Chapter 1: The Weight of Loneliness

There was a period in my life when existing felt burdensome, almost like a heavy weight on my chest. The sensation of loneliness gnawed at me, akin to a rat scurrying through the streets of New York. Each morning was a struggle, as if a hammer relentlessly pounded my heart. Sundays were particularly tough; the absence of school amplified the feeling of isolation.

During those quiet afternoons in our Milanese apartment, I would often retreat to the bathroom, smoking one cigarette after another while gazing out the window, peering into the lives of my neighbors. I learned far more about them than I ever intended.

Unlike most teenagers, I welcomed Mondays. At least in class, I was surrounded by others, and for five hours, the emptiness within me felt a bit less severe, as if I were applying a healing balm to my wounded spirit.

However, the boy I shared my desk with was far from a gentleman. One fateful lunch break, he decided to press a lit cigarette against my hand. The scar he left behind serves as a constant reminder of that moment. He reached out years later to seek forgiveness, and while I offered it, I have not forgotten.

But how did I escape that dark abyss of loneliness? I emerged stronger and transformed, longing for solitude instead of dreading it. I now cherish moments alone on deserted beaches in Thailand.

The journey was arduous and filled with pain. Change is never easy; it demands bravery, persistence, and faith. Ultimately, it was faith that saved me. When despair threatened to consume me, I turned to prayer, unsure of whom I was addressing, but yearning for strength or guidance through my suffering.

This marked the beginning of my connection to something greater than myself. This same energy has propelled me forward over the years, greeting me with warmth each morning. As I awaken, I feel a divine presence guiding me from slumber to my sacred space, where a candle flickers and incense fills the air with an unknown sweetness. Holding a sandalwood mala in my hand, I close my eyes and surrender.

The unanswered questions that once kept me awake have faded. Everything falls into a divine pattern that needs no explanation.

Let me ask you this: Do you wish for your struggles to cease? Do you long for the pain to vanish?

Release it. Surrender everything to a force greater than yourself. You don’t have to bear this burden alone. It’s time to let go of the struggle.

Extend your hand, even just a finger. Allow the divine to hold it gently, like one would comfort a fragile bird with broken wings. Envision a supportive friend who stands beside you, offering boundless love without expecting anything in return—except for you to embrace your true self.

If you’re uncertain about how this works, I’m here to guide you.

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Thank you for reading. Discover more about my work [here](#). I appreciate the support of those who contribute to my journey. Connect with me on Instagram or LinkedIn, and let’s meditate together.

Chapter 2: Finding Community and Joy

In the video "Loneliness," we explore the depths of isolation and its impact on our lives, offering insights and guidance on overcoming these feelings.

Chapter 3: Embracing Change and Happiness

In "How to get rid of loneliness and become happy | Olivia Remes | TEDxNewcastle," we learn practical strategies for overcoming loneliness and finding genuine happiness.