Community can have a profound impact on how you feel in the world. When you have a community of people who support you, you feel more connected to the world around you. It is important to have a community of people who support and accept you so you do not feel alone. You can find community by joining support groups, attending local events, and making time for your interests and values.
Finding Support Groups
When facing life’s challenges, having a supportive community makes a difference. A simple Google search can often be your first step toward finding help. There is a wide range of free resources available through non-profit organizations, online support forums, mental health hotlines, local churches, and community centers. Asking for help takes courage—it may not always be easy, but it is a vital step toward receiving the support you deserve.
Attending Local Events
One of the best ways to feel a sense of community is by joining in on local events. Start by exploring the resources your neighborhood offers. If there’s a community center nearby, consider joining a workshop or class to meet like-minded people. Whether it’s a fitness class, a creative workshop, or a support group, you’ll likely find others with similar interests or experiences. Being involved in your local community can help reduce loneliness and foster a sense of belonging.
Making Time for Your Interest and Values
Another great way to connect with others is through your interests and values. Think about how you can use your passions to meet people who share similar goals. For example, if you’re interested in personal development, you might attend workshops on financial wellness. If fitness is your passion, joining a running group could be a perfect way to find others who share your enthusiasm. Similarly, if your values center around faith, joining a church can connect you with a supportive community. Staying true to your values and interests can help you find people who resonate with who you are.
Remaining Patient and Consistent
Finding the right community might take time and requires putting yourself out there consistently. Don’t be afraid to be selective about the people you connect with. Ultimately, you want to surround yourself with those who accept and appreciate you for who you are.
When you look at your life, are you happy with where you are? If you answered no, have you ever considered the beliefs that might be holding you back? Limiting beliefs can be detrimental to you achieving your goals and dreams. I want to help you identify common beliefs that may prevent you from having the life you want.
Belief 1: Things Will Never Change
When you get used to things not going your way, it is easy to believe that is how it will always be. You desire change, but you do not believe it is possible. Often, change starts with you. It requires you to change before you can see the change around you. No matter how long things have been a certain way, the possibility for change is always there. Believe that things can change—and that you have the power to make it happen.
Belief 2: I Will Be Happy When….
You might think you’ll be happy when you meet the right person, land that promotion, or buy a house. But what is stopping you from being happy right now? Because external things only play a small percentage in our happiness. The happiness you cultivate from within has a greater impact. There is nothing wrong with wanting more, but I believe it is important to understand that long-term happiness comes from within.
You can experience more happiness by being grateful for what you have right now. You can also increase your happiness by making choices that align with your values, not a particular outcome. Consider what values you want to prioritize more in your life. Instead of depending on external things to make you happy, consider some choices you can make today that will make you happier.
Belief 3: Asking for Help Is a Sign of Weakness
While being ambitious and independent are great qualities, there are times when reaching out for support is necessary. It is okay to ask for help, and it does not make you less capable. When you ask for help, it allows you to learn and grow. By seeking guidance, you gain the support of those who have already achieved what you’re striving for. Instead of seeing help as a weakness, see it as a strength. You recognize you want to grow and are willing to learn from others. That sounds like a strength to me.
Belief 4: I Should Be Further Along
This belief often stems from the regret you have about the past. You might regret not working on a particular goal sooner. Instead of dwelling on the past, learn from it. Recognize that you did your best and be grateful for the opportunity to do better. Each day you have can be another day you can work towards getting to where you want to be. You might believe that you should be further along, but maybe you are exactly where you are meant to be. At this moment, you have a clear sense of where you want to go and can start taking steps to get there.
Belief 5: My Worth Is External
If I asked what makes you worthy, where would your mind go? Does it go to how attractive you are, how many friends you have, the car you drive, the amount of money you make, or your significant other? While these things can add value to your life, they don’t add value to who you are. These are all external things and are subject to change at any moment. Thankfully, your worth is internal and it doesn’t change. You are worthy because you are a living being. As long as you are alive, you will always be worthy.
New Beliefs
Your beliefs shape the way you experience life. If you find that you are not experiencing the life you want, examine your beliefs. Recognize beliefs that may be limiting you and replace them with new beliefs that serve you in a powerful way. You can change your life by changing what you believe about yourself. Here are some new beliefs I hope you can adopt.
Reflecting on my life, I feel content with where I am. But I remember a time when I wasn’t. I believed that life would be better if things went my way. Although external circumstances can impact our happiness, they do so only to a small degree. I eventually realized that if I wanted to experience lasting happiness, I needed to take accountability for my choices.
Taking Accountability
I am responsible for where I am. Yes, there were things I could not control, but I was in control of my choices. Avoiding the unknown kept me stuck in what I knew. Not communicating my needs led to unfulfilling relationships. Doubting myself prevented me from taking risks. Holding on to old beliefs hindered my growth. If I wanted better, I had to make better choices.
Making Good Choices
I remember how quitting a toxic job opened the door to a better career. Starting my blog allowed me to live out my purpose. Ending a friendship sparked self-discovery and growth. These choices aligned with the life I wanted to live. I made them because I believed I deserved better.
Changing My Beliefs
I did not always believe I could have what I wanted. I didn’t always believe I was worthy of it. I didn’t always believe I could change. These beliefs led me to make choices that didn’t align with what I wanted. If I wanted to change where I was, I had to make a new choice. If I wanted to make a new choice, I had to change how I saw myself. If I wanted to change how I saw myself, I had to believe I was worthy.
Knowing My Values
I have learned that inner happiness comes from making choices that align with my values. While knowing my values is one thing, living them out in my daily life is another. I’m becoming more accountable for what truly matters to me and now understand which values I need to prioritize. I see how my values are instrumental in guiding me to make better decisions, and I am actively learning to make choices that align with what I value most.
Takeaway
I realized that I have the power to change my life, and it started with being accountable for my choices. Below are questions I have found helpful in evaluating my life and choices. I hope you can recognize how powerful choices are and create a life you are worthy of having.
What choices have I made to get to where I want to be?
What choices can I make to get to where I want to be?
What choices have I made prevent me from getting to where I want to be?
What values do I need to prioritize more in my life?
What beliefs are preventing me from having the life I want?
Sadness is a feeling that many people find uncomfortable to experience. It is known as one of the negative emotions we have as human beings. But sadness is just an emotion. Sure, it is uncomfortable, but it serves a purpose. I am learning that sadness can remind me of what I need and want. When processing an emotion like sadness, it is helpful to acknowledge sadness, identify the cause, reframe your perspective, practice gratitude, focus on your values, and get support.
Allow Yourself to Feel Sad
Sadness can feel so uncomfortable that you might want to avoid it. I will admit I don’t like to feel sad, but I realize that it is an emotion that serves a function. When I feel sad, I recognize that it can be a reminder of what matters to me. One of the first things you can do to self-regulate your emotions is to acknowledge them. You might judge an emotion like sadness as negative. The judgment you have about certain emotions may prevent you from processing them. Instead, see emotions as an opportunity to gain insight. Emotions are also temporary. Once you get the information you need, you can allow it to serve you.
Give Context to Your Sadness
One of the most common reasons people feel sad is because of loneliness. I recognize that the sadness I was experiencing was reminding me that I needed to prioritize social connections. When processing sadness, it is helpful to identify experiences that may be causing this feeling. Other common reasons people feel sad are due to a breakup, the death of a loved one, job loss, or life changes. Consider journaling your feelings and the reasons behind them.
Reframe Your Perspective
The way you think affects the way you feel. You can change how you feel by asking yourself what is another way I can see this? You might be sad about a recent breakup, but have you considered the lessons you learned from the relationship? You can take what you learn into your new relationship and create an even better experience. It is also important to recognize how you feel is temporary. You feel sad right now. Adding right now to the end of this sentence can help you recognize that it is not permanent. You can take action to change how you feel.
Focus on Your Values
Sadness can remind you what you need and want more of in life. For example, feeling sad about the end of a relationship can remind you that you value meaningful connections. You can find ways to get this value met by taking actions that help you to build meaningful connections. Consider joining clubs or activities that interest you, attending social events, and spending time with friends and family.
Practice Gratitude
Practicing gratitude is another way you can change your perspective. Write down 5-10 things you are grateful for. This practice can foster a more positive outlook, which can help you feel better. By shifting your attention to something positive, you are changing your focus. When you change your focus to something more positive, you feel more empowered to take action to fix what is causing you sadness.
Get Support
If you’re struggling, reach out to family and friends for support. Although you feel alone, you are not alone. People want to support you. Admitting when you feel sad allows others to help you. If you notice your sadness persists for longer than two weeks, it might be time to seek professional help from a therapist.
Final Takeaway
Sadness is an emotion that may not be easy to process. However, it is an emotion that serves as a function to guide you back to what you need. If you want this guidance, be willing to sit in the discomfort. It might be hard, but acknowledge your sadness. Next, write down what is causing you sadness. Then, reframe your perspective. You can do this by focusing on the lessons and practicing gratitude. Last but not least, reach out for support. You are not alone, and there is help available for you.
Everyone has a comfort zone, but many people find it challenging to step outside of it. If you are not careful, you can allow your need for comfort to hold you back. Consequently, you might miss out on opportunities that can help you to grow. Or you might even miss out on having an exciting life. It is okay to feel uncomfortable, but do not allow it to get in the way of where you want to be. To experience love, success, and fulfillment, stepping out of your comfort zone is essential. While I acknowledge the importance of this, I also understand that it can be challenging. The key is to be comfortable being uncomfortable.
Accept The Discomfort
Some people stay in their comfort zone because they dislike feeling uncomfortable. It can be the fear of the unknown that holds them back. You might have a good life, but you want more. You want to feel fulfilled, but you are afraid of going after what you want because you do not want to be disappointed. You might even be bored with your day-to-day routine, but it is familiar. You would rather stay in what you know than what you do not know. The first step to leaving your comfort zone is accepting the discomfort.
What If?
You might want to try something new, but think, “What if I don’t like it? What if I have a bad experience? What if it does not go the way I planned? What if I fail?” These thoughts often give you a sense of control over the outcome, but you can not always control what happens. You can control your thoughts and, more importantly, which thoughts you focus on. Imagine if you replaced those negative scenarios with positive outcomes instead.
Shift Your Mindset
When you feel uncomfortable, it can be easy to imagine things going wrong. But have you ever considered that things can go well? Often, your anxiety can keep you safe from potential threats. But then there are other times it keeps you from your potential. The way you think affects the way you behave. If you want to feel more confident, it starts with thinking more helpful and positive thoughts. Replace “What if I fail”? with “What if I succeed?” “What if I have a bad experience?” with “What if I have a good experience?” When you have a more positive outlook, you can push past the discomfort to get where you want to be.
Develop a Growth Mindset
Although you can have a positive mindset, that does not guarantee that the outcome will go your way. Sometimes, you can have a positive outlook and be disappointed. I believe people stay in their comfort zone because they believe they can not handle the disappointment. That is known as a fixed mindset. Although you have limitations, you are capable of growth. You can develop your skills. You can change your mindset. You can change your behavior. You can go beyond who you are and become who you want to be. A growth mindset is allowing yourself to be better and do better.
Practice Self-Compassion
When you practice self-compassion, you build your self-esteem. When you have high self-esteem, you have confidence in yourself. This confidence is essential to getting out of your comfort zone. It is also important to embrace your imperfections. Instead of being critical of yourself, be more understanding of who you are. Sometimes, you might revert to what is familiar because it is more comfortable. Be patient with yourself because change takes time. Acknowledge your progress instead of focusing on being perfect.
Be Consistent
If you make stepping outside your comfort zone a habit, it can become second nature. It can start small, like ordering something new for lunch. We are creatures of habit and wire to like what is familiar. The good news is that the more we get out of our comfort zone, the more it becomes familiar. The more familiar it becomes, the easier it is to become a new habit. Consider small ways you can get out of your comfort zone regularly. Keep track of each time you step outside your comfort zone. Reflecting on these moments can help you feel more confident and motivated to try new things.
Remember Your Why
I know how challenging it is to get outside your comfort zone, and anxiety has often prevented me from being open to trying new things. When I feel anxious, I consider why I am taking action to get out of my comfort zone. I recognize that the desire to reach a goal or experience something new is worth the discomfort. I want a fulfilling life, which means stepping outside my comfort zone. It does not necessarily mean it is easy, but it does hold me accountable for creating the life I want. Consider what you value most and allow this to motivate you to step out of your comfort zone.
Final Thoughts
I have a confession. I wrote this post to help me get outside my comfort zone. I understand firsthand how hard it can be. I also recognize that I am capable of getting past the discomfort and I believe you can too. The first key is to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. You can do this by shifting your mindset, developing a growth mindset, practicing self-compassion, staying consistent, and remembering the why.
We are social creatures, and being connected to people is an innate need. However, there are moments when we need to reconnect with ourselves, and this is where solitude is essential. Unlike isolation, which signifies a disconnection from ourselves and others, solitude offers an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Knowing how to differentiate between the two is critical because one can transform you, while the other can have negative effects.
Are You Isolating?
When facing a challenging time, who do you turn to for support? Some individuals have supportive people in their lives, but they might not feel comfortable relying on them for help. Many suffer in silence because they fear vulnerability, believing that asking for help is a sign of weakness. As a result, they struggle to express themselves and often isolate themselves from others in times of distress. This isolation prevents them from receiving the support they need to overcome challenges and fosters the false belief that they can’t rely on people. In reality, the support we receive from others builds our resilience, enabling us to navigate difficult times more effectively.
Are You Dealing with Depression?
Some people isolate because they are dealing with depression. It is not always easy to reach out for support when you are depressed. Depression can take a toll on your mental and physical health as well. Some symptoms of depression include:
Depressed mood
Feeling worthless
Lack of motivation
Sleep disturbances
Fatigue, tiredness, or loss of energy
Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Difficulty concentrating
Are You Dealing with Social Anxiety?
Another reason people isolate is because they have anxiety about social interactions. You might be afraid of being rejected or judged by others. This fear can make social situations overwhelming and cause you to avoid them.
Cognitive symptoms:
Fearing situations where you don’t know other people
Worrying that you will be judged by others
Fear of becoming embarrassed or being humiliated
Thinking that others will notice your anxiety
Dreading upcoming events weeks in advance
Physical symptoms:
Blushing
Profuse sweating
Trembling hands
Muscle tension
Racing heart
Breaking Free from Isolation
People isolate themselves for various reasons, which is not always best for our well-being. It is important to stay connected with ourselves and others to experience a healthy and fulfilling life. When we isolate, we disconnect from ourselves, which can lead us to feel lonely, depressed, and anxious. Instead, we must stay connected with ourselves and reach out to the people who can support us. If we do not have that support, we can find it through local communities, therapy, church, or online support groups.
Embracing Solitude
Unlike isolation, solitude is an opportunity to reconnect with ourselves. During our time alone, we can use it to self-reflect, foster creativity, and gain clarity. We can express ourselves through journaling or engaging in creative outlets. Through these forms of expression, we can explore our thoughts and emotions more deeply, leading to transformation. Consider taking time out of your day to journal about the following:
What challenges am I facing?
What actions can I take to achieve my goals and dreams?
What beliefs or behaviors are preventing me from living the life I want?
What values do I need to prioritize more in my life?
What are some past experiences that have shaped my approach to relationships?
What fears or beliefs keep me from reaching out to others?
What do I need more in my life right now?
When was the last time I felt happy?
Where do I want to be one year from now?
What is my purpose?
These questions can help you gain clarity and discover new things about yourself.
Final Thoughts
When we isolate ourselves, we disconnect from the world and our needs. But solitude can help us reconnect with who we are. It is a chance to gain insights and make positive changes for our growth. Being alone is not a bad thing. It is more about how you choose to spend your time alone.
Many people fear being alone, but it can often be the greatest gift we can give ourselves. Life can get busy, and having some time to check in with you can be powerful and transformative. There is a chance for growth, healing, creativity, and clarity. I want to help you see how solitude can be a gift to you.
Solitude has helped me to grow
During this time in my life, I have more time to myself. I have time to self-reflect on my life and identify what is working for me and what is not working for me. This clarity has guided me to make choices that align with my values. I am more clear about what I want and willing to take action to get there. I also recognize what I need to work on and strive to improve. Through self-compassion, I have learned to give myself grace and challenge limiting beliefs. I recognized I had the power to change, and I could take one step at a time.
Solitude has been healing for me
The biggest lesson I have learned is that my worth is innate. Often, phrases like these can sound cliché, but it is a truth I am glad I discovered. I once believed my worth depended on others’ opinions and that I had to earn it, but now I know I do not have to work for it. My worth is already there, just waiting to be realized. When you know you are worthy, you feel more confident in who you are. This confidence allows you to pursue the life that you want.
Solitude has taught me that I deserve to be happy
Once I recognized my worth was innate, I felt more deserving of the life I wanted. As a result, I am more intentional about taking actions that align with my values. I challenge myself when I feel afraid because I know that pushing past the fear will help me get to where I want to be. I am not as hard on myself now because I believe I deserve to be happy. I prioritize my mental health, and I am willing to ask for help because I believe I deserve to be supported.
Solitude has helped me identify what my needs are
Being aware of my needs has helped me to evaluate my relationships. It made it easier to recognize relationships that no longer served me. It also helped me realize what needs were most important to me. I also learned the role I played in my needs going unmet. I did not communicate my needs consistently and chose people who could not meet my needs. I realized that I deserved to have my needs met and took actions that aligned with this belief.
Solitude helped me to be more intentional
Once I realized that I was the common denominator in all my relationships, I understood that the change I desired started with me. It began with me identifying my needs, wants, and dealbreakers. This information helped me to evaluate what relationships to pursue. I also recognized the importance of communicating my needs, asking questions, and having shared values. It was no longer enough to enjoy someone’s company. It was about identifying who I am compatible with and creating the foundation for long-lasting relationships.
Solitude taught me to trust myself
I was having a hard time making a decision about a new relationship. I met someone who had great qualities, but there was one dealbreaker. I knew I wanted to make new friends that were long-lasting and realized that it was best that I did not pursue the friendship. It was a difficult decision at the moment, but in the long run, it was the best decision. I look back on that day and realize that the peace I had in my decision was enough to know I did the right thing.
Solitude gives me time to be creative
I knew that there was more to life than what I was doing. I always wanted to start a blog but never considered myself creative enough. I decided that I would give it a try, and it has given me so much fulfillment. I enjoy creating content that can make a difference in people’s lives. I still do not consider myself creative, but I may need to challenge that belief. Writing is a creative process, and I take pride in sharing my passion with others.
The Gifts of Solitude
Solitude can be a gift. I have shared seven with you today. But I hope that by reading this, you can discover the gifts solitude has given you. To recap, here are the seven gifts of solitude I have found in my life.
The gift of growth
The gift of healing
The gift of happiness
The gift of knowledge
The gift of clarity
The gift of trust
The gift of creativity
The next time you are alone, I hope you can see it as a gift.
We live in an age where technology connects us across the globe. Yet, despite the rise of social media and constant online interactions, many people report feeling lonelier than ever. While we’re more connected virtually, many of us crave something deeper—meaningful connections that enrich our lives. Research shows that quality friendships enhance our mental well-being and lead to a longer, healthier life. So, what makes a friendship truly meaningful? I believe meaningful friendships have these five components: acceptance, vulnerability, quality time, support, and appreciation.
The Role of Acceptance
Building meaningful connections hinges on acceptance. Our human desire to belong drives us to seek others’ approval. Yet, not everyone will accept you as you are. The key is to find those who do and invest in those relationships. Acceptance goes both ways; your friends also need to feel comfortable being themselves around you. Fostering a space of mutual acceptance forges stronger and more genuine connections.
Embrace Vulnerability
Brené Brown, a researcher on vulnerability, emphasizes that vulnerability involves sharing your feelings and experiences with those who have earned the right to hear them. While opening up can be uncomfortable, it is essential for building genuine relationships. Building vulnerability is a gradual process that requires trust and consistency. As you feel safe within the relationship, you are more likely to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly. Consider the following questions to foster vulnerability in your friendships:
When was the last time you felt misunderstood?
How do you like to be supported when you’re going through a tough time?
What do you wish people knew about your inner struggles?
What emotion do you find hardest to share with others?
What brings you joy, and how do you nurture that joy?
What do you need most from your friendships to feel supported?
How do you handle conflicts or disagreements in friendships?
What is a question you wish people would ask you more often?
What makes you feel safe enough to be vulnerable with someone?
What do you value most in your friendships?
Spend Time Together
Research indicates that the quality of your relationships can significantly improve your life expectancy, while loneliness has effects similar to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. Understanding this highlights the importance of cultivating meaningful connections and emphasizes the need to prioritize your friendships. Planning one-on-one outings is an excellent way to strengthen these bonds, as it fosters an intimate environment where you can openly share your thoughts and feelings. Additionally, engaging in shared hobbies allows you to create enjoyable experiences together, deepening your connection. Finally, be fully present by putting away your phone and engaging in conversation.
Show Support
Another aspect of a meaningful connection is support. It is about being there through both the highs and lows. During challenging times, your friend may need emotional support. Be there to listen, offer advice, and validate their feelings. Equally important is celebrating your friends’ milestones. Acknowledging their achievements, whether it’s a wedding, the birth of a child, or a job promotion, reinforces the bond you share. Take the time to express your happiness for them through thoughtful gestures, such as attending their celebrations, sending congratulatory messages, or giving meaningful gifts.
Show Appreciation
Appreciation is another vital part of meaningful relationships. Knowing your friend’s love language can help you express your gratitude in a way that resonates with them. If your friend’s love language is words of affirmation, express your appreciation through compliments, heartfelt notes, and encouraging messages. If your friend’s love language is acts of service, consider treating them to lunch or running an errand for them. By tailoring your gestures to their love language, you can deepen your connection and make them feel valued.
The Path to Deeper Connections
I believe many people desire to have meaningful connections but may not know how to cultivate them. You can develop more fulfilling relationships through acceptance, vulnerability, quality time, support, and appreciation. By incorporating these qualities into your interactions, you can build stronger bonds and improve your quality of life.
We all have dreams and goals that we want to achieve, but what if I told you the only person standing in between what you want is YOU. Self-sabotage is a common reason people don’t have the life they want. They find ways to sabotage what they desire. I want to help you identify ways you self-sabotage and help you to make choices that align with your values.
Signs of Self-Sabotage
Self-sabotage behavior refers to intentional action (or inaction) that undermines people’s progress and prevents them from accomplishing their goals. Some signs of self-sabotage include:
Procrastination
Perfectionism
Not asking for help
Being inconsistent
Giving up prematurely
Not taking risks
Making excuses
Comparing yourself to others
Limiting beliefs
Ignoring red flags
Become Self-Aware
The purpose of creating this list is not to beat yourself up but to create awareness around your behaviors. You want to make sure your actions match what you desire. The first step is to recognize what behaviors contradict what you want. If you want a healthy relationship, consider ways your beliefs or behaviors undermine it. Do you ignore red flags? Do you make excuses for not putting yourself out there? Or do you believe you are unworthy of love? These questions can bring awareness to ways you self-sabotage.
Reasons You Self-Sabotage
Now that you can identify ways you self-sabotage, you might wonder why you do it. Here are some common reasons:
1. It Is Familiar
One reason we hold ourselves back is because it is familiar. For example, if you experience emotional neglect from your parents, you might find yourself drawn to emotionally unavailable people. You may want to be in a healthy relationship but ignore red flags. Your desire does not align with your action, and this is an example of self-sabotage.
2. Low Self-Esteem
Another reason people self-sabotage is because of low self-esteem. When you grow up as a child not getting your needs met, you might develop beliefs that you are not enough, there is something wrong with you, you can’t trust people, and you are unworthy of love. Although these beliefs are untrue, many people struggle to challenge them. When you do not challenge these beliefs, you allow them to get in the way of what you want.
3. Fear of Failure
Failure is only temporary when you do not give up. The fear of failure can hinder you from going after what you want. Perhaps you are eager to launch a business, yet anxiety holds you back. Or you want to go back to school for an advanced degree but dread the difficulty of the coursework. Avoiding challenges and shying away from risks is often a sign you are afraid to fail.
4. Perfectionism
Self-sabotage is often rooted in perfectionism. One sign that perfectionism may be an obstacle is the mindset of all-or-nothing thinking, where you believe there is only failure and success. This perspective leads to setting unrealistic expectations for yourself, which can hinder your ability to achieve your goals.
Make A Change
When you become aware, you have the power to change. Self-sabotage no longer has to get in the way of the dreams and goals you have for yourself. You can make choices that align with your values. It is not enough to want something. You must be willing to take action to get there. Consider the following questions:
What actions can I take to support my goals and desires?
What patterns of behaviors are preventing me from succeeding?
What beliefs do I need to challenge to feel worthy of success?
What values do I need to prioritize more in my life?
What is one choice I can make to achieve my goals?
What progress have I made to achieve my goals?
These questions can keep you in alignment with what you want.
In Summary
Self-sabotage is a common way we hold ourselves back, but the good news is that you can shift. You can make a change and have what you want. It starts with you. Believe you are worthy of what you want and make choices that align with your values.
Loneliness is more common than you may think. Almost half of Americans feel lonely. If you are experiencing loneliness, know that you are not alone. Loneliness does not have to be a state of permanence. You can overcome it by taking actions that help you to connect with yourself and others. Some ways to connect include reaching out to friends, joining a class or club, talking to a therapist, finding a support group, and embracing solitude.
You Are Not Alone
Feeling lonely is a common experience and not something to be embarrassed about. At some point in life, many people feel lonely. One of the first things you can do is reach out.
Reach Out to Your Friends
If you have friends, let them know when you are feeling sad. By sharing your feelings, your friends can offer the support you need. Make plans with your friends and express to them how important it is to stay connected. Also, consider mutual friends that you may have or old friends you haven’t spoken with for a while. Taking this one step can help you feel connected again.
Join a Class or Club
You might not have many friends you can talk to, but that doesn’t mean you should suffer alone. Consider ways you can make new friends. One of the best ways to meet new people is by joining a class or club related to your hobbies. You can improve your odds of making new connections by attending a class regularly. You can join a fitness class. You can join a book club. You can try the meet-up app. Or even start your own class. Although I know this might be helpful advice for some, I recognize that some individuals face obstacles that make socializing challenging. Seeking therapy can be beneficial if you feel that your mental health is hindering your ability to form new friendships.
Depression and social anxiety can be a barrier to making the connections you desire. You might not have the motivation to make new friends because you are dealing with depression. Or you might have anxiety that causes you to avoid social settings. It often requires professional counseling before you can navigate new relationships. A therapist can provide a safe space for you to express yourself and provide you with the right tools to manage anxiety and depression. Some people may be reluctant to admit they need help because they believe it is a weakness. On the contrary, it demonstrates tremendous strength and courage when admitting you need support. It may not be easy to reach out, but remember it is important to prioritize your mental health.
Join a Support Group
Sometimes, connecting with others who may share the same challenges can help you to feel less alone. Support groups also provide a safe space for people to open up. Someone might share an experience that you have gone through. It can be validating to know that you can relate to other people. You may even learn from others how to cope in similar circumstances. You can find support groups through online searches, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and local community resources.
Embrace Solitude
Solitude can be a gift to reconnect you to yourself. Prioritize a self-care activity like journaling. Writing in a journal can help you process your feelings, develop self-awareness, and gain clarity. Through self-reflection, you can identify the root cause of your loneliness and work towards resolving it. Being alone can also be enjoyable. Consider doing things you enjoy, such as reading a book or watching your favorite show. Solitude can also help you to discover new passions like photography, cooking, and creative writing.
Final Thoughts
The key to overcoming loneliness is to reconnect with yourself and others. You can achieve this by reaching out to friends, joining a class, finding a therapist, attending a support group, and embracing solitude. You are not alone. You don’t have to deal with loneliness by yourself. Get the support you need. Because your mental health matters!
