This is long. If you don’t read it that’s ok but I’d like this to provide inspiration for people who read it. I don’t really know how to post this so I’m just writing a reply to the post about loneliness and solitude. This is going to be a very positive post. I am 72 and I live with two cats. We are very close and I love them. I retired 12 years ago and while I was working I worked, ate, and slept and didn’t have time to feel lonely. After I retired I began to attend an Episcopal church and now I consider the people there my “family”. I belong to two small (about 12 people)Bible Study Groups and a Prayer Group. We meet once a week at different times. I also volunteer for different ministries. I love what I do there. I like solitude and don’t feel lonely when I’m alone. I watch good movies on Netflix, read books, play games on my phone, some are interactive with other people, and, I will admit, spend some time on Facebook. I love Facebook for the jokes and the cat groups and I laugh a lot. It makes me smile to see a beautiful kitty and I have shared pictures of my 2 funny cats. Sometimes I clean the house and do chores like laundry. Every day things get squeezed in and get done. I sometimes worry that my positive attitude is due to the antidepressants I take (Wellbutrin and Lexapro and Trazadone)  but my doctor says that if it’s working don’t worry. I heard someone say once “Life is easier with chemicals.”I see my daughter, son-in-law, and two teenage granddaughters pretty often.  Now for the lonely side. I have had 2 total hip replacements. I was hospitalized for almost a week in 2019 with a very serious pneumonia. About 2 1/2 months ago I fell and fractured my hip and my sacrum and was in more pain than I believed was possible. I seriously considered ending it all but called 911 and went to ER instead. Pain and disablement from these happenings  made me feel lonelier than sh** and depressed.  I’m still healing from the fractures but I’m going to my activities now. Being connected to a supportive group works wonders for me. Sorry this is so long and is “all about me”.

Peace and Love ☮️❤️Maria