I was working as usual today, but then some of my students chose this topic from our online school's "Daily News" material. It's an article related to fighting against the loneliness epidemic in Seoul.

^{Screenshot of our class website's article...}

It's an interesting and relatable article since everyone experiences loneliness from time to time. Although some people feel it more than others, their feelings are real and valid.

Because of this, I came up with a poetry piece and made a simple artwork related to it. Check them out below...

LONELINESS

Ending a busy day with no one in sight
My once colorful life has dimmed its light
The silence that I used to enjoy and adore
Turned deafening; I could no longer ignore


But why does it feel the same?
As if I'm slowly engulfed in flame
There's something amiss; something my heart sought
It's empty... regardless of whether I'm alone or not


People walk, and the world continues to turn
I go with the flow, but still, I yearn
What am I missing? Could someone answer me?
My mind drifted deeper into the deepest sea...
Where even stars no longer shine for me


@tegoshei

I believe the worst kind of loneliness is feeling alone despite being surrounded by people. It's not your choice to feel that way, but unfortunately, it happens.

Loneliness is a tricky feeling, in my opinion. There are even times when we don't realize that it's loneliness we're feeling. We feel so vulnerable and helpless.

In the article, the local Government of Seoul decided to open "Mind Convenience Stores". It's designed to be a place where people gather, but aren't forced to mingle. They can do activities either alone or together, and even talk to counselors on-site. But it made me wonder...

I mean, it makes sense when we consider loneliness as merely social isolation. So, having a place where you can socialize or just be surrounded by people might help. However, loneliness is often linked to depression. In such cases, I believe some people might even find it hard to leave their homes.

Recently, I had a student who opened up to me. He just broke up with his partner, and now, he's actively looking for another person. I got curious because it was just a few days after the breakup, so I asked him why he was looking for a partner so soon.

And he answered, "Because I'm lonely.".

And it hit me... people do think and experience things differently.

I don't have a partner, and I don't plan to have one because I enjoy my freedom to do things I want at my own pace. My student asked me why I'm not interested, and I simply answered, "Because it's troublesome.".

He laughed and commented that I'm the type of person who values freedom. hahah He's not wrong, but I think I'm not looking because I'm already happy and satisfied. I live with my parents and our dogs, I get to spend time with them every day, and I'm surrounded by amazing friends... even virtual friends.

My student and I may think differently, but both our thoughts and feelings are valid.

Having such conversations made me realize how lucky I am to be surrounded by people who support me. Sometimes, we tend to take the things or people we have for granted because we're searching for something else. I don't know why... maybe people are just naturally insatiable?



Making loneliness disappear is impossible, so I hope everyone who's experiencing it finds something or someone to support them or make them feel better. It may be challenging, but let's choose to be happy! :)

I'll end this post here. Thanks for reading, and see you around! (^^,)/