Writing on a blog topic that resonates so deeply in one’s heart can feel somewhat reflective. Still, I can also see how this topic is not incredibly unique to my personal experience but a common occurrence among many. To be lonely may not be an admittance one would be so openly willing to share with others, whether out of fear of not wanting to be judged or out of pride of not liking to be exposed or pitied. However, the reality is that loneliness is a worldwide phenomenon

I think I can confidently say that most of us have known the deep, heart-wrenching feeling of loneliness. Personally, I’ve always been someone who was comfortable with being alone. As a big introvert, I valued my alone time to recharge, and even as a child, I had no problems playing alone or entertaining myself. But there is a significant difference between wanting to be alone and feeling like you have no one to turn to in your time of need.

As I scrolled through social media, my heart instantly dropped to the floor as I saw another girl living out the same prayer I was desperately offering to the Lord, yet my prayer remained unanswered. At that moment, my thoughts veered toward the extreme as paralyzing doubts raged inside me, wondering if God had even heard my cries. If He has noticed, why does this season's loneliness and the ache in my heart hurt so bad?

With over 8 billion people in this world how is it even possible to feel alone?  More than just feeling alone, it's about the sadness and despair we feel when we feel that no one is for us or cares about us.  Loneliness when we are surrounded by others is a very real phenomenon and I’m not here to tell you it gets easier with time or that you shouldn't worry because it’ll be alright.  I’m here to tell you that it's normal and to give you a few ways that have worked for me over the last 20 years to hopefully minimize the pain you may feel.