fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
“If I must be lonely I think I’d rather be alone” — Stabbing Westward
Tags: Loneliness, Art, Poet, Writing

She sat at the cafe table, her pen tapping lightly on her ceramic mug. She bounced her leg up and down, trying to focus on the words circling around her mind. A small frustrated huff escapes her mouth as once again, she can’t grab the right words. A menacing blank page sat in front of her, waiting for her to fill it. One look at her now and you would have never thought she was a poet. She only seemed to trip and fall over precariously placed words. Each letter didn’t fit in the endless puzzle and her mind couldn’t get rid of the knots tangled in the strings of her thoughts.

As the young woman sat back in her chair, she looked up at the rest of the world. She watched as business folk walked in brisk strides and shop owner’s shouted out prices for their products. She watched as the children laughed and giggled, tugged their mother’s and father’s along, begging for the fruits or jewelry. She saw beggars tucked under small awnings supplied by the storefronts, holding their hands out to those who are generous enough to give. She watched as the world seemed to pass her by. And that’s when it hit her.

It wasn’t intended when words started to pour on the pages, scribbles turning into words and words turning into sentences. She hadn’t meant to pour her heart out to those who she could never meet. She never planned to be laid so bare, and yet feel so heard. In that moment, all she could do was let the dam break and hope that her emotions made it onto the page. She hoped that one day these words that filled these notebooks could do something.

Eventually the entire page was full and she was forced to stop and take a step back. As she dragged in a deep breath, she began to read the words on the page. Her voice stuttered at every pause and her breaths were ragged. Some of the words flowed like liquid gold and others had a roughness of steel, but in due time, she felt that it would make sense. Waiting a few heartbeats, she gathered herself and began to change it.

She crossed out the words she didn’t like and replaced them with ones that felt just right. She made sure to speak clearly when reading it because if said wrong, it would lose every bit of its flow. She precariously held a thesaurus on her lap as she turned the fringed and creased papers, searching and searching until she found what she had been looking for. Piece by piece that poem made a bit more sense, and in the end, the puzzle was finally solved.

As she reflected on her work, tears began to track down her face. Finally understanding the words on the page, she saw herself, reflecting back at her. In the end, she never ended up writing for anyone else but herself. But people just always seemed to feel the way she felt. And feeling lonely doesn’t mean you’re alone because maybe everyone else in the world was just a bit lonely too.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Author’s Note: We don’t always have the right words to say, but that’s okay. Feedback always welcomed.
Life won´t always give us what we ask for .
By: Johanna Stjarnqvist
Tags: Friendship, Change, Loneliness, Christmas, Family

And this Christmas will for most of us be different from what it usually is. No family gathering and maybe not that many presents for the kids. But change does not necessary mean that it has to be bad, the new way of living could be as good. It wont be as stressful as usual, there will be no pressure on cleaning the house, getting dressed, eating at the right time or giving the perfect rhyme for the present you bought your uncle you haven't met since 2010.

Christmas this year wont be as joyful or filled with surprises, but it will give us time to reflect on whats important in our lives and it will help us find gratefulness in smaller parts which potentially could make us happier in the long run.
Pretend Party
By: Jennifer Cowie King
Tags: Free Verse, Holidays, Loneliness, Pandemic, Poetry

today I shall wash my hair

slather my body in lotion

put on a pretty dress

slide it over my skin

be kind in the mirror

with eyes that love everyone

including me

I will cover myself in jingle-jangle

bracelets on my wrists

necklaces, earrings that dangle

perhaps even a sparkling barrette

slip on my most elegant shoes

listen to the forgotten clickety-clack

of my heels tapping across

the floor

today I shall sit back in full regalia

as if I were on my way to a party

anxious, excited, breathing in

the anticipatory hubbub of friends

mingling, a cacophony of chatter

bathing my soul

then I will stretch out on the couch,

kick off my shoes and say…

Oh! I’m exhausted — but, that was

so much fun, I’m so glad I went

my voice gusting out and trailing off

in replete satisfaction

later I will go upstairs, slip off

the jewelry, the dress, the sparkling

barrette, slip back into my pajamas

and pretend that it wasn’t just

a dream

©Jennifer Cowie King

If you liked this poem, you might like this one…
My Indifference
By: Maziar Ghaderi
Tags: Poetry, Indifference, Loneliness, Wanting, Solitude

My Indifference

Photo by Alexander Lam on Unsplash

my indifference means

a lack of something

of something good

of a girl

of a friend

of a song

a moment, a meal, a memory

if they asked how I feel

that’s what I’d say

but they didn’t ask

because no one’s here

that’s my indifference

Maziar Ghaderi is a Toronto-based multimedia artist, educator, writer and director that works with film, multimedia and interactive technology. With a background in media production, Maziar strives to articulate his social commentary through metaphors, epiphanies and critiques. Follow him Medium page here.
Leadership doesn’t have to be lonely.
By: Lizzie Rhodes James
Tags: Happiness, Coaching, Success, Loneliness, Leadership

Leadership doesn’t have to be lonely.

Roles and locations can be lonely.

There are a number of different ways to describe loneliness.

One is about being on your own where you are.

And.

The other is about feeling isolated on an island.

As you have no one to share and discuss.

Leaders, managers and experts.

Can all feel like this.

In days gone by.

In my first leadership and management role.

It was lonely.

I was away from the security of the wider organisation I belonged to.

I had no one to share ideas

Discuss options

Or

Share frustrations with.

I was isolated.

It was a mix of courage and building resilience.

Where I learnt my craft.

Today we can suffer from both types of loneliness.

Having the confidential space to share

Reflect

And

Seek different perspectives

Can all happen through coaching.

It’s a protected time in your diary to feel less isolated.

Go back feeling empowered and energised.

And

More confident.

For doing the next great thing.

What is your way of finding a confidential space to feel less lonely?

The original is on my website here
Are we ever alone?
By: Fahim Khan
Tags: Alone, Happiness, Conscience, Loneliness, Negative Thoughts

loneliness,

I often feel it is about the choices we make in life. But, life is not always about our choices. Often it is about the choices others make for us. When you grow up in a family where your parents are always trying their level best to give you whatever you desire in life, it is difficult to cope up in a real-world where no one cares about your wishes. That's where loneliness becomes a strong emotion/realization.

But, are we ever alone? In a world where there is too much happening around us, it’s difficult to have your own space. And even being so busy with all the expectations and demands we feel empty inside.

There was a time when your parents used to ask you every minute ‘’ are you ok abbu/ammu?’’…those days it felt a bit annoying. And now the question turned into why no one is asking me how am I feeling!

How does it feel to be unwanted in a world where you never thought you will be out of people who love you? Before you realize that the negative emotions are leading you, it is often too late.

So, it is important to address your negative feelings at an early stage like any other major disease. The most important action towards this has to be keeping your conscience intact. These things spread with gossips, bitching. Maybe you instantly feel better talking wrong about people you don't like. But, honestly, it does not help. It ruins your peace. Deep inside you are losing your beautiful mind. If you share goodness, talk good about people, or at least keep your silence into a group gossip (about hatred), you will surely feel better later. Nothing much changes by your spread of negativity except your own soul. I am telling this from my personal experiences. I have lost so many dear people from my life just because of not controlling my words or my negative emotions in the early stage.

You don't realize what you are losing before it is too late. Unless the thought comes into your mind…. ’’How does it feel to be unwanted in a world where you never thought you will be out of people who love you?’’

Lions Lookout- Fall 2020

I understand it’s easier said than done and it is human nature to gossip. But the difference between a happy mind and an unhappy mind is the sense of control over it.

A positive mind is never alone. Because it never allows negativity to conquer. Life goes on and with endless struggles.

‘’You will never walk alone’’- is only possible if you decide not to.
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
By: Barry Warne
Tags: Music, Alone Together, Holidays, Loneliness, Connecting People

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Emily McVicker is one of many streaming musicians playing live 24/7

Musicians have taken their live act online and have created a safe, intimate & warm space where ‘everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came.’

Many will happily play your favorite requests and you can mingle with old and new friends in the live stream Chat.

There are several options but the one I like best is Twitch Music and I check it out every single day. I get blown away by the range of music, the talent and the emotional connections I make with musicians and people in the Chat.

It’s fun and I feel much less alone when stuck at home.

Whether you love blues or rock, classical or jazz, metal, country or any other music genre, it’s all available to you 24/7. Whenever you feel you want to hang out and connect with musicians and other members of the viewing audience.

This holiday season, reach out to relatives and friends to watch live music online with them. Meet up on the same music channel. Chat just like you do when you get together.

It’s easy to get started on Twitch Music and find out more at Stream Pilots.

Lord Grym streams entertaining Metal Guitar

Get updates on live music streams and Sign Up for Our Newsletter
The Plain Toast
By: Paul Daniel
Tags: Life, Single Life, Romance, Loneliness, Love

Photo by Erez Gavish on Unsplash

“Have you ever sat on the bar counter with your fifth scotch in hand, watching all the couples on the dance floor, breathing on each other’s necks?” Or I’ll do a better one, “Ever received a party invite with a plus one, while you’re booking a solo movie ticket?”

If you are one of the folks on the dance floor, breathing on your partner’s neck, I’d still encourage you to continue, as this is not a sob story about being single.

“I love being single. You don’t need another person to make your life beautiful”

Definitely not going to use any of these cliche and meaningless crap to submerge my basic human need for a partner. I need one. You need one. If you’re a toast, you need butter. If you’re Peanut Butter, you need Jelly. I’m not gonna give a response to people who eat plain toast : P

But as the self-proclaimed brilliant species that we are, we decided to include love into our daily rat race.

“Love Happens”. You don’t interview for love. You don’t apply for love. It’s not a place where you boast about your previous experiences, negotiate on your benefits and secure the spot, only to look for a change in a few years.

Love happens at 20, at 30, at 40 ,,, wait, even at 80. If you are getting uncomfortable reading this, then I would recommend that you revisit your definition of love.

Have you ever glued two sheets of paper together and tried to pull it out? It’ll rip both of them out. I’ll bring my friends, toast and jelly for backup. Have you ever tried applying jelly on your toast? Now try removing that jelly from your toast completely!

You just can’t. Scars and baggages are not beautiful but unfortunately they exist in each one of us. They define our present state. They add shades to the plain art humans are. Being the torn paper you are, trying to get stuck multiple times and pulling away each time, it takes time to find another torn paper who sees the beauty in that tear.

To all the peanut butters who have already found your jelly, cheers! Happy for you! But don’t make romance a LinkedIn job pressure for all the plain toasts out there.

To all the plain toasts reading this, sit back and relax. Time is a concept that your heart doesn’t understand. But I’m pretty sure it will know the second you meet your butter!

- Another plain toast
Outside the Norm
By: K.B. Bailey
Tags: Poem, Anxiety, Stream Of Consciousness, Loneliness, Poetry Writing

Outside the Norm

Photo by Barthelemy de Mazenod on Unsplash

You are talking, but I can’t hear you;

I don’t even feel near you.

My jaw is locked, palms are sweating,

and that’s what scares me.

It’s just a conversation, but I can’t breathe.

I’m waiting on a reprieve

that’s never come,

an excuse to hide,

a reason to run.

I’m alone, and I can feel it,

on the edge, looking in,

waiting to be let in.
loner /lon·​er | \ ˈlō-nər \
By: Nilay Ustun
Tags: Writer, Motivation, Médium, Loneliness, Labels

Photo by Zachary Nelson on Unsplash

loner /lon·​er | \ ˈlō-nər \

1: one that avoids others: such as

a: a person who is often alone or likes to be alone: someone who usually avoids the company of others is a moody loner who doesn't become chummy with anyone.

— Sam MosesMany rowers will agree that sculling is a sport for loners who relish the more quixotic elements of the sport.— D. C. Churbuck… she found that the image of the scientist as an antisocial loner is a myth …— Warren E. Leary

b: typically solitary animal black bears are loners and usually wander by themselves in search of food.

— Mark CarwardineDespite the fact they are loners, cats do have a well-organized social system based on scent marks and mutual avoidance.— Fiona Sunquist

So answer to the above question is for me: I think, I am. You can be, too. But I found the surprising truth about loneliness;

People who often feel lonely have higher levels of empathy than everyone else

Younger people feel lonelier than older people.

41% of people think loneliness can be positive.

People who feel lonely have social skills that are no better or worse than average

Winter is no lonelier than any other time of year

Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash

So normal is not normal. What is normal anyway? Our world is giving so many opportunities. The point is you can be anything but to be sad. You can find your values on the path you have chosen. Don’t forget that you are unique. The judgement from your around may not be for your best always. Hold just yourself. Labels are the old black.
Fraying
By: Bradon Matthews
Tags: Poem, Free Verse, Loneliness, Reflections, Introvert

Fraying

Photo by Wynand van Poortvliet on Unsplash

I am stuck inside the shell of

My mind racing,

How I grab the fraying

Bits and pull until

The very ground’s

Unraveled, and it’s

No surprise that I’m alone

On such a narrow

Stitch, no surprise

Neurotic tendencies and

A laundry list of

Days make a stripped

Bed out of

Breathing but I don’t need

Breath I need

Answers, I need

To take these layers

Off to see the

Color of my

Soul, and I am

Lonely, I am

Too long in the basement

When the party

Is upstairs,

But I have pulled on other

Threads and realized

All too late that they connect

To someone I don’t

Know

And through this

Endless ravel, through

The unzipped quiet stillness

I am finding parts of me

That feel like something

I could wear
Psychology’s Gifts to Get Through Loneliness: Big Blankets, Circuit Breaks, and Weird Sound Effects
By: Alexander M. Combstrong
Tags: Psychology, Self, Loneliness, Mental Health, Covid 19

A Warm Hug From a Blanket

Why do we feel the need for touch so badly? Tiffany Field from the Touch Research Institute explains:

“When you touch the skin, it stimulates pressure sensors under the skin that send messages to the vagus [a nerve in the brain.] As vagal activity increases, the nervous system slows down, heart rate and blood pressure decrease, and your brain waves show relaxation. Levels of stress hormones such as cortisol are also decreased.”

It’s pretty automatic. It’s pressure sensors and our nervous system. The bad news is we therefore can’t easily talk ourselves out of it. The good news is it’s pretty easy to fool a sensor into thinking it’s being hugged.

There’s also another brain chemical at play called oxytocin, known as the love hormone. It’s what makes us feel love and affection and gets released into the brain when we hug, especially if the contact is skin to skin. Oxytocin is also good for our mental health and promotes growth and healing. And of course, its presence in our brains feels good.

Suddenly, our brains are being deprived of oxytocin and vagal nerve stimulation, and it’s hurting our mental health. It’s one of the things responsible for the Covid-related mental health crisis. So what can we do if we’re alone and feeling the burden of loneliness?

If you’ve got a pet, hug it often. This can aid the release of oxytocin just like hugging a human. The skin will be stimulated too and the brain will get the message. Without a pet, you can still get pressure on the skin and get that message sent to the vagus nerve. Just walking will put pressure on your feet. Self-massage works too.

But science has stepped in with weighted anxiety blankets – heavy covers to sleep under at night that put pressure on the skin. Weighted blankets could be an excellent option – and may even stimulate oxytocin too. According to Psychology Today;

“A 2015 study examined the effects of deep pressure stimulation from weighted blankets and found a 33 percent reduction in stress, as measured by a test of physiological signs of arousal.”

As one friend of mine put it, “It’s like going to sleep being hugged by a duvet.” The physical part of loneliness, it seems, can be fooled by going to sleep in the right blanket. Pressure sensors don’t know the difference between a heavy, weighted cover, or a pair of loving arms, and we can use that to feel less lonely — even when there’s no one there.
My tips to get through Christmas and New Year well, even without family or partner. — To overcome loneliness and give yourself a gift.
By: M. Delana Rost
Tags: Life, Life Lessons, Loneliness, Christmas, Mental Health

Photo by Jayden-Burdick via Pexels

Many are drawn in this pre-Christmas period back to the family, parents and children to wrap in this time, despite all adverse circumstances finally again with some human closeness.

But where the loneliness prevails this year, because the family can not come or because one has just lost a loved one in this time of the pandemic, the cancellation of relatives, friends as well as from events usually hits one painfully.

There only the self-initiative helps like:

1.Yourself, to invite to your own event with one or two friends or to look that you visit each other in turn.

2. Make a plan for your own happy Christmas and New Year. One that includes not only the preparation of a special meal for oneself but also a sports or study program, along with a super movie night. In addition, prepare a gift table for themselves.

3. Organize a Skype event, like: Eat together and celebrate over Skype.

4. Ignore Christmas.

But if you have the feeling that none of this will work, because you already feel swallowed by loneliness and fear, then use the following technique to open a new path for yourself!

Go on your own inner journey to overcome your loneliness! Discover new ways!

Inner Journey:

Find an undisturbed area, turn off your phone, light a candle. Make yourself comfortable. Start by breathing in slowly and deeply. Look at the sun, a light, or the glow of a candle. Now close your eyes and take the light of a candle or the sun with you into your innermost being!

Now work with your imagination:

Imagine that you are on a bright path surrounded by plants of spring. Walk a few steps in your mind, look around you, find a place in your mind that suits you and settle down there, be it a bench or a meadow, a rock in the middle of flowers. Enjoy this situation and think of the people you would like to have by your side right now.

Call them in your visualization and invite them to continue on the path with you, to stand by your side. If you like, say a prayer and ask for guidance to the right people, tasks and ways.

Take your time in doing so. Look around you there. What comes up to you there? Maybe a dog that encourages you to play? Or a person who calls you to him? Pay attention to everything that seems important to you!

- Enjoy their little journey in the knowledge that it will reveal to you all the possibilities that are available to you for the next time. This, if you take the appropriate steps. — But most of the time it is enough to visualize something mentally, so that it comes to you like a gift, on its own. Because with a visualization you build up a connection over your own, electromagnetic frequencies (quantum physics).

And now you are asked to make the best of this time!
How Your Bed Plays a Major Role in Your Life
By: D- Anne Jennings
Tags: Loneliness, Furniture, Comfort Zone, Dogs

How Your Bed Plays a Major Role in Your Life

Image by fotografierende from Pixabay

When you’re born, you start out life sleeping in a bed of some kind. Your mom put you in a crib. And sometimes, you might find yourself sleeping with your mom in her bed. Your father may be there, also.

As you grow up, you may have brothers or sisters that share your room. Bunk beds are common for kids that share sleeping space. You have your own bed. It feels comforting, because it’s your own bed.

If you’re lucky, as you get older, you may get your own bedroom. You may be sleeping in a single or a double bed.

When you leave home, going off to a college dorm room or your own apartment, you will find yourself sleeping in another bed.

So far, you’ve had maybe 5–6 beds that played an important part in your life. The comfort of a good bed providing you with a good nite’s sleep. Hopefully worry free, but problems seem to be part of growing up and once they start to follow us around, they seem to be there for the rest of your life. The problems just change as we get older.

We all know that beds play an important role in our lives as we develop relationships.
What have I done ?
By: Quarantine Food Journal
Tags: Loneliness, Depression

“You just focus on your mission, rest of the things will fall in place” this was what an 18 year old college student which was me used to believe. I believed in it religiously. I gave all my priorities all my time to studying. Everyone else was fooling around. Even in college I was planning for the future everyday I used to tell myself “You’re gonna be better than all of them”. I was honest with my work. I didn’t fool around in college because I was so determined in getting a job. I did like a person from school and deep down I really wanted to end up with that person and lived in that hope throughout the college and beyond. As fate would have it, I did end up in her city and she agreed to meet me out of politeness. I was able to figure out that I had no chance by the way she conversed with me and I just gave up.

In college I used to believe that my professional life will be more fun than my college life ever could be. It is because I was hoping that after college I would give time to other things which I didn’t pursue in college like relationship.

In college I used to see couples all over the campus and deep down it did hurt me. I kept on wondering what It would be like to have someone like that but I used to snap out of it and tell myself “You just focus on your mission, rest of the things will fall in place”. I was wrong.

I did achieve what I wanted but not a day goes by that I not feel empty. I am so lonely that I just melt whenever a person shows slightest interest in me. I cry myself to sleep thinking what a complete loser I have been. All my friends even the ones I used to think were beneath me are having fun, living the life that I used to dream of in college, everyone has found someone except me. I am 25 years old now and I have been miserable for the past one year. Watching couples in real life or online breaks my heart. On my 25th birthday I had a dream that I was with someone, in love and happy. I woke up to my miserable reality and cried all day. Everyday I imagine what it would be like to be with someone, to talk to someone who really wants to be with you. Everyday I long for someone. I pray desperately hoping that maybe my prayers will be answered. Nothing ever happens. I never got a chance to love someone, to express myself. I don’t deserve this loneliness god. Why me ?
solitude, a date with self.
Tags: Self Improvement, Loneliness, Self Care, Self Love, Writing

Wonder by Arthean on dribble.com

For a thousand moons and a thousand suns, I have been alone. They say that from the moment we are brought upon this loose world until the moment we are pulled out, we are alone. This appears to be true since we are indeed born alone. However, the first thing that happens after we come out of the void is immediate contact with another one just like us. With the same skin wrapping up our bodies. With the same ear-drums percussing life’s newest orchestra. A rhythm so eloquent, so soothing, and wildly calm, that our hearts decide to take it upon themselves and make it their own lifeline. Because, once we get to the other side the first thing our hearts seek to do is connect with another just like them, playing the same rhythm.

If that’s so, then why all of us suddenly feel alone? Maybe because some of us are different, or maybe because all of us are frighteningly alike. Perhaps, in our own alike-ness, it is that lies the secret behind the loneliness of our hearts. The same loneliness sitting right beside us, telling us the amazing stories of the regular day to day we had at our jobs. Or with our friends, or with our loved ones, or perhaps, with ourselves. How we got there and pushed through the same old door. The same we know so well enough to pressure the same precise force for it to open. And land on the other side, where the joyous dance called routine had just begun. Nevertheless, sages from afar in the mountains used to tell me that the heart seeks to tell all of those boring love-stories and if it finds someone willing enough to hear them. Then, golden bells from up in the skies will chime and their sound will echo through the gates of heaven on earth and the gates of hell on yourself.

However, before one can develop such an ability. Our souls must understand first the importance of being alone. The granted divine opportunity to spend time with ourselves, to see us for our true selves, to be with ourselves. Such a precious time should always be treasured in the most loving corners of our hearts. Because it is this time that teaches us the ancient arts of loving ourselves. The sacred ritual of taking healthy-care of ourselves. The brave quest of getting to know the totality of us, what we truly desire, and what we truly deserve. The determined will of attracting specifically that directly toward us. The long-forgotten magic of saying “I love you” right at us. The kind gesture of kissing our own foreheads. As dreaded as solitude may be, it can also display a benevolent and kind side. It can not only show you pain and despair but if you look at it long enough with kind eyes, you can see that behind the curtain of suffering, there lays the most desired gem of them all, of course, your own love.
What was once holy…
By: O.T. Paynter-Wells
Tags: Politics, Loneliness, Christmas, Mental Health, Christianity

Photo by Kristina Tripkovic on Unsplash

There were once things, not long ago, that appeared infallible and immune from corruption. Liberties which were inalienable and universally enjoyed in society, such liberties as the freedom of movement and speech, the freedom to gather with friends, loved ones and compatriots without fear of retribution. This most arduous of years though, has seen the systematic removal of these fundamental rights; movement has been restricted, business has been halted, speech censored and, perhaps most disastrously, our ability to meet our loved ones prohibited. As if this sombre state of affairs wasn’t enough for us to bare, we now have been instructed by our ‘leaders’ (masters or overseers I believe to be a more apt title) that the most cherished holiday of all in conventional western culture is to be infringed upon also.

Yes, Christmas is the latest target of government Cromwell-esque policy. What was once deemed holy and totally unassailable has fallen victim to the seemingly insatiable appetite of our rulers who seek to consume all that we once cherished in life. Christmas is celebrated by theists and atheists alike, it is-or rather was- above all, a time for families to retreat from the humdrum of their everyday lives to reconvene, connect and love one another . It has become, like so many other things this year, hijacked and restricted by the powerful.

We are told not to go and see family this year, not to embrace our loved ones, not to go out for meals or meet friends. Instead, we are asked to sit in lonely isolation for the fear of propagating this pseudo-pandemic so many of us are terrified of. Statistics do indicate an epidemic in late March-April but that episode is all but over as the ONS weekly death statistics show, there is no significant rise in weekly deaths compared to the five year average https://www.ons.gov.uk/file?uri=%2fpeoplepopulationandcommunity%2fbirthsdeathsandmarriages%2fdeaths%2fdatasets%2fweeklyprovisionalfiguresondeathsregisteredinenglandandwales%2f2020/publishedweek492020.xlsx . Is the government not underestimating the detriment to health that will result from yet more state-enforced loneliness? Could this be the catalyst for the deaths of thousands of elderly people who have been so deprived of contact this year ? Could it also lead to an even steeper increase in suicide levels (which are on track to be the highest in years) only time will tell…

https://www.ons.gov.uk/file?uri=%2fpeoplepopulationandcommunity%2fbirthsdeathsandmarriages%2fdeaths%2fdatasets%2fstandardofproofsuicidedata%2f1981to2020/standardofproofreferencetables.xlsx
Design to Connect: A Community Learn-in
By: Loneliness Lab
Tags: Design, Connection, Community, Loneliness, Features

In autumn 2020 we brought together over 200 members of the Loneliness Lab community to share insights about how design can be used to connect us.

From parks that welcome everyone to housing that turns neighbours into friends, we shared questions, perspectives and ideas, and identified shared challenges together to make our cities less lonely.

Over 200 individuals and organisations joined our community ‘learn-in’ series in Autumn 2020

We brought the conversations around loneliness in the built environment to one place.

the conversations around loneliness in the built environment to one place. We uncovered the latest research and findings from designers and place-makers on how they’re designing connectedness into urban spaces.

the latest research and findings from designers and place-makers on how they’re designing connectedness into urban spaces. We explored opportunities for future action and have launched a global community platform to enable members to connect directly.

What we created together proved to be much bigger than ourselves; a heartfelt and thought-provoking week connecting a global community around a shared interest in tackling loneliness that surfaced some key insights.

In the first week, our learn-in featured the following sessions:

Full videos of these sessions are included below and the insights from the event series have been turned into a crowdsourced report.

We’re delighted that the ‘learn-in’ has already sparked several collaborations and collective action amongst the community, including a joint submission into the recent government white paper on planning.

To join the conversation and be part of future shared learnings and collaborations join the Loneliness Lab Network on Groups IO.

Loneliness 101

Thanks to: Rasteen Riyahi Boni (British Red Cross), Jake Heitland (Lendlease)

Workplace Loneliness

Thanks to: Clare Bailey (Savills), Rachel Edwards (Lendlease), Nicola Osborne (Basha-Franklin), Ajay Palekar (Workclub HQ)

Housing

Thanks to: Pauline Martin (Lendlease), Natasha Reid (Matter Space Soul, Anwyn Hocking, Shaun Matthews, Ernest Harris (Mainstay)

Public Spaces

Thanks to: Selina Mason (Lendlease), Lucy Pritchard(Publica), Jak Spender (Urban Scale Interventions), Philippa Banister (Street Space), Shaparak Rahimi (Lendlease)

High streets + communities

Thanks to: Emily Georghiou(Centre for Ageing Better), Erin Peavey (HKS Architects), Thomas Bryans (If_Do Architects), Liza Makarov (Elephant Says Hi), Simon Redding (Monkey Park)
Sarra BEN ABBES
By: Sarra Ben Abbes
Tags: Evolution, Self, Alone, Loneliness, Dark Thoughts

I kinda wish I was with someone right now. But when you look at it closely I am. I’m with myself. Except I just need to be conscious enough about it.

We’re not truly alone when we’re alone, but we probably don’t like spending time with ourselves besause it makes us think about things we don’t want to think about. Except, it will come to that anyway, sooner or later. We hust keep delaying the inevitable. That isn’t always bad, but in this case it is. It is because we’re delaying the process of self evaluation and self evolution. Thus make it hard for us to “be better”. So sometimes we have to let the “bad thoughts” swarm our brain, process them, accept them, and move on to finding a solution.
Another Heartbeat
By: Victoria Ponte
Tags: Hope, Poetry On Medium, Loneliness, Poetry, Blue Insights

Another Heartbeat

It is the middle of a cold, dark December night

I am warm under the blankets

Thinking is keeping me awake and uncomfortable

Sleep stubbornly will not release me

And I slip into dim loneliness

When at last,

I am saved

As I feel the small dog’s body snuggle

I am joined by another heartbeat
Ruin
By: Many Roads
Tags: Grief, Haiku, Loneliness, Pandemic, Poetry

An irregular collection. Sometimes haiku, sometimes my own photos
Winter River
By: Many Roads
Tags: Nature, Haiku, Loneliness, Poetry, Mindfulness

An irregular collection. Sometimes haiku, sometimes my own photos
The Void Every now & then we meet new people.
By: Nimit Arora
Tags: Emotions, Sorrow, Philosophy, Loneliness, Love

The Void

Every now & then we meet new people. Some at college, some at the gym, some at the workplace, etc. Some just come & go, while others make a place in your life. The journey starts with being an acquaintance, then friends, then some relationships which reach an altogether different level. You can call it companionship, love, whatever you want, but that person makes a place in your life. You devote some time everyday to that person for years to come. You share your sorrows, your happinesses, your weaknesses, your strengths. They reciprocate. Suddenly you have a confidante in your life. You start trusting them. What happens when that person goes?

A communication break might just not be due to death, but due to others reasons as well. When that person is no longer in your life, all of a sudden you don’t have someone to share your sorrows with. You get a good news but now you can’t share it with that person. You feel that emotion. But can’t do anything now. That vent is gone. Maybe that person too feels the same way. Or maybe not. This creates a void. A void which cannot be filled easily. A void which cannot be filled quickly. Because you can’t trust some new person just like that. You had invested a lot in that person.

Now, you’ll have to start from scratch. But will you put in that effort to start from zero? Because the exit of that person will make you fatigued. The dilemma of restarting that process to make a new companion or reaching out to the old friend will haunt you. It’s not just with romantic relationships that such a problem occurs, it’s in those unsaid relationships which form overtime.

A void created by such an exit can be hurting. There are usually set times when you interacted with that person. Now that time slot is vacant. You’ll start thinking about old memories, old discussions. And that will be painful.

Only time heals such wounds. Hopefully.
Loneliness or lust
By: Eddy Galeano
Tags: Relationships, Breakups, Heartbreak, Loneliness, Love

Slow and hesitant goodbyes

Like the tear trickling down your cheek

It may have started with white lies.

A band-aid for your hemorrhage

Yet our love grew to be true

Withering silences

Unmet gazes

Sobs in the dark

Close my eyes and accept

Doesn’t fit into yours

The broken piece of my heart

Smarting from the hurt

I crawl into open arms

Any will do

Only my bed knows how I cried for you

And who’s now enjoying my love
WHEN SHADOWS TALK BACK.
By: Mike Nzuki
Tags: Life Lessons, Gratitude, People, Loneliness, Covid 19

There is something sinister about solitude that drives you crazy. It peals the skin of reality and bleeds the sense out of it. Worse even when you are closed behind four walls. Walls that always seem to be closing in even in their static mode. Maybe that’s why solitary confinement is a form of extreme punishment for unruly prisoners.

Quarantine and the recent setting I have had, have exposed me to a world of nothingness surrounded by everything-Last man on earth type sh*t. I don't know about you, but the complete void of activity and purpose felt like what frozen hell would be like. Surrounded by shadows of things inside that lonely space.

The abundance of time allows you a deeper understanding of self that exceeds logic. Then after understanding yourself you want to understand life and its essence. Burdened by past and present events, you end up judging and exonerating yourself at the same time. At this point the shadows are so stiff, they start moving.Agreeing and disagreeing with your ideas.

Worst still, you are expected to carry on working and making smart choices. Well how can you when you have shadows for advisors. There as some important realisations that dawn on you, but they are just a spec in a sea of dark- well nothingness. Nothing you do changes the fact that you are ALONE.

It's the worst feeling ever. Even now it lingers as a reminder to value every breathing soul in my life. They are not perfect but they are sure better than bloody shadows. That's my take way. What is yours?
Simulando el descenso del fútbol chileno 🇨🇱⚽️ ¿cuál es la probabilidad de que tu equipo descienda o sea el campeón? 👀
By: Pablo Galaz Cares
Tags: Relegation, Data Science, Simulation, Soccer Prediction, Soccer

I ❤️ Soccer and learning about Data Science. M. Sc. Operation Research, Universidad of Chile 🦉. Working as Team Leader of Zone Planning Team, Cornershop 😎
>⚽+LIVE|| Premier League 2020!! “Arsenal vs Chelsea” FULL-Match
Tags: Social Media, Soccer

WATCH Live Streaming (Arsenal vs Chelsea) Full HD [ULTRA ᴴᴰ1080p]

| Live Stream

Live sport streams free all around the world. Visit here to get up-to-the-minute sports news coverage, scores…

t.co

Watch Live Streaming : “Arsenal vs Chelsea” live stream In HD

VISIT HERE >> https://t.co/ALeRvbLkaT?amp=1

●LINE UP : Arsenal vs Chelsea, live

●Date : 12:30 AM,December 27, 2020

●VENUE: Emirates Stadium

Facebook Live, LinkedIn Live, YouTube Live, Periscope, Instagram Live Over the past several years, major social media platforms democratized and commodified live streaming, with YouTube Live launching way back in 2011, and Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and others (R.I.P. Meerkat) following suit. Most recently, LinkedIn launched live streaming on its platform, too, so businesses and professionals can reach their network in new and engaging ways.

These free platforms are great for brands and businesses looking to dip a toe in the live streaming pond, but they are not viable solutions for long-term scale and growth of a video strategy. Why? While ease of use is a major draw, for sure, none offer onboarding or customer support. If your team hits a snag with an event, you’re left to your own devices to problem-solve in real-time.

What’s more, streaming is only possible on a platform-by-platform basis. This means if you want to stream to Facebook and Twitter at the same time, you’ll need two cameras to live stream from each device — creating twice as much work (or more) and a less-than-ideal experience for the on-screen talent and viewers alike. ANOTHER POST.

Nobody is ever thrilled to pay nearly $11K for a golfer they probably hadn’t heard of until a handful of weeks ago, but both Zalatoris, along with Sam Burns will be at the top of my list this week on DraftKings.

Zalatoris gets the slight edge with his outstanding play in nearly every metric that’s not near the green. He ranks first amongst players in the field in SG: total and fourth in SG: approach. We also joke about getting the putter hot for a weekend, and if Zalatoris can improve on his SG: putting which ranks 129th in the field, he should absolutely contend yet again. Other Games.

He’s finished no worse than T19 in his last five events, including three top six finishes. His T6 result at Winged Foot opened up plenty of eyeballs, so he’ll be a popular play, which makes him all the more worthwhile in cash at the top.

While I was impressed with the way Will Zalatoris played last week at the U.S. Open, I’m more inclined this week to go with the more experienced Tour pro. Will will (that’s funny “Will will”) be a fixture on the PGA Tour — if not this year than next. He is one of the top players on the Korn Ferry Tour now. However, Corey Connors made the Playoffs and has been playing well last season (this is so weird calling it last season already). I’ll have both in a lineup this week, but my gut has me leaning with the Canadian. MORE POST.
WATCH 2020-Leicester City vs Manchester United: Premier League — live!
Tags: Soccer

Welcome To Watch Soccer 2020 Live Streaming Online Full HD Coverage On ESPN, CBS, FOX, SKY, TNT, NBC SN, TV, TBS Or Any Tv Show Channels Online, Here You Can Easily Watch Your All Favorite Soccer Match 2020 Live TV Show Free Online On Any Device as Desktop, Laptop, notepad, tab, smart phone, Mobile, iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple, Mac Book, And all others.

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Soccer Live Streaming 2020

Date: Today

Live/Repeat: Live

Watch This Soccer Leicester City vs Manchester United Live Stream Online Soccer 2020 Free Coverage On ESPN, ESPN3, SONY SIX, FOX SPORTS, STAR SPORTS, HBO, ABC, NBC, ESPN2, TBS Or Any TV Channels Online, Here You Can Easily Watch Your All The Leicester City vs Manchester United match Live Stream On Any Device as Desktop, Laptop, scratch pad, tab, propelled cell phone, Mobile, iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple, and all others. So keep watching and enjoy your time.
>⚽+LIVE|| Premier League 2020!! “Leicester City vs Manchester United” FULL-Match
Tags: Social Media, Soccer

WATCH Live Streaming (Leicester City vs Manchester United) Full HD [ULTRA ᴴᴰ1080p]

| Live Stream

Live sport streams free all around the world. Visit here to get up-to-the-minute sports news coverage, scores…

t.co

Watch Live Streaming : “Leicester City vs Manchester United” live stream In HD

VISIT HERE >> https://t.co/6Hi48cXEQi?amp=1

●LINE UP : Leicester City vs Manchester United, live

●Date : 7:30 PM,December 26, 2020

●VENUE: King Power Stadium

Facebook Live, LinkedIn Live, YouTube Live, Periscope, Instagram Live Over the past several years, major social media platforms democratized and commodified live streaming, with YouTube Live launching way back in 2011, and Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and others (R.I.P. Meerkat) following suit. Most recently, LinkedIn launched live streaming on its platform, too, so businesses and professionals can reach their network in new and engaging ways.

These free platforms are great for brands and businesses looking to dip a toe in the live streaming pond, but they are not viable solutions for long-term scale and growth of a video strategy. Why? While ease of use is a major draw, for sure, none offer onboarding or customer support. If your team hits a snag with an event, you’re left to your own devices to problem-solve in real-time.

What’s more, streaming is only possible on a platform-by-platform basis. This means if you want to stream to Facebook and Twitter at the same time, you’ll need two cameras to live stream from each device — creating twice as much work (or more) and a less-than-ideal experience for the on-screen talent and viewers alike. ANOTHER POST.

Nobody is ever thrilled to pay nearly $11K for a golfer they probably hadn’t heard of until a handful of weeks ago, but both Zalatoris, along with Sam Burns will be at the top of my list this week on DraftKings.

Zalatoris gets the slight edge with his outstanding play in nearly every metric that’s not near the green. He ranks first amongst players in the field in SG: total and fourth in SG: approach. We also joke about getting the putter hot for a weekend, and if Zalatoris can improve on his SG: putting which ranks 129th in the field, he should absolutely contend yet again. Other Games.

He’s finished no worse than T19 in his last five events, including three top six finishes. His T6 result at Winged Foot opened up plenty of eyeballs, so he’ll be a popular play, which makes him all the more worthwhile in cash at the top.

While I was impressed with the way Will Zalatoris played last week at the U.S. Open, I’m more inclined this week to go with the more experienced Tour pro. Will will (that’s funny “Will will”) be a fixture on the PGA Tour — if not this year than next. He is one of the top players on the Korn Ferry Tour now. However, Corey Connors made the Playoffs and has been playing well last season (this is so weird calling it last season already). I’ll have both in a lineup this week, but my gut has me leaning with the Canadian. MORE POST.
Gignac Finally Wins “That Damn Trophy” as Tigres Claim Champions League
By: Chris Hockman
Tags: Tigres, Champions League, Lafc, Soccer

Tigres celebrate their title win (Photo: Tigres)

ORLANDO — After losing three CONCACAF Champions League finals in four seasons Mexican powerhouse Tigres has finally won North America’s biggest soccer tournament. The Liga MX side came from behind to shatter American side Los Angeles FC 2–1 at Exploria Stadium on Tuesday night.

The MLS side hit the lead on a near perfect goal when the Angels worked the ball from right back all the way up for the star of the side, Diego Rossi to snag the opening goal in the 61st minute. The opener coming that late seemed like it would be enough, especially with LAFC committing fouls to break up the Tigres defense but it wasn’t to be.

The Monterrey based side worked hard to get back in to the match, passing the ball out from the back to heap pressure on the Californians. That work allowed Hugo Ayala to head home the equalizer just 11 minutes after going behind.

Six minutes from time former French International Andre-Pierre Gignac capping off a great run from Luis Rodriguez. He made his run up the right and found Gignac who ran onto the ball and fired it powerfully out of the reach of the keeper.

Given Gignac was involved in all three losses it was a special moment for him and it showed in his emotional celebration. The veteran promised he wouldn’t retire until he helped Tigres win “that damn trophy” so perhaps now he can enjoy retirement after just turning 35 this month.

The win makes it 15 wins in a row for Liga MX sides with the last non-Mexican winner of the trophy being Saprissa from Costa Rica in 2005. For MLS the long wait continues having not won since the old Champion’s Cup days when LA Galaxy won the knockout tournament in 2015.

This article originally featured at Florida Soccer Report with interactive content.