Hello SB friends!  I had a huge ah-ha last night that I would like to share with you! It was one of those moments when you know something, have forgotten it, and then have the pleasure of learning the lesson again.  This happens to me a lot. 

Last week I had several interesting conversations with different friends.  There seemed to be a challenge that a lot of us are trying to work through right now. 

Loneliness. 

Think about that for a moment.  What is loneliness?  What are we really feeling and what are we saying to ourselves when we are lonely?

Sometimes we think that we are alone. 

There is no one there for us. 

We are waiting to feel validated and loved by other people.

I used to feel this way a lot, but when I really opened up my eyes and looked outside of myself

I learned that I was surrounded by love and acceptance, but because I did not love and accept myself, I did not see what was right in front of me. 

How did I shift that belief that I was lonely do you ask?  Well it started with one thing. 

Being alone.

I took the opportunity to be still. To be all by myself. To contemplate my life. To listen for revelation from my Father in Heaven. To untangle the thoughts and limiting beliefs that were blocking my greatness from being seen. 

As I have done these things, I was able to come to a place where I loved and accepted myself.  And when I finally came to that place, I didn't feel lonely anymore.  I had myself.

I was better able to love and accept others.  To serve them.

Sadly, I had some learning opportunities come my way and instead of remembering these things, I went back to my old patterns and started to feel lonely again. 

I am so grateful for this opportunity though! 

It has helped me to remember how precious and amazing my life really is! 

If it wasn't for times like these, I wouldn't really, truly appreciate the goodness in my life!

Yesterday I was reading a blog called "Dripping with Passion".  She was talking about this very thing and she shared an amazing quote from her high school english teacher, Susan Lake.

"Never mistake aloneness for loneliness.  In order to grow, you need time away. Away from the noises of the world, friends, comfort, and all distractions to find what is important and fulfilling.  These alone moments build character and show the level of patience you are willing to endure to find the Spirit and wrestle with thoughts that tell you you aren't worth anything or you can't do it right.

"When you are lonely, you are saying, 'I don't have meaning in my life. Someone come and make me happy.  I am unwilling to give because I am feeling sorry for myself.  You, world and all the people I know, are responsible for entertaining me and proving to me that I am worthwhile.'

"Change these moments of loneliness into ones of aloneness.  Alone, and all by yourself, do as the Savior taught you to do: serve.  This takes courage and sacrifice of your self-centeredness.  Endure being alone to find that you are loved and have love to give.  That decision made in your heart will bring a glow to you that will attract others to you.  You won't be lonely because you will have yourself, those you give to, and the Savior guiding you through."

I love that, "Never mistake aloneness for loneliness."  We need that time to grow and build our character. 

I love the reminder of this as I sometimes give in to the heartrending feeling of loneliness. 

I am now committed to not letting my aloneness surface as loneliness.  I am looking for ways to serve and love others.  I am following the Spirit and using my greatness as my Father in Heaven would have me do.

I am living my SOULFUL BRILLIANCE!

I would love to hear from you!  Tell me your thoughts on this subject.  What are you committed to doing this week to make sure your aloneness doesn't surface as loneliness?