difference. Alone is not lonely. I will admit…I get lonely. Like crushing lonely (flash back to the little girl NOT dreaming about being alone). I have to have conversations with myself throughout the day just to hear the sound of my own voice (and if you know me that does not sound surprising). But I am finding value in being alone. In being quiet. That maybe in this alone time I will be able to hear what the Lord has been waiting to whisper. That I will learn to grow into the woman that little girl was meant to be. That in being alone, I can become a better companion.

This has been one of the hardest journeys of my life. And yes, right now I am alone…but alone is not lonely.