Whats the difference between solitude and lonliness?

[lonlion]

What’s the difference between solitude and loneliness? ...

... For me, the difference is solitude is something you WANT
and feel comfortable with, a peaceful, relaxing and
inspirational space, and loneliness is an UNWANTED
experience of being on your own.

I believe one of the greatest fears we have is the fear of
loneliness, especially the loneliness that we feel when
we are without a lover.

This fear traps many of us into unfulfilling or
destructive relationships, or leads us into pursuing the
wrong person just to AVOID being on our own.

We must remember, it is possible to feel more isolated and lonely in an unhappy relationship or marriage than when you are actually on your
own!
If this is the case, it is suggested you take time
out for inner reflection. Why do you feel lonely? What can you do to help turn unwanted loneliness into welcome solitude?

Do you believe you can transform your loneliness into
solitude? I believe you can.
Focus on contemplating positive opportunities and outcomes. Spend your time reflecting on past joys and accomplishments. Consider what
you can do with your life to create more satisfaction and
fulfillment.
‘take your time and chill out, don’t make any hasty or impetuous decisions, THINK about the issues in your life carefully and from a more open-minded
perspective and with a more positive attitude’.

You should be patient, as it may take a little more time before the period of unwanted loneliness you are suffering will pass. Of course, it can
also mean don’t let the fear of loneliness hold you back
from making an important decision!

Don’t rush any decisions, take time out to think about and contemplate
your options carefully, and if you feel lonely consider how
you can change the way you view your ‘loneliness’ to create
a sense of solitude instead.

[wastedtime4me]

I dont know if this came from a book or out of your head but ,,thank you!!! I really got alot of much needed information from this post.I have been married for soon to be 18 years .I have 2 teenagers that are uaually home even ..Yet i feel very lonely most of the time...I believe and have believed for a long time this is one of my biggest battles!!Thanks again..

[baby jesus]

I have had the benefit of delving into each of these, from time to time, in my own recovery. The lonliness I experience, sometimes has a connection to sadness, grief, which I have done just about everything to not feel. But, after surviving all that, I try to make a sacred space for my feelings, especially when I feel the tug of lonliness on my sleeve.I have been told that the empty space, in my gut is God-sized hole. Nothing else fits. Also, a note that sometimes i am feeling lonely when I am expecting from others what I can be doing for and should be doing for myself.So, lonliness is not as bad as my mind may thinketh.
Solitude- well, that's just great! There's a book I read that really helped, but, I have had to go thru the lonliness to even start to begin to understand the difference between the two. Solitude - The prescence of the ocean without the water? God's breath in my lungs? The mere fact that you are asking shows that you are seeking, and I'm pretty sure your getting some good info from that seeking.Don't ever stop seeking, that's the key. I love you all deeply. me

[Cougar]

lonlion...where you reading my mind? ..these are just the thoughts I have been contemplating... what a great post!

Baby Jesus said I should check this out, man he was so right on.

My living situation has changed again and i am in my own space which is really wonderful and somewhat lonely at the same time. Lately, I have had more recovery friends here and have tried to reach out more to people who will love me just as I am. Working with others helps me keep what I've got...

I believe I am just now learning about true friendships, different levels of intimacy in relationships and avoiding the pitfalls of following my sexual appetite instead of my heart and my gut. You know, just Standing in My Truth. Being patient (not one of my strongest attributes).

I am thankful for this situation and yet I am frustrated with having to learn this new 'dance'. Even though I love dancing!

So, I just keep writing about it and turning it over and turning it over. Keeping the focus on me, asking HP for direction.

Tonight i came home after my meeting and treated myself to somethings like: music I had not listened to in awhile and dancing as if nobody is watching, I love doing that...

I really do enjoy time alone when I make it my sanctuary of solitude.
Thank you for reminding me!

Blessings,
Cougar

[best]

When I was separated and lived in a one room apt. I felt a lonliness when I was at a family gathering. Upon returning to the apartment and sitting alone in the solitude... I had a feeling of the Lord's presents being there with me.
What was pointed out to me after... doesn't matter where we are, He is always there with us. You never need feel alone.