Loneliness has become a symptom of the times in which we live. In the U.K. alone some 7.7 million people live alone, while the Alzeimer’s Society reports that 5 million people over 75 say their only company is television.
In addition to this, we know that, rather than feeling more linked with their peers as a result of digital technology, some children are feeling increasingly isolated. One can have a thousand friends on Facebook but not one with a flesh and blood face.
We must never lose the precious sense of being part of a community. In the words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, ‘The greatest suffering in the world is being lonely, feeling unloved, just having no-one. I have come more and more to realise that the worst disease today that any human being can experience is being unwanted.’
Dear James. Thank you. How frighteningly true this is.
A small thing, as we walk along or pass by a stranger, like a smile can mean so much. It is a little thing that can give so much. It affirms, and bring s a sense of connection with others, offers encouragement, both to the giver of the smile and the recipient. It opens doors and is a way of thankfulness.
With a smile and
With Love,
Diana
This truth is why we need to be aware of the damaging effect of individualism in our modern culture.