UCanMakeItIfYouTry – Find Community In A Lonely World
TOP TIPS
Today’s world is a paradox. We are constantly connected via smartphones, social media, and the Internet. Yet, we are often lonely, yearning to feel a true sense of community. If this sounds familiar, you might want to heed this advice:
1 – What Are Your Interests and Hobbies
Finding like-minded people begins by knowing who you are. What are your interests? What hobbies do you enjoy? Figuring this out is the perfect first step toward reigniting your sense of community.
2 – Make Specific Plans with Friends
We all say, “We need to get together soon!” but that isn’t the same as making concrete plans. Reach out to a friend or two and figure out a specific time and place to meet.
3 – Rediscover Your Spirituality
Many different religious and non-religious belief systems naturally encourage a sense of community. Seek out people with similar beliefs and spend time fostering your spirituality amongst like-minded friends.
4 – Join a Support Group
Often, loneliness is more apparent when you are struggling with something serious. Consider finding a local support group you can lean on. Spending time with people who understand what you are dealing with is comforting.
5 – Volunteer
Volunteering is a win-win solution. You get to meet new people with similar values and help your community. Participating in these opportunities can also bolster your confidence and help your mental health.
6 – Say Yes to Invitations
It’s easy to say “no” to invites that push us out of our comfort zone. Maybe it is time to say yes? The next time a friend asks you to hang out, don’t make excuses—say ‘yes!’.
7 – Your Friends Enjoy Hearing from You
Many of us hold back from reaching out because we don’t want to annoy our friends. The truth is, most of the time, they eagerly want to hear from us. Reach out to a loved one the next time you have the urge.
8 – Get Out There
Don’t let loneliness keep you inside. You don’t need someone else to go out and experience the world. Going out (especially in populated areas) can help remind you that you aren’t alone in this world.
9 – Embrace Technology …Somewhat
Yes, technology can contribute to our feelings of loneliness, but it also grants us many ways to stay connected. Keep connected to your loved ones, no matter where they are, with messaging and chat apps.
FAST-ACTION STEPS
1 – List your current hobbies, past ones, and those you’d like to learn. This list can help you figure out new ways to spend your social time.
2 – Call or text a friend and ask them to dinner or some other activity next weekend. Mark it down in your calendar and keep the date.
3 – Make a list of local places you could volunteer. Figure out where you are most needed, and reach out to the organization to learn more.
- About the Author
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James Donaldson
Former Owner and Director of The Donaldson Clinic (an outpatient physical therapy clinic)
James completed a 20 year professional basketball career in the spring of 2000. James established The Donaldson Clinic in (January 1990 – 2018) (shortly after a career threatening knee injury) with an idea that he would eventually become a physical therapist.  He is a strong advocate for Women & Minority owned businesses and is very involved with various Chambers of Commerce. He understands what it takes to sustain a strong business environment that is conducive to the success of businesses overall.Â
James is a Washington State University graduate (’79).  After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the N.B.A. with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Utah Jazz.  He also played for several in Spain, Italy and Greece of the European Leagues plus toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an N.B.A. All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac – 10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame.
He now devotes the majority of his time to various community activities, and toward the Gift of Life Foundation, speaking on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, youth groups and is the author of the published “Standing Above the Crowd” of which you can learn more about at www.standingabovethecrowd.com and is available for sale now.
In 2021, James published Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From the Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy. www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
James is a 40+ year resident of Seattle. He believes in being a role model of success and professionalism for the scores of young people that he devotes so much of his time to. He currently serves on several Boards and/or committees and is a member of many organizations. (Please see complete listing on back)
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win – Win” environment for everyone involved, and being the best he can be! Â
