Hi Bridgie- Loneliness can be a very tough part of life and in a way we are all lonely. During my times of depression, it's the loneliness that kills me and nothing else. Here's how I try to combat the loneliness: At the beginning of my day when I wake up in the morning, I tell myself that I'm going to love everyone. This includes family, friends, and strangers. Most importantly though, I try to love strangers. When I see them, I look them directly in their eyes and smile. If they don't smile back, it's okay. Maybe they still saw my smile and it made their day somehow (afterall you never know the situation of another and sometimes only a smile brightens their day). If they look at me and smile back, sometimes their smile can cheer me up and be a springboard to having a really beautiful day. I try to make a concerted effort to give love to everyone. When I expect to receive love from those that care about me, I get depressed when I don't get it back. So instead, I try to just give love and eventually the love returns to me. Love is its own reward.

You mentioned God so I assume you are a religious person. I too am a religious person. Did you ever read the "Footsteps in the Sand" poem? My relationship with God has been difficult. At times, I sense his presence but other times he couldn't be further away. When I'm lonely, I feel like he doesn't even exist! But to me, he's always right next to me even in my most difficult times. I know a lot of people aren't into the God thing here, but for some people it works and is the reason why they get up in the morning. Another thing that helps me with the loneliness is reading. I try to read a lot of positive books. There are a lot of beautiful things written out there. Even if they don't help you, it's a good distraction from that emptiness. If you need some recommendations on some good books to read, message me

I hope you are doing better. For me, I find that time heals my loneliness. So if you're reading this now hopefully you're just smiling and realizing how lucky you are in life. All is well, my friend. Good luck.