“Loneliness expresses the pain of being alone and solitude expresses the glory of being alone.” — Paul Tillich
Often after a loss we retreat into ourselves, we struggle with those around us who simply do not ‘get it’. Our friends and family want us to be better quickly and we can’t — so we avoid their “How are you?” questions and keep the door shut.
Yes, grief IS a lonely place. Only you know the pain in your heart. Only you know what kind of balm your heart needs. Take time for solitude and alone-ness. Even relish it — for a time.
But be cautious that your alone-ness does not grow into painful loneliness.