To ask how to ‘live’

[Spider4456]

All I do is go to work, come home and my life is passing by.

I’m single with no children and feel I have nothing to say. There is very little love and connection in my life, I’m an introvert and feel like I’m turning (or turned!) into someone who is a bit odd and awkward

Last week I visited clients for the first time since COVID, I had zero conversation as nothing is happening - it was embarrassing.

I’ve joined clubs/hobby groups before but find it hard to move on from the polite ‘hellos’

How do I actually start living rather than just existing?

@Spider4456

It did take me quite a long time to sort myself out, regain confidence and decide what it was I really wanted from life, it was a process of things gradually falling into place

That first adventure holiday, leading to a more adventurous trip where I met a guide who really inspired me. Came home, took redundancy, went travelling, full time MA at uni, new job in a completely different field.
By the time I was 40, I realised I did really want to be a mum, but wasnt too fussed about having a partner or having a baby. So started thinking about adoption. Had to get somethings in order so applied when I was 43, my son came home when I was 46.
Having a child with additional needs who has been in the care system opened up so many new things for me, new passions, I meet so many inspirational children and young people and their parents. So many new friends. My son is 17 now so I have more freedom, I have an allotment - again this is taking me down new avenues, new people, new friends.

Adoption is not for everyone, I’m absolutely not advocating it as the solution to every single woman’s problems.
I just offer it as an example of how taking a leap, a few risks and following your passions can change your life.
When I was 36 I was miserable as sin, I had no idea that the first camping trip to Egypt would lead me to my son, but it did, every small decision buillding on each other.
I am 56 and on the whole content with my life. It starts with small changes and an eye on the long game

Also, don’t worry about being weird and awkward. The most interesting people I know are.

That is so true.

@Ted27 what a story. Inspirational. Thanks for posting ❤️