Alone
It's strange how, in a world where others are right there at the tip of your fingers, we can still feel SO alone. It's simple to send a 2 second text or say hello to another on social media. So, why do we feel so lonely still in today's society?
I think part of it could be that we are just SO busy. Work, kids, more work, school, responsibility, bettering ourselves, and the list goes on. It's true that it takes a second to check in with a friend or family member but I honestly think most loneliness stems from seeing everyone's highlight reel. When you are constantly bombarded with only the best of other's lives... it can feel like you are the only one struggling. Why do we do that? Why do we put on a show for others? Why is it so hard to be open and honest with others we know? I tend to try to focus on the positive but in the meantime, I can push down the pain and suffering. I don't think that is a healthy choice either. Of course we need to count our blessings. We know that things could be worse. We know that we are fortunate if all our needs are met. But you know what I think is seriously hurting us and our relationships? Dishonesty.
I don't think the answer is to complain about every single thing in life but I do think it would be helpful if we could better relate to one another. It's not helpful to tell someone to enjoy every single second of their children when they are in a difficult phase or in a rut. When people are in the thick of things, it's tough to hear that they just need to smile and move on. Their feelings aren't validated. They are left unhelped, misunderstood, and frankly, just frustrated. It's ok to try and remind someone that better days are ahead but it's also important to acknowledge what they are going through rather than brushing it off. It's great to have a gentle reminder that these childhood phases don't last forever and that our little ones wont always need us THIS much. But think about it.... is that helpful? I feel the only thing that comes from that is guilt. As if parents don't feel guilty enough already for all their shortcomings.
To my friends, family, and on social media... I try to balance life just as I do in real life. Some days are super duper magical and rainbows and the kids are listening, getting along, we did crafts and everyone is happy. But most days? Most days are tears, messes, stubborn toddlers, inconsolable infants, tired 7 year olds, dads that work 12 hour days, moms at the end of their rope, etc. It's good to keep that in mind when you're giving advice to others. Some days are just downright overwhelming and that's just the reality. I'm not asking you to air every single downfall of the day but when you only post the good, it's so hard for others to relate and to get past the fact that what they are looking at, is not often reality. Of course, you're not in charge of other's feelings.... but just something to think about.
Just my thoughts for today. We are currently in some tough phases in life. Life isn't promised to be easy though, and we know that. We are just doing the best we can.
Happy Monday!
(this can obviously work for any part of life. work, kids, school, etc. My husband and I got a good laugh out of this one)
I think part of it could be that we are just SO busy. Work, kids, more work, school, responsibility, bettering ourselves, and the list goes on. It's true that it takes a second to check in with a friend or family member but I honestly think most loneliness stems from seeing everyone's highlight reel. When you are constantly bombarded with only the best of other's lives... it can feel like you are the only one struggling. Why do we do that? Why do we put on a show for others? Why is it so hard to be open and honest with others we know? I tend to try to focus on the positive but in the meantime, I can push down the pain and suffering. I don't think that is a healthy choice either. Of course we need to count our blessings. We know that things could be worse. We know that we are fortunate if all our needs are met. But you know what I think is seriously hurting us and our relationships? Dishonesty.
I don't think the answer is to complain about every single thing in life but I do think it would be helpful if we could better relate to one another. It's not helpful to tell someone to enjoy every single second of their children when they are in a difficult phase or in a rut. When people are in the thick of things, it's tough to hear that they just need to smile and move on. Their feelings aren't validated. They are left unhelped, misunderstood, and frankly, just frustrated. It's ok to try and remind someone that better days are ahead but it's also important to acknowledge what they are going through rather than brushing it off. It's great to have a gentle reminder that these childhood phases don't last forever and that our little ones wont always need us THIS much. But think about it.... is that helpful? I feel the only thing that comes from that is guilt. As if parents don't feel guilty enough already for all their shortcomings.
To my friends, family, and on social media... I try to balance life just as I do in real life. Some days are super duper magical and rainbows and the kids are listening, getting along, we did crafts and everyone is happy. But most days? Most days are tears, messes, stubborn toddlers, inconsolable infants, tired 7 year olds, dads that work 12 hour days, moms at the end of their rope, etc. It's good to keep that in mind when you're giving advice to others. Some days are just downright overwhelming and that's just the reality. I'm not asking you to air every single downfall of the day but when you only post the good, it's so hard for others to relate and to get past the fact that what they are looking at, is not often reality. Of course, you're not in charge of other's feelings.... but just something to think about.
Just my thoughts for today. We are currently in some tough phases in life. Life isn't promised to be easy though, and we know that. We are just doing the best we can.
Happy Monday!
(this can obviously work for any part of life. work, kids, school, etc. My husband and I got a good laugh out of this one)
Comments
Post a Comment