I don’t exactly know how to describe in well defined terms what I’ve been feeling, but I want to get something out of myself, and I’m curious if others can relate or not. I’ve been seeking community for a long time in my life, it’s one of the biggest holes in my self-essence. Connection with persons, or people is like, the thing I want most in life. I mourn its absence more than anything else. But, when I try to pursue a community, and get closer to a group of people, I experience the opposite. I only feel more isolated, further disconnected, more alone. Earlier this year, I started doing work with a local revolutionary party, in part because I believe it’s necessary and vital work, but also in large part because I feel like, if I’m going to find community, it’s going to be with people who share common values and principals with me. I’ve been trying so hard to be a good member, but the more months that pass, the more alien I feel. I also feel a tremendous fear of letting these people down, or being unable to meet a task. Usually during meetings I feel invisible, or when I’m not completely invisible, I feel like they must see me as incompetent or useless, just taking up space. I don’t at all mean to suggest that this is the group’s fault, though - I’ve felt this way in any community I’ve tried to become part of. There is something in me that I don’t know how to fix that renders me unable to be a viable group member. Does anybody else experience this?
I also feel a tremendous fear of letting these people down, or being unable to meet a task. Usually during meetings I feel invisible, or when I’m not completely invisible, I feel like they must see me as incompetent or useless, just taking up space.
💞
I 100% relate to this and, while I have no idea how to cope with it, I want to say you aren’t alone in feeling like that. I’ve realized that I’m the one that thinks I am incompetent or useless, and projecting that onto everyone around me. ‘Better just be quiet and not bother anyone.’
‘Better just be quiet and not bother anyone.’
Damn, are you me?
Now that you’ve realized it, re-frame your thinking - reassuring yourself that it’s projection, slowly gaining confidence to speak up, and it’s hopefully met with a good reaction.
Mood Kindred! I have no solutions or healthy coping mechanisms to share.
It sucks because even when I know I’m competent I just convince myself I’m being lied to by people who are trying to be nice.
The dissonance caused by that has been helping a tiny bit I guess.
You aren’t alone though.
Thanks, Comrade. <3
I definitely relate to this as well. I feel like it’s really difficult to fit in with a group and more often than not just makes me feel more alienated. I feel like it’s a never-ending struggle to try to bridge this gap with other people.