I taking one last glance at OS before going up to bed and saw this.

"For others that sense of belonging and security never seems quite there or enough."

That sums up fairly well where I'm at. In some ways, as in the family I was born into, all of whom I love dearly, I'm part of a "we," but mainly I AM in fact singular. Some days I think that's a good thing, other days not so much, but it is what it is I guess.

I'm trying to learn to see that "I" being singular is okay - and like nana, some days are better than others. It's important to realize it, though, no matter how many "we's" I belong to. Well said, LIG.

Thanks, Jeff. I'm just getting used to the idea so it's a bit scary but I hope to find the "good" in it soon.

Owl, you are always so kind.
I'm going to try to get some sleep now and I know that tomorrow "I" will be just fine!

Hey, this is a tough one for 'Life is Good'. Hopefully morning will bring sunshine and happiness to you. Rated

Always remember, life is good...hey wait...:)

Remember, you can't spell homicide, without I, wait....

What I meant to say is, I is important, even with the We.....

Rated.

I is singular, and that can be lonely, but there is no harm in spending time with just 'I'; you never know what you will learn about yourself.
Rated.

Ralph, morning brought your message to me so that is sunshine already. Hug!
Tink, actually it takes two "I"'s to spell homicide and doesn't that make a "we"? Wait a minute, homicide?
Thanks!
Tabb, yes, it is lonely but it will be worth it to finally have a look at the real me. (If I can still find her.) Thank you for your kindness.

The connections we make with other humans give our lives texture and richness and, sometimes, comfort and joy.

But, when we forget that those connections are "out there" not "in here," we can lose sight of the most important person we'll ever know.

If I am not a fully integrated, individual human, before I attempt to engage with other, I will have nothing to contribute of texture, richness, comfort or joy to anyone, even myself.

Vonnia, there is much wisdom in what you say. Thank you.

Sharon my kindred Sister go listen to the Mother Ocean this weekend. Walk along her edge and dive into her loving arms. She will hold you and remind you that "all is as it should be". Breathe.
Sending you balance and hugs.

My lady, you touch me deeply. You know my needs: the ocean, balance and hugs. Received....
And a big hug right back atcha!

LIG: Hang in there! Your "I" is a beautiful soul; you carry a piece of the divine. See your tree. Visit the ocean. Just be.

AHP, thank you for your kind words.
I'm heading to work. I'll check in with my tree when I get there.

I think you really have to find "I" before you can make sense of any kind of "we". Great post. By the looks of it, you are an integral part of a whole big group of "we" here.

Great description of my own life. It was a whirlwind and I got caught up in the "we" of it. I have only lately realized that I wasn't sure who the "I" was anymore.

I guess I'm a few steps behind you but I am going to watch you as you forge ahead. I hope you find a happier day.

This is lovely - achingly sad, but lovely nonetheless. I think your words speak volumes to so many of us at this point in our lives. Beautiful.
Rated.

We sometimes becoming he and I, he with me, they and I, they with me, I with him, I with them, I on my own, and sometimes they, he, I, without overlapping and coexisting happily (those are my favorite times) ... ah, life needs such lexibility of pronouns... (I am very linguistic this morning, sorry). Great post, Sharon.
Kisses,
Marcela

It is only in the past year or so that I have come to delight in my own singularity.
Somewhere along the way I developed a theoretical model for a romantic relationship that is based on two parallel lives that meet and intertwine to share moments of great joy. I may be on the cusp of testing that theory out in a live setting.
I am still working on the theoretical model that will allow me to frame my relationship with my son in a similar way. That said, I do believe he was born his own individual and I am doing my best to foster that sense of autonomy in him (which, in my mind's eye, will be mutually beneficial).

There have been times in my life that I have lost the "I" and became a "we". It's a strange feeling when you finally realize that. I didn't like it.
It'll be okay Sharon. There are many people here on OS who love YOU. We're always here to suppport you.
Warmly,

We learn to live together, then we die alone.

yes , you r right

Penguin, the "we" here on OS have embraced me and for that everyday I am grateful. Such a kind, generous group of people.

Duane, I try to "forge ahead" and it seems like two steps forward and one back but I think I'm making progress toward that happier day.

Unbreakable, I feel that one of the reasons for sharing our thoughts as we do here is in the hope of touching a chord with others. Sometimes it is comforting to know we are not alone in our trials.

Marcela, yes, life is so full of we's and us's and I have often wondered if that is all there is but I think maybe it isn't.

Wordsmith, I agree with the parallel lines. It is when the lines become blurred that our "self" suffers. I need to be a clear distinct line in and of myself and it is that to which I look.

Spots, I don't like that "we" either. I've written about my need to brand everything I touch with a big S and and don't like to be held back or made to feel that my S isn't good enough. You are just so kind to me. Thank you!

TOM, I don't intend to die alone, just more confident in myself.

Rolling, thank you.

Life, my remark was intended to reinforce the theme of your essay. That we spent a lifetime being part of the group, loving, building friendships etc. But in the end, no matter how many friends are at our side, we face death by ourselves. One on one with the Reaper. It is the ultimate "I" as singular moment.

TOM, I didn't mean to dismiss your comment so flippantly.
I agree with you that the ultimate "alone" is in death of the body. I think maybe what you said was too close to home for me. That part of me which was a "we" has died and I go forward as an "I" and it is scary. As scary as death? To my mind, maybe more so because I face it every day instead of just once, at least, until I become more comfortable with my new situation.
Thank you for coming back to set me straight. I value your opinion.
Sharon

We come into this world alone. We leave alone. No matter how many friends we might have.

You go girl! as Oprah would say.

Sadly, for many people, "I" is perennially singular. I think there's a comfort in plurality, since we are essentially social creatures.