Even extroverts need some alone time now and then – but solitude and loneliness are two very different things.

Loneliness is a sadness that envelops us because our social needs aren’t being met. Our post-pandemic world, with more people working remotely, is contributing. The time we spend on social media is having the same effect. Some people list loneliness as their greatest fear. 

Remember the movie Cast Away, when Tom Hanks invented a persona out of a volleyball? Wilson (the volleyball) kept Chuck (Hanks’ character) from losing his mind from isolation and helped him to stay focused so he could get back home to his family.

Look around you! 

We may not realize it, but we’re surrounded by lonely people who could use a kind word, just to know someone cares. People need to know they matter. 

You matter!

Strive to meet new people – you were created for connection.

Call a friend or relative you haven’t talked to in a while and see if you don’t feel better. They’ll be grateful you cared enough to call. 

Today’s Peace of Wisdom comes from knowing that it’s through connection with other human beings that we can cure a lonely heart.