Rebuilding Your Circle - Part 2

Hi there friends -

In today's edition of "Wellness Insights" we are previewing Part 2 of "Rebuilding Your Circle" a guide for those who have lost their primary social network. Whether you're going through the empty nest, retiree, or suddenly single phase, rebuilding a network where you feel like you belong is essential for your long-term health and happiness.  If you missed Part 1, please visit my website Blog section where my "Wellness Insights" are posted. (Embracingwellnessnow.com)

Social grief is real grief, and it often accompanies one of life's curveballs, sometimes called a  "lifequake".  It's one of those events, or periods in life that change everything -  leading to a time of transition, and when done well, a sense of renewal.  On average, you can expect to experience 3-5 of these defining times in your life. The critical question is, how will you use this transition to define your path forward?

Acknowledging that what once was your social circle of friends is no longer "your social circle of friends" can feel like a punch in the gut.  Hear this: It is normal to feel socially awkward when you are starting over, especially in mid-life. 

The goal of Part 2 is to normalize your experience, knowing that this uncomfortable feeling is part of the process. It is about learning to shift your mindset to embrace your humanness, with all of the emotions that are a normal, and inevitable part of life - joy, sadness, fear, happiness, and yes, awkwardness.  Try this exercise: write 3 social situations that feel most intimidating to you now.  Then next to each write "it is normal to feel awkward about this because I am learning something new." 

Next, think about your identity and the roles you played in your previous chapter.  Were you always the organizer, the one who listened, the entertainer?  Which of these roles do you want to keep and which do you want to let go in your new phase of life?

Part 2 is realizing that grieving your social losses isn't wallowing—it's clearing space for new connections.

Until next week, give yourself grace, and share this with a friend who may benefit.

Here’s to thriving, not just surviving!

Rhenda