I'm about to turn 40. I have a lovely husband, an erratic but lovable dog and a two year old son.
We live no where near any family. We've been in our area for 10 years now and I've made a couple of good friends who I meet up with for play dates or dog walks.
In 2017 I took up running (fast walking). Loved it as I was doing it as part of a group. Got pain in my hip to the extent I couldn't walk. Eventually was diagnosed with arthritis. Had to give up running completely. It was the only exercise I'd ever really got into so I was gutted.
Around the same time I got pregnant. I had HG and was off sick the whole time as I could barely get out of bed and couldn't drive. My little boy was born when the pandemic kicked in so after 12 months maternity I took a further 6 months unpaid leave as he had never been socialised so I wasn't ready for him to start nursery. So after more than 2 years I went back to work but now we are all home based. I miss the office. I miss the occasional long lunch at the café and I miss talking to colleagues daily. I never realised how much this formed part of my social life.
I feel unhappy and like something is missing. I don't feel I have an identity and I don't think I'm getting enough social connection. My only real interest is reading so I go along to a book club once a month now and that's great but it's only 2 hours a month.
In the past I have enjoyed aqua aerobics and breast stroke swimming but I can't find a aqua class at a time I can attend and I can't do breast stroke because of the hip. I tried a dance class but found it so stressful because I'm dyspraxic so struggle with direction/left/right/spacial awareness.
I want something social and active. I can't afford anything where I have to buy lots of stuff or expensive classes like the ones at a college.
I don't mean to sound negative. I'm sure I'll work it out but does anyone have any ideas?