“The Lonely Toil.”

"Loneliness And The Feeling Of Being Unwanted Is The Most Terrible Poverty." - Mother Teresa.

Below is an essay that I wrote. Please provide a critique and other thoughts - I'm very interested to know what else Mother Teresa has said about this.
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“The Lonely Toil.”
Written by Jessica Chao 1/1/09

As people rush to meet deadlines, attend meetings and doing errands in this time-poor society; who is there to attend to those who are lonely? Loneliness and the feelings of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty, indeed. We live busy lives attending to needs, rather than living the life of fulfilling relationships. Both loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted stems from the lack of love which is essential for our lives.

In my early years as a graduate, I have lived a lonely life working for investment banks where every second and every cent are highly valued figures. As I spent fourteen hours working from day to night at an efficient pace, I learnt to value these figures and evolved into a true investment banker working more than five days a week. Time passes by and I began to feel lonely, empty, and finally an urge to fill the void within my heart. I searched for remedies to remove this void; from shopping to entertainment and living a life of luxuries. Yet none of these were sufficient. Without realizing what I’m truly missing, I’m trapped in this downward spiral, unable to unveil my eyes.

However, I caught a glimpse of light from my long lost friends who acted like angels in disguise. In my weakness, their strength helped nurture my spirit and their abundant joy became my solace. Through their joy, I hoped to remove my loneliness. Soon I felt their light penetrate deep into my soul as my eyes were unveiled, being able to truly see the worth of life, love and relationships.

Oh how wonderful is the strength of love – it is a strong bond that is capable of healing loneliness and flourishes the individuals’ heart. Love is patient, love is kind, it cares more for others than for self and love doesn’t fear; for we willingly nestle in the comfort of love to enjoy its embrace.

I am now so blessed to have friendships that truly touch my life. My friends are so generous in their love, compassion, joy and laughter. They colour my world with a rainbow everyday and turn it upside down into an endless smile for me, expelling all traces of loneliness.

When I realized the worth of life, love and relationships; my values, priorities and lifestyle changed accordingly. To be able to share my time and my love is now a high priority, for it is the richest gift I can give to people. No longer do I toil without love, for what value does it bring if I profit money but lose my love, joy and become lonely? Indeed, loneliness is torturous; it is a poverty of emotions where the individual is unable to share feelings with other people. But as one reaches out to the lonely, the lonely will feel whole again.