Have you ever walked through a room and felt like a ghost?
It’s a strange sensation. For decades, we were the ones everyone needed. We were the fixers, the builders, the keepers of the calendar, and the "emergency contacts." But as the years roll by, the phone gets a little quieter. The kids are busy with their own whirlwind lives, friends drift into different circles, and sometimes it feels like the world has simply… moved on.
If you’re feeling a bit invisible lately, let’s take a breath and talk about it.
The Mirror of the Past
Before we let the sting of loneliness settle in, let’s do a little "time travel." Think back to when you were in the thick of it—working, raising a family, or building a career. Do you remember an older relative or a neighbor you hadn’t called in months?
It wasn't that you didn't love them. It wasn't intentional. You were just busy surviving your own life. Often, the people we miss the most today are simply caught in that same whirlwind we once occupied. Understanding that it’s rarely personal can be the first step toward healing.
The "Whose Turn Is It?" Trap
We’ve all played the waiting game: “I texted her last, so it’s her turn to reach out.” Pride is a lonely companion. If you’re waiting for the phone to ring to prove you matter, you’re giving away your power. Yes, if you’ve reached out repeatedly and received nothing but silence, it’s okay to redirect that energy elsewhere. But if you’re holding back out of a fear of rejection or a "scorecard" mentality, you might be missing out on a beautiful reconnection.
Be the Light You’re Seeking
Here is the secret to rocking on: Don’t wait for the invitation to exist. If you’re feeling like you don’t matter, look around. There is almost certainly someone else—perhaps a friend you haven't spoken to in years or a neighbor across the street—who feels exactly the same way.
Reach out again: They might be going through a "season of silence" you know nothing about.
Make the first move: Send a card, a text, or an email just to say, "I'm thinking of you."
Find new orbits: If the old connections have truly faded, it’s time to find a new tribe. New hobbies and local groups are waiting for your wisdom.
The Bottom Line
You are not a ghost, and you haven't been erased. You have a lifetime of stories, humor, and resilience that the world still needs. Sometimes, to find the light we’re looking for, we have to be the ones to flip the switch for somebody else.
Let’s keep rocking, sisters. You matter more than you know.
I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Have you felt this way lately?
Marge Farrington OWRO
Marge Farrington OWRO
