How else to learn except by practicing. And, then pausing when necessary to get your balance.
I still struggle with isolation. It still hurts when no one says how was your weekend. And I never know when some one says "how are you" if they really mean "how are YOU?", or if they are merely making polite conversation. Often I'll say fine, good...and know that that is not always my reality. It's hard to talk about grief, no one feels comfortable with it. Some just will not try because it is uncomfortable. At this stage of life there is more uncomfortable, than comfortable. And, I know, it won't always be this way. There in lies the grace.
I hate going to social events alone. I hate that people know why I'm going alone. There is that stigma raising it's ugly head. I push myself to go, and while it's not always easy, I do push through. I find I am more introverted. I haven't lost my laugh, it's there somewhere. I have to feel safe to let it out.
I feel like I need to search the radar for others struggling with life. Just in case someone needs a life line, and by some grace of God, I can offer one. I am eternally grateful for those who are my constant life line.
So I practice the pause. I honor the semicolons in life. The times you have to pause as you find your footing again. I pray for those who lost their footing and chose to let go of life. I pray for those who heal from their decisions. It's not a place I ever thought I'd be. But it's life, so I embrace it.