It's OK To Be Alone, But Don't Be Lonely

if anyone feels like their alone, it would be me. i have no family around me, none to call upon. i have friends but not the kind i can call upon just to "talk" so i really am alone no question but i don't let it get me down. i love being alone. i can't stand anyone being in my home for more than 15 minutes but i am still joyful by keeping what friends i have, watching my favorite programs on t.v. reading my favorite books online solitaire is my games playing my radio  & my talks with GOD keeps me sane.

I write and participate in National Novel Writing Month (nanowrimo.org). I have made friends all over the world. I also participate in the local write-ins to male friends with local writers. (It's free.)

Before Covid, I organized a meetup group of game players. We met every Sunday afternoon. When Covid started, we began meeting online using websites like boardgamearena.com. It's free, but become a premium member for $20/yr and it opens up more games and lets you invite players. We use zoom so we can talk while playing. Because we were playing virtually, we could invite friends from all over to play with us. I also made some friends on the site. You can jump on anytime, learn how to play the games wither through written rules, watching a video, or observe an actual game. I love it.

I don't mind being alone. I read or write. I'm also going through my things in efforts to downsize and sell off or give away things I no longer want/need that my son isn't interested in.

June 9, 2021

Great post @AARPMaggie 😁

I talk to myself (and answer)!

My recent retirement occurred just a bit before COVID hit, and I found that the following activities really helped me keep a positive attitude, even when I could not get out and join friends for lunch, a movie, or golf.

• Bible Study over Zoom - great discussions relevant to what is going on in our lives and how we are managing situations that arise
• Reading about a Favorite Hobby
• Trying and Studying a New Hobby
• Short Outdoor Conversations with Neighbors - briefly discuss what is going on in each other's lives and offer encouragement
• Personal Time in Bible Study - either a book regarding Biblical principles as applied to life situations OR actually time reading The Bible - (every single time, I felt better afterwards than before I started)

It is amazing how the Holy Spirit can speak through us and through our neighbors when we reach out in concern for others.  As most all religions say, "Love your neighbor as yourself."  If we do, God's love and peace comes back at us.

I not only talk to myself and answer myself, but I also talk to my cats and they answer in their own ways. However, I always win every argument! Also I think a key for me in being alone so much is having my faith.  I may be lonely once in awhile, but I’m never really alone. God is good and speaking of good, if you’ve never tried volunteering, I highly encourage it. Now that I just retired, I volunteer at a senior facility working in a little grocery store they have for the residents. The people are great, a lot of them are alone, so it’s good for them and for me. Otherwise, I just try to stay busy. In good weather, I am out for a walk in the fresh air or gardening, and all year round I love to read. Much more entertaining than the TV! 

I still work Full-time at home since last March. Crazy busy! Tend to do more at home than at work. Dishes be damned! Lunch, Breaks-what's that? I go in occassionally to get what I need, but rare. The office is not opening 100%

Abt the only time I get out is to go shopping (food) or pic up a Target drive up order. Wish I had more than 2 friends (far away), lots of family, kids, grands (also far) - difficult. Have lots of co-workers, but all in their own world. Seems people don't want to make friends anymore. Been wanting to join a Book or Hiking Club but can't find one. Don't get outside much. Glued to pc chair most of the time. Lonely? No, but it would help my sanity if I had a few people to shoot the bull with.....

I do much of the same that has already been written.  I retired about 2 weeks earlier than when the pandemic occurred. I live in Louisville where restrictions were fairly severe in the beginning.  Things are slowly returning to normal.  I'm an only child so Ive spent alot of time alone but never lonely.  Im an avid reader so Im always reading a book.  I have a Bible study group that meets for a meal as well as study.  My church always has some activities as well.  I do enjoy going to a nice restaurant and eating even by myself.  I do miss having people around to have a nice conversation.  The movies are now opening up as well as plays and concerts.  I would have to say I have missed music and concerts.

Hi Angela, the books I enjoy reading are mysteries as well as biographies.  Enjoyed President Obama's latest.  As far movies, I enjoy romantic dramas, i.e., The Notebook.

For several years I've relied heavily on online friendships. I've found that while a lot of real world friends and family have busy lives and aren't always available when I need them, online friends are. Most of the folks that I'm facebook friends with lead lives very similar to my own. So if I need someone, there's always someone there, even if it's not always the same someone. And they relate with living in solitude. So it works out well for all of us. Although it's always being said, "If we lived closer...." It would be really great to even get to meet one of these people in the real world 😊