Solitude vs. loneliness

 

Good morning.

As I start the day, I am thinking of what I consider to be two sides of the same coin. 

Namely, solitude and loneliness.

The first is a gift, and the latter is, quite frankly, a curse, in my experience.

Now I have experienced both at various times in my life, and to me it comes down to my making a choice when the occasion arises.

What do I want? Do I want to thrive, or do I want to merely endure and suffer?

Both states can be totally in touch with reality. 

The more we see the benefits of one and the harm of the other, the more we can practice making that choice throughout our lives.

Both solitude and loneliness arise from the same occasion or accidental situation.

A comparison (you can look it up):

"Solitude is the state of being alone, often by choice. 

Unlike loneliness—which carries an involuntary, painful feeling of isolation—solitude is generally a positive, constructive, and peaceful experience of being present with oneself. It is commonly used for reflection, creativity, and spiritual growth."

Personal reflection: 

Now being able to make a choice between the two states given a particular circumstance is, in my experience, like training a muscle. Every opportunity to make a choice either brings us closer or farther from fulfillment.

Ask yourself the question, "What do I want?"

Make a choice: will I embrace the gift or not?

For me, that awareness of the ability to choose started way back when I was 26 years old (I am now 59) when I had reached my limit mentally, emotionally, and physically while under great stress in a Catholic seminary.

I reached out for help and eventually was given GREAT relief from medication therapy.

Since that time, my relationships improved as well as my ability to work and be productive. The ability to make choices between growth and stagnation.