Something inspired me to write this a few months ago. Finally decided to post it before my recent writings.
Locking the Door?
Should I lock the door
the door to me
my spirit, my soul and heart
only leaving a little light
burning inside?
Have you ever felt this way?
Being sensitive souls, we sometimes feel we are un-liked, unloved, that no one really cares.
We feel as though we could be gone from this world and no one would notice. Maybe on occasion someone would wonder what happened to us, but not enough to check. And if they do and think we are ok, they may not wonder again for months.
In this world we live in, we tend to have so many things on our minds that we forget to check in on family, friends, and even friendly acquaintances on occasion. Our lives get distracted by a variety of things, and we tend to do a lot of “just busy stuff” that really doesn’t mean much, if anything.
How many times do you see two or more people together, either walking or even sitting together, but each of them is on their phones texting, emailing, or even talking to someone else. They don’t even care enough to actually communicate, to share quality time with each other face to face. I have been to blame on a rare occasion, for just for a second or two if I have been expecting an important call or text. But, I practice putting my cell on vibrate and keeping it in my purse…unless I am with a “friend” who checks her notifications and will even respond with a text or answer the call!
We get so self-absorbed in our own lives that we forget to check in on those we care about. And even when we are together we are not even fully present to the other person. So sad, because we are actually missing out on the gift right in front of us…the person we claim to care about.
Whenever I have felt neglected by others, especially if I have made the effort to connect, it would make me sad and unloved, or just unlikable. It is rare these days that I allow myself to feel that way, even for a short time. Some years ago a major trauma in my life brought this home to my heart in a big way. I finally had the AHA moment when I wondered how many times I may have made someone else feel sad, lonely, unloved! Now I really try to connect with others, at least every now and then to let them know I am thinking of them, that I care.
Lovely and heartfelt, Ann. I agree that technology has become a distraction to relationships. Even television cuts into together-time. When we get older will we reflect back on the great sitcoms or hours spent texting, or will we remember the people we laughed and cried with, loved and hugged? A silly question, of course. The good thing is we can control our participation in the technological world, and we can choose people instead. Thanks for the thought-provoking post.
Thank you D for leaving a comment. I always appreciate feedback:)
Hi Ann, haven’t been here in a spell, glad I came. From a personal perspective; with personalities being so varied and the socialization process for everyone different, each individual should do what includes others, only if they want to. In other words; If one elects to share time with others(one on one or a group) then it is expected that they should participate and give their attention to the activities, discussions and participants of that connection. On the other hand if one elects to spend the majority of time outside of a group or social gathering it is an individual’s right to do so. Whatever the reason is, one is not closing a door but simply doing what works for them. Now the decision to do this may last for a short time or a long time. Thus, again, it is the decision of a person as to what they want to do. Because I am a loner and I don’t socialize, I am content to be alone most of the time. But then, I’m really not alone(you know I have to go there. smile). My need for outside social interactions have long been satisfied. I ignored The Savior so long that I am content to be alone in His Presence, most of the time. I am not a recluse, I go and do the things I want, when I want but I do feel so much better with ‘One’ whom I know loves me…for real. So my answer to your question: No – don’t lock the door, if you don’t want to and…visa versa.
Love, blessings and faith…joyce
Hi Joyce, great to hear from you. I am much like you and He is our Lord, Savior, and Best Friend. I rarely ever feel alone. I don’t remember what inspired me, back when I originally wrote this piece but I will admit that there can be moments when I feel like locking myself away. Some years ago I would take a month out of a year to keep to myself, telling friends/family that I would be on a personal retreat of sorts 🙂 It was helpful.
Thanks so much for you comments and take care Dear Lady. You are awesome and a blessing.
I find as I get older that the connections I try to keep and maintain with old friends as well as establishing links to new friends provides more moments of warmth and satisfaction than anything else I do. Sharing a laugh, a memory or just listening whether in person or by email is a highlight of my day! Anita
Thanks for your thoughts Anita. I just left this message on your blog post “Interesting, it seems that others and myself on on the same theme in our lives regarding relationships. What I wrote about in my journal today is that same topic. Thinking about typing it up and posting it on my blog!!! Maybe…it is kind of sad, yet part of our learning experiences.”
Much of the distance I find that happens with relationships is due to me or the other person becoming geographically distant. And the words from them “we will always keep in touch” although probably meant at the moment tends to fade away…either the moment we are out of site or over time.
One of my strengths, according to Strength Finder is “connectedness.” I have a tendency to keep in touch with people I care about, but have learned that after a couple years of always being the one to make an effort, it is time to let go. Their words saying they do care and always glad to hear from me echoes empty when their lack of any action proves otherwise.