The biggest challenges of work usually involve dealing with people. But many jobs–perhaps especially in an era of work-from-home–also involve a lot of alone time. Work can get lonely.

When I’m practicing my disease, loneliness–like boredom–can send me scrambling for something to change the way I feel. I might take a quick hit from social media, or pick a fight with a loved one, or just allow the contents of my own mind to serve me some excitement or connection. I forget that these habits are always unsatisfying and sometimes destructive.

Today, if I feel lonely at work, I will be aware of the tendency to avoid that feeling. I will remember that loneliness is a complex human experience, and it need not be fatal. I will ask my Higher Power to show me what purpose my loneliness might serve, striving to be patient with my feelings in the meantime.