How to reconnect with people and regain social interaction/make new friends/connections

[Thelongestroad]

Hi im a 37 year old single man struggling to regain a social life again due to a combination of things such as depression, unemployment, addiction, jail. And life constantly being disrupted and set back time and time again.

im constantly isolated from people as i live alone. I just feel stuck in life. I wish I could find a way to meet someone and build a new life but I don’t know how.. I’ve drifted apart from all my friends and family but want to move forward and want to life a fulfilling life but struggling with not only being unemployed but poor and depressed and lonely. I’m just tired of living that way I want to live a more fulfilling life but struggling with direction not knowing where to start. 

[white knight]

I volunteer here as a community champion. I've been here the longest and it's been a really rewarding role as I get to help people.

Re: your last sentence.  When I dated my wife 15 years ago (we had known each other 26 years beforehand)after a few weeks she broke it off as her last marriage spanned 20 years, she was afraid. I said to her " that's fine I wish you well" then she asked "what are you going to do now"? I replied "I'll keep searching for my soul mate and if that means searching until the end so be it, I won't stop... I'll never give in."

Now mate, compare that to your last sentence.  BTW we married the following year.

In my 20's I was a hopeless saver, always broke. But I worked 3 jobs for several years, a security guard, building cubbies and started up and operated my own mowing round. I look back on those days in my 30's (69 now) and I'm reaping the benefits now. 

However it's natural being depressed while unemployed.  You need that job brother...

Keep trying. I'd love for you to break that news to me here in the future.

TonyWK 

[Thelongestroad]

Its has been some time that has passed me by but i wanted to touch base again,

i have managed to find a full time job and i am back on the road again. Life has taken a turn for the better and i feel content.

i have started attending church and met some beautiful people whilst i was there it’s something i think i will continue to do from here on out. I feel like i am slowly getting back to my feet after a long period of nothingness and lack of social interaction. 

thankyou for sharing your life’s struggles and experiences with me i really appreciate your insight. Hope you have been well. 

[white knight]

Great!

I'm really pleased mate. This experience will benefit you.

All the best, it's been a pleasure.  You made it

TonyWK 

[Thelongestroad]

Sorry for the late response i have been busy in a good way.. hows things been with you? Are you doing any projects atm?

[white knight]

Yeh, I've been busy. The busier I am the healthier my mental health is but it's all about balance.

At 69 I've completed my last big project. I have some smaller ones. I recall the old movie "to kill a mockingbird" they had a double swing seat on their front verandah.  I want to build one. 

How's your socialising going?

TonyWK 

[Thelongestroad]

Yeah thats good! i find im the same, as long as im engaging in something i feel content.

social life is starting out at this stage have met a few ppl from church and re engaging with friends i have not seen in years.. still dont have much of a social life but im trying to rebuild it to where i consider healthy.

ive drifted away from alot of people i used to be close with but i feel like im making small changes for the better slowly.

never watched the movie but i have heard of the book with the same title i will have a look for it sometime.

a double swing seat sounds like a worthwhile project, nothing like the feel and smell of working with timber! Really therapeutic i have found in the past from working with various types of pine and some hardwoods