Isolation - struggling to meet new friends

[pandora]

Great job standing up for yourself.....

 

[goingonhope]

I will say this though... my richest and most colorful, joyful experiences have been with seniors. When I think back to the moments where I felt the most enriched, loved, appreciated, educated ... they are all moments I was talking to a senior.

Thanks so much for sharing here with Morgan and all of us, Bailey!

Morgan, I've really enjoyed reading your posts and your honesty I read here in your recent present, over this last year. It's all good stuff.

I guess I'm really not alone anymore. My head, with all the false conclusions it's drawn from my past experiences, and about others, myself and this world, often still tries to convince me of such is true. Turns up, such negative conclusions are all part and parcel from may past traumatic reality, manifestations of my present Ptsd condition, and in my case some of the roots and effects from my alcoholism, though now many yrs. without an alcoholic drink thus far.

I've found reading thouroughly through this thread to be most helpful with suggestions and identification and do appreciate, others sharing and your willingness and ability Morgan to start it, discuss and respond to posts. :thumbs-up

Bailey, your post reminded me of a part of my lost-to-memory, 20's where the fruits of my striving toward progress in the area of spirituality was rewarded with the surprise gifts of meeting a handful of some wonderful seniors, spending much time listening, as well as talking with these new friends and our then developing friendships. What a great memory of these friends. I've missed them!


Hope

 

[morgan]

Thanx Hope. I am making new friends and finding that there is a weeding out process that goes along with that. It has been both challenging and rewarding.

I find that as I go to more 12 step meetings there are even more people to wade through. I do not automatically trust as I used to do but rather follow my gut instincts. That is working out surprisingly well so far. I'm trying to steer myself away from newcomer meetings and toward recovery in order to keep myself safe and find a sponsor. This is taking some time though as I am still afraid to attend meetings alone. I plan on jumping this hurdle this Wed. cause I'm going to attend a womens meeting alone.

Wish me luck all. I will need it.

Morgan

 

[hollyberry]

I used to attend a womens meeting. We had a great group of women and we bonded with each other. It was great not having men around. Didn't have to worry about getting hit on. I sure do miss that group of women. Hope your meeting goes well.

 

[pandora]

I am so proud of you right now Morgan and a bit jealous too. I am truly afraid to make new friends in the real world having been screwed over by a few in the recent year.
I am hoping for a better 2009...with a MOVE...my own home again..our own home again, I really am excited, maybe I will venture out and volunteer at a seniors center, i did that as a kid. I would love to do it at the hospital but working there for so long...not a good idea for me right now because i really am missing my nursing career. Starting out slowly...like a nursing home might be a good thing.

 

[jeapea]

I reestablished a few friendships that I had been isolated from. And then, took a giant step and started a business this past year. I meet a lot of people who share my interest in art, and photography because I have a wide format printer and a frame shop and studio, but sometimes I wonder if I'm somehow still looking for approval through what I'm doing. And if I get 'approval' from my clients, is that what I really want? Or am I looking for something more than just a job I can do?

I get confused by second guessing my motives and have to remember this is just a business and not entirely personal. I can keep a distance from people, but still interact on a comfortable level, too. And maybe I will make a friend. Who knows?
This is my only outside contact with the world aside from myspace.

I'm only open noon til 5 and I know I can lock the door if I want to and that helps me feel safe. Sometimes I do lock the door if I need a few minutes to myself. The only thing I worry about, mostly, is my ex walking in it. Will I freeze up or will I point him toward the exit? So far I'm not so busy that I don't have time to myself anyway, so it seems to be working out ok. One step at a time. Going slow but moving forward.

 

[jim777]

I pretend

I pretend to be someone that i am not ....i know it is hard and i fell 4 u ..,,i am new to this group ,,,,and today i decided to also try and make new friends. I wish u the best..and let us know how its going............jim777

 

[midi]

Jps,

Try to listen to your gut instinct about relations. It's hard, but with practice, you can do it!

 

[Deleted member 1606]

Hi, Morgan. I had to pull myself out of the world of normal humans to work on my PTSD. And I'm also about to re-enter the human world too. I'd be happy to speak to you more about it if you'd like, just let me know.

Hey, can I add you to my friends list?