Alone: In A Crowded Room

Here it is, many know or experienced this scenario.  Entering a room, filled with people one knows but does not have a sincere relationship with.  There is an occasional small talk, followed by insincere laughter. In fact, these types of interactions frequently happen, and, leaving one with the same outcome of feeling drained and alone. Often times, we feel alone and it is usually in the presence of others.   Yep, even at family reunions, company parties, or social gatherings, the isolating feeling of being alone doesn’t fade.   See, there seems to be a terrible misconception that feelings of loneliness are only rooted in depression or low self-esteem. When in fact, many of us struggle with loneliness because of the way we hear, see, and view life.

Often times, those who are unique are labeled as weird or odd early on in life and develop a habit of keeping their thoughts to themselves.  Because our thoughts are essentially who we are organically, we learn to keep ourselves to ourselves.  Before long, there is a reputation ascribed to us based on a skewed perception that we personally, did not subscribe to. Due to unnecessary confrontation, we believe in most instances, it is not worth correcting.  So, we let people think what they think.  Occasionally, we stumbled upon similar beings but few of those relationships last.   Our withdrawal from people flows into an investment of our talents, gifts, or services.   Here, the creative outlet becomes our Utopian escape, only to be interrupted by being labeled by the things we do well and not for who we are.  

See, many of us don’t struggle with low self-esteem. Many of us know that we are brilliant.  There is often compassion shown toward others, to not appear arrogant or showboating.  Equally, we desire to remove the labels of our skills and allow others an opportunity to get to know us, for us.  See, where love is essential, it provides reflection before an encounter.  At these moments, there is an aspiration to understand the value within should be the value ‘without.’  We should be intentional to welcome diversity and gain a true sense of individualism.   We are amazing people by not only the things we share but the things that make us different.  We must know, every similarity isn't equivalent to being the same.  Challenge oneself to embrace that person, isolated in a crowded room or call that cousin who is usually silent; in fact, remove the labels that we have unintentionally place on individuals.  When speaking, speak with individuals based on who they are and not their gift, service, or talent. Allow freedom of expression and diminish some feelings of being alone.