Contentment Magazine January 2017 | Page 8

GET IT OUT RETHINKING Rethinking Lonely LONELY SUBMITTED BY JENNIFER OTERO W e all experience moments in our lives where we feel like we are alone, or that no one cares. Last year, it really hit me hard. I have always had friends and felt like I was loved, but then I entered college, and my whole thinking changed. It was hard for me to make any friends, even though my university is very social. I spent all day lounging in my dorm room or eating alone in the dining hall. There were moments when I felt depressed and didn’t want to be there anymore. It was a huge life change I had never experienced. happen if one day you don’t have them by your side? You have to be able to live by yourself and be at peace with who you are as a person. Being alone is not bad. It’s a way to get to know yourself on a deeper level. It’s satisfying when you can be alone but not feel alone...because you are with you. So, as this year begins, I am feeling better about myself. I think it takes time to have that peace that you want. These feelings that you have when you’re alone won’t go away overnight. They also won’t ever go away completely. But there will be a huge improvement if you work at it daily. What helps me is writing my But these are the moments that make thoughts in a journal, working out, you realize who you are and if you are finding new hobbies, or meditating. truly content with yourself. The most important thing to know is Friends and family make you feel this: You are enough. You are special. special and cared for, but what will You should be happy in life.