This past weekend, I got an unexpected call from one of my friends I haven’t heard from in quite some time in the neighborhood if I wanted to meet at our local coffeeshop. She is an older adult who refers to it as “the cafe” which I love, despite there are many in our neighborhood but I knew exactly which one she was referring to.
“Meet you in half hour?” she suggests
“Yup, see you then!” I confirmed.
I am used to the last minute invites due to coming from a European culture and quite frankly, they work out somehow better, especially if we are literally living five minutes from each other.
We did a lot of catching up, and of course knowing that I am a coach, she asked a variety of questions related to how to be healthy. One facet I brought up that does not get talked about often when speaking about health and wellness was being part of community and not isolating yourself is an important one too. And that there is a difference between being “alone” and being “lonely”.
Do you know the difference?
Being lonely is having a lack of community, not engaging with others and truly feeling and being isolated and disconnected from the rest of the world. One of the characteristics of blue zone communities that live to be hundred is due to making sure no one becomes isolated.
You can still be alone without feeling lonely, if you have a genuine community surrounding you and not isolate yourself. This can even be just a tight knit neighborhood where you see regulars out and about and connecting even for a few minutes. Or a tight small circle of friends.
Being “alone” is not a bad thing at all. In fact, you need that solo time to recharge from being out and about socializing. You need to go inwards to reconnect with yourself as well. Some solo activities can include: journaling, taking solo walks,painting,reading a book, listening to a podcast, just to name a few.
What is your best way to spend time “alone”? Would love to hear your thoughts!
And if you are looking for a community, this can take place online too. I have a newly formed Food Freedom for Women group over on Facebook if you would like to join us! The group can be accessed by clicking here: Food Freedom Women’s Group
-Deanna
Deanna Kozarov LLC 