Have you ever felt so alone and isolated when you feel burdened by stresses that come up in daily life?

It’s easy to get bogged down in depression and loneliness when we are facing a difficult situation. In the immediate emotional overload, we can’t imagine that anyone has ever felt the way that we are feeling when we are right in the thick of it.

Have you ever found yourself saying things like “You wouldn’t understand.”, or “Why me?”

I’m going to challenge that line of thinking right now with what may seem like a harsh response; but it’s truthful.

“I bet a lot of people understand.”, and “Why not you?”

Have you ever heard a song that resonated so deeply with you that you swore the songwriter must have stolen the theme from your life? It captures the exact emotions of the love, loss, happiness, despair, or loneliness so perfectly that it moves you to tears?

Do you know why that is? Because every one of us is human. Every one of us is on this planet together, facing challenges, experiencing breakthroughs, falling in love, having our hearts broken, and riding the waves of emotional highs and lows day in and day out.

This is not to say that your journey is not important, or to say that no one cares how you feel. It’s to emphatically point out that when you find yourself burdened by the stresses that come up in your daily life you are absolutely not alone. You are not isolated on an island, stranded from anyone who could possibly relate to your plight, offer a sympathetic ear, lend a helping hand, or give you a loving embrace.

We tend to get so caught up with our stories sometimes that we refuse to let anyone else in our bubble long enough to help ease the stress we are going through. Next time you see yourself retreating into the headspace of isolation and lonely fear I challenge you to take a look around and really see the ones around you who are trying to offer you love and compassion.

Try to see yourself as you would see your best friend. If your bestie were suffering wouldn’t you want him or her to reach out for support? Lend yourself that same grace and accept a listening ear, a word of advice, a hand to hold, and the hug of a friend.

I promise, you’re not alone.