"Loneliness"

Loneliness is a very major problem in our society today. It affects every one of us. It causes sickness, including physical and mental. Sometimes it is a symptom of a mental illness. It is built into all of us, as human beings, to want to have someone around us, to feel wanted and/or needed or to simply be accepted as a part of a group. We all have a need to contribute. We are all looking for something.

This has never been more apparent than it is today, especially in this shrinking world we live in because of technology, mainly the internet and other communication devices. Social sites are being added daily and business is booming! Swarms of people are gathering in front of their computers, logging onto these sites looking for something, mainly love.

The sad thing is, most never find it and they end up spending so much time that they can never regain. This time is lost forever! But why has it gotten to this point? The symptoms are so many that it would take professional input to get to the actual problem. I think one of the major contributors to the problem is that we are in a generation of selfishness, a “me generation”.

There is nothing wrong in having our needs met. We all have needs, beginning with the very basics such as air to breathe, water to drink and food to eat. Of course, as these needs are met, others take their place, in order of importance and the order depends on what needs that have or have not been met. Abraham Maslow described these needs as the “Hierarchy of Needs” Look him up on the net, he makes a very interesting point about the animal, the human being. We are all motivated by these needs.

When we go beyond the point in which we only think of ourselves is where a part of the cause of loneliness is discovered. We must not forget that we are not alone in this world. We must always remember that what we have gained throughout our lives is because of someone giving of themselves in some way. When you give, you get.

Loneliness can be depressing. It can stifle growth. It can be immobilizing. But it can also be diminished. Give of yourself. Allow others to give to you. Expect nothing in return. I won’t sit here and tell you to stop looking for love because it is a viable need but, I will ask that you allow it to find you. Everyone wants to be loved and needed. I don’t care who you are! There is a little Scrooge in all of us but even Scrooge learned what was important.