Creating a New Life

[Mercy]

These are all good posts. Making my isolation less has been about finding out what I have lost, what dreams I did have, if any. I've looked around to find something close by and tried a few. They didn't work out for me.

Trying to do something you loved or still wish you could love again is a good start. I also agree with what the others have said about going one step at a time and build on you successes as tiny as they may be to start. You deserve a life. Hugs, Mercy

 

[jeapea]

I didn't know what to do, either. My kids have been my whole life.
Their leaving home gave me freedom that I didn't know how to handle. What to do with myself. Where did I matter? Empty nest stuff.
And no partner to share it with. Panic.

So, I wrote a business plan (with help) and got a grant to do something I love to do. I'm an artist, but couldn't rely on that to support me and my kids so had to forgo trying to make an actual living from it at the time. My business plan turned into helping other artists realize their talents in a way I hadn't been able to. I got a fine art/photo printer and offered the service.

I have all the time in the world to dedicate to this venture. That makes it possible. No other responsibilities so I can pour my time into succeeding.
And, if I have an off day, I can put a note on the door and stay home.

Through this I am learning how to cope with people again. And some days are better than others, but it's mine. And I can do this. And when I have doubts, I just go there and shut the door and leave the open sign off and have a 'creative day' to myself. Still being productive... and it builds on itself that way.

That's my new life. It's not familiar, and scarey at times. A lot of responsibility, but... it can't be as hard as where I was before.

 

[Cindy]

Maybe rambling down the path is OK

This is really fun to read! LOOK AT ALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR YOURSELVES!

Thank you for the ideas. What's hard is trying to identify who I have become since my life got turned inside out and upside down.

I've come to some conclusions, picked up some new hobbies, tried some others and ditched them. Unfortunately some of my favorite activities are better done with others and not solo. Since I am alone it's tough to get people to committ to an activity on my time schedule due to my committments of time elsewhere. I've modified some of these activities to accept within my limits - EX: instead of hiking in the woods - I walk around a lake near my home on public roads.

When young and 'healthy' I used to swim a half mile a day. Well, 30 years later I'm planning to start again - maybe I can do 10 laps - HA HA. You have to start somewhere.

Two years ago I purchased an inflatable kayak - what a trip :) - I went in circles until I figured out how to paddle. Every year for the past five I have purchased a State Park Pass that allows me free entrance when ever I want.
Many a day I enter the park to journal on a sunny picnic table next to the river.

I have made some strides, but continue to look for ideas to define my direction. I just feel like I'm rambling down the path without a plan.

Cindy