Being alone...

I'm alone, and I'm really okay.  I feel like people view the words "alone" and "lonely" as the same thing.  The fact is, they aren't the same.  I'm not lonely.  My time with my kids is more meaningful.  In fact, I feel like all the relationships that are forming in my life are deeper and more loving than what I've experienced before.  And I'm not talking about romantic relationships.  Do I want to be single the rest of my life?  No, not at all.  But that is not something I'm ready for right now.  I need this time for myself.  I'm talking about my friendships.  New and old friends have come beside me and I feel how much they care about me.  It's because of these relationships that I'm not lonely.  I am loved.  People care about me.  I'm a social person.  I need relationships in my life.  I always have.  I have always been drawn to different people and enjoy making new connections.  This is still a big part of who I am.  I just now have more of an opportunity to act on it.  And when I get the chance to have alone time, I enjoy it.  I can just be.  And I appreciate it.