The Pink Unicorn’s Loneliness: A Myth We All Live

We think peace is a pin-drop silence. Quietness is the longing we want—a complete isolation from everything our eyes can perceive. Isn't it our daily definition of loneliness or, rather say, peace?

"Leave me alone", "Can't you shut your mouth?", "You are loud!", "Here she goes again, non-stop chanting." Familiar with these kinds of sentences? Or did you said them to someone? These words are lovely, aren't they? They heal our boredom and break the record of not having a conversation with a human. Thanks to these sentences, our isolated self gets a push to move its boundary and talk to a person.

Oh! Wait, what are you reading exactly?

This blog is not about what we say, what we hear, or even about pink unicorns. This blog is about loneliness. How lonely we are in our day-to-day life, even when we are surrounded by everyone. And how often do we feel it? Is it natural not to know if one is lonely or just enjoying alone time ('Me time').

The theme of loneliness is pretty old, and its emotional weight is immeasurable. This 16th century originated malaise, loneliness, affecting people from all walks of life. History claims that it came into the picture when people felt the danger created by being too far from other people. (Source)

Let's explore the depths of loneliness and ignite empathy.

Have you ever felt like a pink unicorn in a world of gray horses? Out of place, beautifully different—yet utterly alone?

The Anatomy of Loneliness

The definition of loneliness involves complicated feelings of emptiness, isolation, or distress. One feels nothing. Just complete darkness of emotions. You must have felt that. Though being socially friendly and empty inside is also a loneliness. So don't get swayed away with what is on the outer side. So, we are either,

- Emotional loneliness: Feeling emotionally disconnected from others.

- Social loneliness: Struggling with a lack of social connections and meaningful interactions.

Or both.

According to mindvoyage.in the present data indicates that loneliness is on the rise in urban as well as rural youth and that older adults are most susceptible to feeling lonely. A study published in 2020 found that almost 48% of older adults feel lonely. (Source)

So my question is, what makes us, adults, lonely? Financial, social, mental, and health, what are the reasons that keep you in a small box of isolation?

To be able to understand this emotion,

1. We need to feel it

   Hurray! We are one step closer.

2. Discover your favorite spot to feel this heaviness

   It can be your bed or desk. Just somewhere on earth where you feel you and unknowingly get back to it when things get hard.

3. Let an emotional flood in

   Don't think! let your brain interpret the rush of sensory information and its interaction with memory and past experiences.

4. Think about something or someone with whom you wanna be

   After a roller coaster of thoughts, you deserve it. A bowl of ice cream.

5. Ask yourself. "Am I lonely or just having a gust of thoughts?"

   Ice cream never fills the void. Neither do scrolls, small talk, or ‘good mornings’ that mean nothing. Being alone is a choice. A choice to discover yourself and distancing for your good. But being lonely is a curse to one's growth, one feels horrible, wants to escape and tires to gain attention.

   Which one are you?

Let's talk about unicorns, specifically a pink unicorn. They are magnificent in our imagination. Beyond any beauty. But it is all in the mind.

We are similar to the pink unicorn, unique. We have our burden of meeting expectations to carry, like how unicorns carry the baggage of being majestic. They are one of its kind, so we are. They are the main characters of everyone's dreams; that's what makes them lonely. Isn't it?

They are portrayed as independent, powerful, and dominant characters who are superior. Their hair heals, drawing their blood is sin, and tons of tales are written. But even after having so much, they look keen to have a warm ruffle on their hair. We also look forward to a simple smile, an assuring gaze, and a hug.

"The pink unicorn is alone because it’s a myth" —something everyone admires but no one believes exists. Aren’t we the same? Curated Instagram lives, performative happiness… We’re all unicorns grazing in fields of isolation, waiting for someone to see the real color of our fur.

The psychological toll of prolonged loneliness.

- Anxiety and depression: loneliness can exacerbate mental health issues as it directly leads to trust issues.

- Physical health effects: Studies link loneliness to physical ailments.

Social isolation and loneliness can increase a person's risk for: (Source)

Heart disease and stroke.

Type 2 diabetes.

Depression and anxiety.

Suicidality and self-harm.

Dementia.

Earlier death.

- Feelings of worthlessness and despair.

- The desire for connection juxtaposed with the fear of rejection.

Personal Stories of Loneliness

You know your poignant anecdotes the best. (Share them here).

One thing I have observed in our common life is, we navigate social spaces like it is oxygen to our emotions. Just endless scrolling without even paying attention to the content or even the time that we consume in a baseless act. If this is not feeling isolated, then what is it?

Coping Mechanisms in Isolation

Once sure that you are lonely, try to figure things out. Some traditional ways to cope are

• Traditional healthy coping strategies to manage feelings of loneliness.

- Creative outlets: Writing, art, and music as forms of expression.

- Mindfulness and meditation: Finding peace in solitude.

• Seeking support.

- The power of counseling or therapy.

- Building community connections, even virtually.

They help. In many parts of India, undergoing counseling is portrayed as brain illness. Parents have to understand that needing help from a professional will make their offspring strong, and they are not ill, just going through a phase.

"Loneliness vs. Aloneness"

You may have noticed the resemblance we have to a unicorn, but what journey does the title suggest?

Once the picture between being alone by wish and lonely is clear, the person who enjoys alone time is on an unstoppable journey to find inner peace through solitude. One is imposed isolation (FOMO), the other is chosen solitude (JOMO—joy of missing out). Again, it is not a one-day job. One have to be determined, positive, and looking forward to the experience and thoughts. Constant observation and self-check are needed in the journey. It is a slow-paced, overwhelming path full of discovering the hidden potential.

Loneliness screams, 'nobody sees me'. Aloneness whispers, 'I finally see myself'. The pink unicorn learns to tell the difference.

The Journey Towards Healing

• Explore a path to emotional recovery from loneliness.

- Self-reflection: Understanding oneself and the roots of loneliness.

- Setting goals for social interaction and building friendships.

Don't want to socialize, buy a dairy. Start journaling. Still alone, start a blog website.

Don't have time for writing a blog? share your story here, I will write it for you.

Call to Action

Ever played classic solitaire? In this classic game, when a person is out of moves, a joker card is played, on top of which any card can be placed.

If you are out of moves in your life, allow someone to become your joker, place your loneliness card on it, and move forward. Joker can be anything; all you have to do is make an effort to call to action. The joker card isn’t magic—it’s a choice. Today, text the friend you ghosted. Sit in a café alone and smile at a stranger. Or scream into your pillow until the loneliness cracks open and lets the light in. The unicorn in you is waiting.

Remember you are a pink unicorn ready to fight.

🦄 "Loneliness is the price we pay for being extraordinary." — Let that truth shine. 🦄

~Floe