As the Christmas season descend on us, most people are swept up in the festivities and excitement. And while this is wonderful for them, the level of public celebration and joy can often further highlight the loneliness and isolation that many of us feel. What should be a time of love and connection can become a time of sadness and alienation.
In a recent video, best-selling author John Green shares about his own experiences with loneliness, rooted in his own mental illness and search for purpose. Watch the video here:
One of the lines from this video that has stuck with me is this:
“Feelings of meaning and purpose flow from the experience of deep connectedness, of being part of communities that are bigger than me, but nonetheless value and include me.”
If you live with loneliness and isolation, if you struggle at times to manage your mental health, especially in this holiday season, please know that there is hope. Our greatest hope is that this community- the Generous Space community- can be a place where such hope is fostered and flourishes.