In this third and final installment, we have met Monica, who had originally called in crisis. We met due to her intense emotional response to a relationship ending via text.

We went home following a lethality assessment. She reportedly slept poorly and didn’t eat the following day.

She called in sick to focus on herself. She took her boyfriend’s text rejection to heart. She arrived to the next day’s session casually dressed.

I wondered about Monica. She spoke of family in the Midwest and Northwest. Had she contacted them? Did she share her grief with anyone else? I learned a little something about her biological family, their reported traditional values. Monica had lived with these values, which sounded healthy.

Monica, however, was struck with an inner calling. Unfortunately for her, no one she believes listened.

Each had not, I understand, recognized Monica’s new perspective on her life. Her parents, friends, boyfriend and church minister were entrenched in their own system.

Monica was seeking what she described was not available to her. She happened upon a therapist’s business card. She sought her help.

Sleep, appetite and untold other prime functions were impacted. I could imagine her support group feeling helpless.

Sparing detail, the woman therapist acknowledged Monica like no one else.

She got inspired to challenge her indulgence. I heard no immediate signs spoken by Monica of abuse or neglect. Monica was experiencing an awakening.

She took hold of the inspiration, relocated to this area with her own apartment, job and vehicle. Some loneliness got in; she dated online and met Donald. The attraction was favorable. Then the balloon burst. An ending to their relationship came via text.

She arrived for her third session two days later. She wore her work attire and had makeup that was not splotchy from tears.

How are you, Monica?

“Well I can’t believe so much came out of me. I’m still ticked off at Donald for his cowardly act. I’m proud of myself. I’ve not contacted him at all. I’m back at work. No one there knows I had a terrible time of it. I do my work and go home. My therapist back home got me to write a journal. I did a few entries when seeing Donald. I am sleeping better, though I can get restless. I’m eating a little bit.

“Oh, guess what? I called my sister in Oregon. She was glad to hear from me. I shared nothing about the break-up. We small talked. She wants to visit me. She’s older by three years. My folks weren’t happy when she left for school and stayed on. Guess maybe they miss her and maybe me, too? Oh yeah, like I was saying, I started to journal again. Wow, I can cuss up a storm! (Ha!).”

“Marshall, I’m a bit lonely. I’m nervous about meeting anyone. I’ve been thinking about getting a cat. I might go to the Humane Society. Hey, maybe I’ll volunteer there. You know, I need a good friend, not a lover or a boyfriend, just a good friend. Maybe that’s what I’m lonely for. What do you think?”

I think that being alone, apart from your family and yet taking a huge step to find yourself is healthy.

Seeking healthy relationships might reduce the intensity of loneliness and the anxiety that often accompanies it. You are prospering, paying bills and working.

Maybe it’s time to explore the world without a main squeeze for now. Focus on your spiritual growth. I wonder if you recognize that essential component that you experienced back home. However that translates and plays out, live your life.

Take care of yourself and be open to what life offers. Ask for what you want. The universe will comply if you are open with it. Love yourself, Monica.

Then true love in many forms will come your way. Maybe open your heart to your folks. I wonder if they miss you.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.