hi Anita!
i hope this isnt too simplistic, but i was thinking that the animal shelters are always swamped this time of year. Sometimes having someone who really needs you can help with the loneliness thing. And it doesnt have to be a baby animal, there are tons of older animals that are already housetrained, but who's people have gone on. peace and love to you!
Thank you for the idea.
We had a wonderful dog die in June. I couldn’t take the quiet, so we now have a crazy puppy to watch and train here in the Portland area. But a good idea.?
Jeanne, I appreciate that so much!
Anita
Anita - my husband of 25+ years travels a lot for business. My daughter has grown up and moved away. There are times when I am by myself for 2-3 weeks at a time. We have 2 cats + 2 dogs, which helps. I socialize as I can, but I empathize completely with your feelings. It may come across as cliche`, but my grandmother always counseled me to "keep busy" when feeling blue or isolated. I have found volunteer work to be very helpful, especially registering people to vote. Another cliche`, but worth bearing in mind, is that those of us with these issues need to get out of our own heads on a regular basis. Perhaps there is a creative outlet that would serve: knitting or crafts, music or singing, dance, acting, painting, learning a new language. Just taking a beginner class in something new is also helpful. Keep us posted on how you do while hubby's away, ok?
Anita, I have thinking about your post all day. Loneliness is such a hard experience and I’ve appreciated reading all the kind responses. Like Laura, there was a time in my life when I was alone for long stretches when my husband traveled for work. Keeping busy really helped and volunteering at a hospital really helped me to put my worries and stresses in perspective. Plus, I think there’s such satisfaction to be found in helping other people. It really takes you out of yourself when you’re thinking about helping someone else. I remember visiting a patient who had lived in the hospital for years after being abandoned by his family. I saw him many, many times and he always had a smile on his face. Always. He could not move from the neck down. He couldn’t do anything for himself, but he always greeted everyone with a smile and loving kindness emanated from him. We all have gifts to share and I know you will find a way to share your gifts.
So we have been preparing for my son's surgery coming and it's hectic but we have been spending time with him and giving him the love he needs and deserves. What I'm worried about is the coming diseases everyone is talking about, I hope and pray nothing bad comes to my family anytime soon with everything going on. Right now it feels like baby steps to something great for my family to grow together. I wanna see this handsome little boy become a respectful, passionate adult who loves his community and planet. Thanks for all the support from all of you!
Thanks for the ideas. I have thought about volunteering. What I’ve wanted to do m really do, involves physical work, but even so I can’t right now because of back problems. I have several appts a week for body, mind, and soul. And now a newer puppy because of the loneliness keeps me home when not elsewhere.....until she stops biting wires, etc. And the problem seems to be worse in the evening and night. I’ve filled in a lot of time, I’ve just never done anything like this. 14 days. Most I’ve done is 3.
Anita
Take each day as it comes, Anita. Please let us know how it’s going. Peace to you.