I
had a busy week last week, playing golf, seeing lots of friends, and attending
several gatherings of old friends and new friends throughout the week and the
weekend. I also had several phone calls from far away friends, and no
matter where I was or where I turned to listen, it seemed people were talking
to me about their sadness and loneliness. It feels like this is an epidemic!
I hope they shared their feelings because I am a good listener, or because they
know my husband died 11 years ago and I am an empath who will understand their
pain, or for both those reasons. (By the way, it seems to me that people are
even more lonely since the isolation policies of the pandemic, as some people
are having a difficult time resuming "normal.") In a world
where it seems that people are paired off like they are boarding Noah's Ark, it
is easy to understand why being alone can be difficult.
So many people are in pain because they are so lonely. They
look around at a world divided by two - partners for travel, for tennis, for
golf, for roller coaster rides, dinners for two, etc.! I remember when
Scott first died, and I was both scared and apprehensive because I had never
lived completely alone. The silence of my once-happy home seemed to be
crushing me, and the thought of being alone for the rest of my life was so
overwhelming and so sad. Little by little, as I got to know myself better
in the silence of solitude, I began to appreciate some alone time, and even to
enjoy the solitude, although I will be forever grateful to the friends who
reached out to include me in their social plans. Even though I felt like
a fifth wheel, I attended whatever I was invited to, just because I was
invited. The care, concern, and conversation of others helped me through my
healing process.
Why am I writing about this sad topic? Easy answer: the
conversations of the past few weeks have set me to thinking about loneliness,
and I hope those who are reading this will know that some kindness and caring
and listening can do so much to heal the lonely soul. Maybe you know someone
who could use a pick-me-up phone call, an impromptu lunch invitation, or a
casual and unannounced drop by. Small kindnesses, the gift of a little
time, and a listening ear can do so much for a sad person. Or if you are a sad
person, reach out to someone and you will help yourself and the other person. Life
can be so difficult, and sometimes it seems even more difficult when a person
is alone. Hope you can cheer up a lonely friend this week! If you are the
lonely person, I know that the thing that makes me feel better is doing
something for someone else! It is amazing the lift you get inside when
you are lifting someone else! Love this Mark Twain quote - and it has
worked for me for years!
"The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer
somebody else up." Mark Twain
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!
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Twitter @dederittman
