Comments on: Aloneness – Loneliness – Is there a Difference?

By: Judith

Judith — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 03:19:47 +0000

Beautiful Sheila. This year I was determined to bring in the New Year with people doing what I love most – “dancing.” Club was filled to the brim but I left before the midnight hour and was home relishing the peace as I brought in the New Year by myself. The loneliness only surfaces when I dwell on those who’ve transitioned. When this happens, I smile, say “miss you” and carry on enjoying my solitude. For me, there is a difference between loneliness and solitude.

By: Sheila Finkelstein

Sheila Finkelstein — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 23:40:01 +0000

Thanks for the acknowledgment , wishes and the food for thought, Sylvia. Interesting “Loneliness … being uncomfortable with oneself.” Now that I think of it, I probably HAVE felt lonelier in a crowd and sometimes with another, than with myself. I am blessed that in my 47-year marriage with Sam, before he died, I don’t recall ever having felt lonely with him. We might have had differences at times but we always communicated and worked it through. I don’t recall one night where we slept in different beds/rooms because one or the other was angry. And thanks for those added precious memories. Happy New Year to you also.

By: SYLVIA

SYLVIA — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 23:17:33 +0000

Very interesting, Sheila. The way I see it, being alone is good for the soul. Loneliness is being uncomfortable with oneself. On the other spectrum, I remember watching a Mexican soap opera many, many years ago and the mother of the “airline stewardess” in the “novela” told her daughter that there is no worst loneliness than in the company of another. It seems she was miserable in her relationship.

I identified with you and your feelings.

Happy New Year!

By: Alone, Lonely, Is there a difference?

Alone, Lonely, Is there a difference? — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 01:38:31 +0000

[...] For more background on the story . . . http://writingforhealing.com/aloneness-loneliness-is-there-a-difference/ [...]

By: Sheila Finkelstein

Sheila Finkelstein — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:05:34 +0000

What a beautiful and acknowledging, empowering response for me. Thank you so much, Heila.

By: Heila Martin-Person

Heila Martin-Person — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:43:25 +0000

Hello Sheila –
What beautiful reflection and an exploration of your feelings. I am glad to be a part of it. Our meeting has been on my mind and I have subconsciously responded to the inspiration that you gifted me that night. It seems we are walking on a common path of a new existence in an old world, pondering our footing and redefining a sense of ourselves. It gives me a feeling of peace that our footsteps led us to meeting on the bridge that night – minutes before closing on the last day of the year. Thank you for ending my year with comfort and beginning this new year with enthusiasm. I look forward to getting to know a new friend.

Sincerely, HEILA

By: Sheila Finkelstein

Sheila Finkelstein — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:54:49 +0000

Thanks so much, Julie. Your words and acknowledgment mean a lot. As always, when I write so authentically I honor you for having set the tone and being such a great mentor.

By: Julie Jordan Scott

Julie Jordan Scott — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:25:52 +0000

Your words are beautiful, Sheila. I am glad you chose to stay back so this moment could be explored so fully.

Happy New Year.