37 years old, and I finally feel like I’m getting the hang of … well … life.
Connection has been a struggle for me since my divorce. I was ill-equipped to be connected while I was married, so of course I’ve struggled in developing the skills it takes to feel connected after not living with someone 24/7.
These past few months, it has felt like it’s all coming together. At the beginning of the year, I was feeling very disconnected. My new job was keeping me too busy, which kept me from making the social connections I needed.
Now I don’t feel that way. I am still busy, but if I need social interactions with friends I pick up the phone. Or I say “yes” to going out when I’m asked when I might not normally do so. I have so many reminders that, yes, I am connected.
Even getting a haircut is a reminder that I am connected.
This long Memorial Day weekend has been an extension of that feeling. My mom came up from Ft. Lauderdale and we hung out all weekend. During the weekend, we went to a festival and saw Smash Mouth play. We went to karaoke until way too late. We went out to eat everywhere. We walked in St. Pete along the water and out to the pier. We stopped at the Ale and the Witch for a pint and the Betty Fox Band. We went to yoga. Along the way, throughout the weekend we met up with some of my friends.
I’m glad I’m feeling like myself these days. I need to be mindful about staying connected with those I care about, because it does take more effort than when I was younger. I need to make the calls to invite people out. I need to say “yes” to going out when I’m invited to things at least some of the time. I need to be honest when I need social time, and when I need me time! I need to listen to my intuition when it beckons. All of these things make me a happier, healthier person.
How do you stay happy, healthy, and connected?
