These are super questions....how to find community and combat isolation. At 82, I'd say I have a fair bit of experience in this search. I can now say that I have a beloved group of friends scattered about in the 100 km. radius that I have lived in for half a century. A few of them live in my same little town. With all these folks, I fit in, and we can talk endlessly about things that are important to us. A few of them have moved to other provinces or countries. And we keep in touch by phone, email, and Zoom. Not perfect but pretty darn good because we share history and that goes a looooong way. For me, finding these soul-mates took years and decades. And for that, I had to be more or less in the same location for years/decades. Otherwise, how could I have gotten to really and deeply know who were my "besties?" Plus within my small town, I feel a sense of general community, because there are many groups and organizations doing what they can to help other citizens of the town -- and I pitch in there when I can. The last decade I have been living in a small apartment building which is an unexpectedly delightful community. Here I've made several friends with folks I otherwise would never have chosen to hang out with. It's taught me a lot about being a good neighbour. I am sure there are many experiences of finding community out there, and I look forward to hearing comments from others on how they have done that -- or are doing it. Thanks for asking :) xoxoxoxo
These are super questions....how to find community and combat isolation. At 82, I'd say I have a fair bit of experience in this search. I can now say that I have a beloved group of friends scattered about in the 100 km. radius that I have lived in for half a century. A few of them live in my same little town. With all these folks, I fit in, and we can talk endlessly about things that are important to us. A few of them have moved to other provinces or countries. And we keep in touch by phone, email, and Zoom. Not perfect but pretty darn good because we share history and that goes a looooong way. For me, finding these soul-mates took years and decades. And for that, I had to be more or less in the same location for years/decades. Otherwise, how could I have gotten to really and deeply know who were my "besties?" Plus within my small town, I feel a sense of general community, because there are many groups and organizations doing what they can to help other citizens of the town -- and I pitch in there when I can. The last decade I have been living in a small apartment building which is an unexpectedly delightful community. Here I've made several friends with folks I otherwise would never have chosen to hang out with. It's taught me a lot about being a good neighbour. I am sure there are many experiences of finding community out there, and I look forward to hearing comments from others on how they have done that -- or are doing it. Thanks for asking :) xoxoxoxo
So late to comment. Happily just nc l involved with my new(ish) life and home. But need to mention I always love to read your stuff.
thank you Dave!!!