You’re not alone…
You're not alone. That was one of the main messages that I hoped "The Art of Getting Dumped" would get across. There is some sort of solace in knowing that someone else has not only felt the same pain, hopelessness and loneliness, but that they have endured and that they have survived and that they have come out the other side of it. Although, my book focuses on the heartache associated with a heartbreak from someone leaving you that you loved, loved ones can leave you for so many different reasons, often out of their control, and heartbreaks can take on many, many different forms.
It’s not anything to with the "misery loves company" cliche. It's much, much more than that. We are human. We hurt. We heal. We may hurt again. It's the knowledge that it's not the end. If someone has taken the time to reach out with their message, whether in prose or poem or song, they are only able to do so because they have survived. And they want you to know there's hope for you too. At least that's what I believe.
So, to that latter example of song, I want to share what I think is one of the best, most touching songs that reaches out with the message that you are not alone. It's a sad melody. I mean really sad. Lol. But also one of the most inspiring songs I’ve ever heard.
So this blog is about finding out what song helped YOU through your darkest times. Perhaps I’ve never heard it, and it will inspire me…or help or inspire someone else. I would love to hear what song most touched or helped you or made you feel not so alone during those sad or challenging times. Please comment below.
As for me, here goes. I gave a clue in the photo posted above. R.E.M.'s "Everybody Hurts". Here's a link to the official music video. Man, gets me every time. (You may have to copy and insert the link because Squarespace sometimes has a hard time actually embedding links.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rOiW_xY-kc&list=RD5rOiW_xY-kc&index=2
And as I read the comments below the music video after I looked up this link to the the song, I started crying again. Never ashamed to say it. Read some of these comments that people have left that have been touched by that song while listening to it. I challenge you not to cry. Actually, I don’t. A good cry can be very cathartic. God bless R.E.M. and all those people who were touched by that song for their own very different reasons. I will write verbatim one of the comments from about two months ago left by @andreoliveira-kilgo. Andre truly has a beautiful heart and a beautiful message to everyone. We may not know one another…and we may never meet…but we are family.
“Dear reader , I don’t know you and you don’t know me . Probably we are not even living in the same country . We look different . You may be older than me or younger . We are just completely strangers . But there are a few things which connect us . We are humans . We have emotions and feelings . A personality which defines us . And we are both on YouTube , searching for sad songs, no matter why. Please, if you read this. No matter what's going on in your life at the moment ,you can do it ! You can manage out if it, you will stay strong because there are people who love you ! And these people are worth it. Yes, we are strangers but not too far away from each other to not say that you are a great person !!! Because you are ! I hope even if it’s just one of you, that I could help or support you in a way . This comment is for all the lonely people out there” - Andre Oliveira
Andre gets it.
So, here we go. Help someone who is hurting…or is just lonely. Loneliness…loneliness is a horrible disease with perhaps the world’s simplest cures…a kind word, a loving gesture, a “hello” to a stranger, or just a smile. And if you’re the one who is hurting or lonely…in the words of R.E.M…hold on. God bless…