Day 351

Still out of step with the Universe. Am I going to wind up my 77^th year on a downer? Bright spot was a message from Megan. She is owning her new life and making adjustments. She is inspiring with her desire to live the life she envisioned. Sure, there are rough spots and a long look at what has already been accomplished will get her across them. Now, what can I do to tame my copeless attitude?

PS

There is one more warning label we should pay attention to: Loneliness may be hazardous to your health. There are unpredictable life events that can create stress. Stress brings problems emotionally, physically, spiritually, and mentally. Losing one’s place due to loss of a family member, retirement or job loss, and moving to a new location are three of the top stressors we can endure that happen to us all at one time or another. Staying alone too long can lead to depression or alcohol use, feelings of rejection and loss of self-confidence. These are not healthy states of mind.

One serious symptom is rarely diagnosed. It is loneliness. Suddenly being out of step with routine can shake us up and make us feel out of balance. It is easy to stay alone to deal with the changes. The anti-dote takes effort and the rewards are great. It takes courage to step out into the community to make a new place, new friends, new uses of skills and learning new skills. One place to start is at a senior center where groups meet for meals, classes, exercises, games, and socializing. It is a place to find peers, people who have had the same presidents, the same issues, and are seeking friendship and support. Another place to lift loneliness is a church family. Most churches have coffee hours after services where the members talk and get acquainted. Like minded people find lots of common beliefs and interests. There are clubs, service organizations, and lodges where people get together for mutual goals. Getting exercise helps loneliness dissolve. Swimming, exercise classes, walking groups, nature walks, or just walking around the community can change perspective and enliven interest and curiosity about what is available to do and see. Once I saw a poster for children’s art classes. Doing something with art was one thing I wanted to pursue now that I was retired so I took a risk and asked if an ‘old child’ could enroll. I had a wonderful experience and learned a lot. I found that I enjoyed watercolor painting. I also took an art class at the college and learned more techniques plus more interesting people to work and play with. There are other creative projects that have group activities such as quilting or fabric painting.

Volunteering fills in the need for structure and uses time well. By giving away our time and talents, we enrich ourselves and our communities.

All it takes is reaching out to find a new place for living healthy and satisfying living.