Loneliness abates when you connect with people who get it
Driving past the ballpark on a humid September morning, I spotted the promotional signs. Men in small tractors and bobcats were moving dirt around to prepare the way for one of our town’s most distinguished events.
The state lawnmower racing championship!
I have heard that these lawnmowers run at speeds of up to 60mph. Grown men, in helmets, with their families cheering them on, racing lawnmowers around in circles at highway speeds. Who devised this bizarre sport? More importantly, why did it ever catch on? Of all the things to do with your spare time—or with your lawnmower—why this?
After a moderate amount of reflection on the issue, I have come to this conclusion. Diversity defines the world and the gamut of people’s interests. But, birds of a feather still flock together. These two principles synergize to create some of the world’s most outlandish hobbies, sports, businesses and ways of life.
Consider this, somewhere in the world today, two large asian men will put on diapers and attempt to belly the other one out of a ring. What’s more, the ring will be surrounded by a crowd of people! And, they will engage in this activity for a relatively substantial amount of money. The investment of time, money, emotional energy, and forethought amazes me. These are overgrown men in diapers!
So, diversity and individuality account for the beauty of expression, manifesting itself in the most unusual forms. And, the human need for group, for community, for justification explains the widespread nature of these phenomena.
This same phenomena explains the healing beauty of support groups. When we hurt, connecting with someone who understands can make a world of difference.
Learning that you are not the only one can help profoundly. In fact, did you know that there are about 66 million family caregivers in the United States? Meeting others who share the same path can bring comfort, identity, and hope.
Lawnmower racers, sumo wrestlers, and family caregivers. Three groups I never expected to put in the same sentence!
The dynamic of forming community out of a common bond of interest or life circumstance is utterly powerful.
Find your people. Perhaps it’s some entirely different group. But, if you’re sensing isolation, remember that loneliness abates when you connect with people who “get it.”
Worth Repeating
Sometimes the most ordinary things could be made extraordinary, simply by doing them with the right people.
-Nicholas Sparks
Wear Green on April 17
Join Caregiving.com and me on Friday, April 17th, by wearing green! With 66 million family caregivers in the United States, caregivers should not be lonely or isolated. Wear green on this day to encourage, support, and unite with other family caregivers!
