"Lonely Boy" #MusicMonday

Yesterday was my birthday. The anniversary of my 29th birthday, actually. :)

If you’ve ready my book Out and About Dad, then you know how important it is to tell our story. Sharing our life experiences brings us closer to others and helps others realize that we share a lot in common and we all have our own issues to deal with.

The song “Lonely Boy” came out in 1977, while I was in the heat of elementary school. While I was a kid who always got great grades, I wasn’t a super happy kid. So I focused on getting good grades because it gave me the focus I needed at the time.

I struggled with fitting in and I struggled with making friends. I spent most of my time alone. Alone at home. And kinda alone at school, although I was “friendly” with everyone. “Friendly” doesn’t mean friendships.

By 8th grade, I felt like a misfit. I made a conscious decision to reverse my situation because I didn’t like the feeling. The misfit was a misfit for where I wanted to go. So I changed.

Now looking back, I realize that I wasn’t alone at all. Not by a longshot. All of us, even the most seemingly perfect and popular have struggles. I started to realize that as I went through high school and developed some great friendships that still sustain today. I know that now as I continued to find happiness in college and eventually in life. Lots of ups and downs, like all of us.

It’s important to share this. If there are any lonely boys or girls or lonely people who have not identified then please know there is a way out. Seek help. Decide what you want out of life. If you don’t know yet, then take a guess and get some help to find a pathway.

Most importantly, know that you’re not the only one lonely.

What’s your experience? JIM