My therapist and I were discussing how isolating this last year has been. He was working from home and did LOTS of jigsaw puzzles, etc. Normally, he's a social butterfly. He joined a dance club a few years ago - not something he had ever done in his life, and they used to meet regularly to go dancing. He's missed that, but it looks like that group is getting ready to start up again soon. I'm sure he's ready.

I did work in person, so that helped on my end because my usual outlets of church and chorus were limited. We zoomed fairly regularly, but I get it; it's not quite the same. Fortunately, things are probably getting more back to normal in late August again. I'm going to need those activities now more than ever since my husband passed recently.

But sometimes you have to find ways to get out and interact with the world.

Volunteering is one thing many people do. If you are a church-goer, that can help, but not everyone is part of a church community. Things are starting to open back up a bit, so more opportunities should present themselves. Schools, public libraries, our local recreation centers often use volunteers for youth camps. Animal shelters. Our youth sports activities often need coaches or referees.

Then there are interest activities. If you are a musician, there are generally many opportunities to interact with people there. I have a friend who loves plants and is part of a club that meets and shares that interest. My niece does some sort of exercise group that meets early in the morning - they have faithfully exercised together even during the pandemic virtually and she's made good friends through that exercise (and has lost 60 lbs to boot and I don't think it is very expensive at all.) Book clubs are a great way to have conversation - check out your library or book stores for information about these.

You sort of have to work at it to find a way to get yourself out there, but there are ways to do it.