I go through phases when I enjoy time to myself and the solitary quiet.

There are other times when I want feel lonely and want the company of others.

When we don’t have this companionship, we may feel isolated and long for the love, joy, laughter, understanding and support that comes from other people.

A remedy for this is to find your community.  Seek out others around you.

This could mean making connections with your neighbours, a sporting club, a service group, an environmental group or community garden, a church or a special interest group that is relevant to you. Volunteering can be fulfilling and is another great way to meet people.

Brene Brown (2017), tells us that making connections with another person may require us to become vulnerable.  It means taking a chance and opening up to others.

It may feel uncomfortable at first, but it gives others a glimpse of who we are, and we may be rewarded by making that longed for connection with like-minded others.

If we don’t tell others about ourselves, how will they ever know the unique experiences and attributes we bring to the table?

It could also mean a connection doesn’t happen right away.  Keep trying.  Be persistent.  Everyone has something to offer others.

Making connections with others requires some effort on our part.

It may mean stepping out of our comfort zone, but ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’ has always been my motto to live by.

I love horse riding and found a satisfying way to reconnect with my youth and with others.

Here I am, whispering sweet nothings into Trixie’s ear…while trying to hold on and take a picture.

If we don’t give it a try, we will never know what could be waiting for us.

References

Bennett, R. (2017). Middle aged women rediscover netball,  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/middle-aged-women-rediscover-netball-minus-the-aertex-mqlr7gqmf, as sighted 28.4.19

Bowls Alberta (2019) bowlsalberta.com, as sighted 28.4.19

Brown B. (2017). Braving the wilderness: the quest for true belonging and the courage to stand alone.  Random House: New York

Blue Skies Tomorrow – There is always hope. – blueskiestomorrow.com

Blue Skies Craft – Using Craft to Restore – blueskiescraft.com