The loneliness of the mainland
The feeling had been stirring for a few weeks. Not a crippling emotional pain but a nagging sense of discontent. Nothing was quite going to plan. Cancelled work, stretched finances. Tired children, nagging doubts. And above all else, the dawning realisation that nobody really cared.
Trying to speak
It was the ongoing battle that tipped the scales of doubt. Countless attempts to tell somebody. Subconsciously willing them to stop what they were doing. Wishing with every fibre that one of them would rouse from the preoccupation with their own problems and listen.
Just a few minutes, maybe an hour. Long enough to talk it through. To share the problem, gain perspective. Perhaps even some advice or suggestions. But above all, reassurance that this was not insurmountable. A gentle reminder from a friendly voice that this too shall pass.
Children played loudly. Interrupting. Jumping up and down and making themselves heard in the inimitable way that only children can. When do adults lose that ability to speak up? To tell someone, “Please stop. It’s time to listen.”
From person to person, the conversation was the same. A faltering start, an attempt to explain. Something didn’t feel right. Things were mounting up. Tired. Then, the familiar blank face would appear. Distracted by their own problems or external factors. The moment was gone. Conversation moved on, steered away onto a topic more important to them.
The realisation
The point of no return, a moment of clarity. Nobody listens, do they? Not really. Other people’s problems are for them to contend with. The nature of human relationships dictates that we seek out people who can benefit us. Because altruism carries its own baggage.
And so, from the depths of despair rises strength. A realisation that something deep down can keep going. Devoid of help or support, forced to go it alone. To find the answers within, where they have been all along.
And like a phoenix from the ashes rises courage. Daring to get back up, put one foot in front of the other and keep going. With a new resolve, and an unwelcome awareness that would prove essential. This battle would be won or lost without an army. The war was far from over, but a new rallying call would sound. Because help isn’t always at hand, and waiting for it masks an understanding that each of us can be our own protector.
No man is an island. But the mainland can be a lonely place.
What an amazing powerful piece. I’m sorry you’ve been feeling like this my lovely. I am now child free in the days and able to listen x
Aww thank you Lou, we must catch up for a coffee soon.
Nat.x
Well expressed. It’s part of the reason I got into volunteering, to be the help and the listening ear that I had rarely found. I don’t volunteer any more but at least a couple of times a week there’s one of my mum friends getting coffee and an ear from me. Be the change you want to see and all that. Still can get lonely and overwhelmed, but that’s my anxiety bobbing up rather than the fault of my flakey friends. It took me a long time to understand that.
Thank you Maz. What a great thing to do, volunteering is always valuable and I hope to be able to do it in the future too.
Nat.x
Beautiful piece of writing and a powerful message which I’m sure a lot of people can relate to.
Thank you, and it is sad to see how many people relate to it.
Nat.x
Sorry you’re feeling like this Nat. It’s a brilliantly written piece. I’m here to chat even if it’s not face-to-face. Xx
Aww thank you. I talk to you more than anyone!
Nat.x
Nat this is so beautifully written. I can completely identify with this. I feel completely overwhelmed with it all at times and I hide it so well but sometimes I long for someone to sit me down and ask me what’s wrong (although knowing me I would just say I’m fine!). Life is just busy all of the time. Sending love. x
Thank you and I’m sorry you feel like that too.
Nat.x
Sorry you feel like this but you have expressed your feelings beautifully. I can relate to this a lot x
Thank you. It is sad how many people can relate.
Nat.x
I’m so sorry you’ve been feeling like this, this a lovely written post!
Thank you Rebecca.
Nat.x
Hi Nat, I can so identify with this beautifully written post right now. I’ll say no more than I’m not coping too well with a few things right now and feel totally alone. I’m guessing from your post that you may be too? Everyone does have their own problems and by nature, we tend to keep our own struggles close to our heart for fear of worrying others. I’ve always thought train stations to be the loneliest places, busy, but lonely, with everyone wrapped up in their own lives.
xx
Thank you Debbie and I’m sorry you feel like that too.
Nat.x
Oh my goodness I can relate to this. I’ve got really good at putting my mask on and I also think people don’t ask me because they are worried what the answer is. Unless they are confident the reply ‘I’m ok’, they don’t x
Yes, you’re right. It’s the only reply I ever give.
Nat.x
I hear you, and I am sorry for the place you are in now. I hope things open and you can let go, dis-ease, and begin to feel better. xoxo #mondaystumble You are not alone. <3
Thank you, what a lovely comment.
Nat.x
Wow, so beautifully written and eloquently put. I can certainly relate at times. It can be hard to ask for help, I’ve realised recently that I don’t do it enough and think I’m exhausting my internal reserves trying to take on too much by myself. I hope you find your way out the other side #BlogCrush
Thank you Alice. I’m not one for asking for help, I always feel that other people have their own lives to live and shouldn’t be burdened with mine.
Nat.x
Sorry to hear you haven’t found a listening ear. Conversations can be so difficult when children are around. xx
Thank you. You’re right, difficult to get a word in edgeways with children about sometimes!
Nat.x
I feel so bad for that to be so true. I have been struggling so much recently that I hadn’t even had time to pop over here. Hope you are okay – and you are always there for me so honestly even if I am wrapped up in my own world do talk to me. I would love to give back even a fraction of what you give xx
Ahh you’re lovely, thank you so much.
Nat.x