by Kathryn Hood

Created on: January 05, 2009

Post holiday loneliness is more common than many people realize. The hustle and bustle of the holidays, the cheeriness of the brightly decorated displays seen in all the stores, the friendly salutations of "Happy Holidays" by everyone (including strangers), and the comfort of family reconnecting have now passed. And there you sit, alone again, wondering what to do to boost your own spirits. How are you going to keep the depression that is knocking on your sub-conscience door from invading all your thoughts? Most people tell you to keep busy.

People who offer this advice are just trying to help. Maybe they don't know what else to say. Or maybe they have never been unfortunate themselves in experiencing what you are going through. Thank them for their efforts and concern, and then realize you are the only one who can change what is happening.

Let's look at that bit of advice. Keeping busy is only an act of delaying what eventually seeps into your mind. Most likely you will do things in an effort to keep your mind occupied, but not necessarily content. You may work extra hours, clean the house, do the much needed yard work, or you will get out of the house and go somewhere because it is expected of you. The important thing to remember is you cannot keep doing things twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. At some point you are going to have to sit and relax. And like a sinister snake, loneliness coils itself around your heart, making you choke back tears of sorrow, perhaps regret, some frustration, and deep sense of hurt. Your mind dwells on questions of "why can't I find someone who loves me?" or "why was I left here all alone?"

Sometimes being alone is a choice we make. It's a lifestyle that we choose. Other times it is something forced upon us by Life. The death of a loved one, a divorce, or someone who has to leave because of obligations can leave us on our own. Whatever the case we feel the stranglehold of an aching emptiness.

Loneliness can be beaten. It's a tough adversary. You have to change your thought patterns to more positive perceptions of your life. You have to look at the things that are great about you and the life you are living.

One of the greatest things is to appreciate that you are alive! You are still on this planet, with the ability to change. Take charge and change your attitude. Be thankful that each day is a new beginning. Each minute could be the start of a new adventure. None of us know what the future may hold but we can make up our

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