boredom...depression...etc....

[cbressler1976]

God saved my family from a bad situation....but the way to that...well, we moved to south florida...we are in a very nice area now and away from bad influences...BUT....I am soooo bored and lonely...I don't know what to do with myself....I don't make friends easily...I have NO ONE to talk to...I am a stay at home mom...my oldest is in kindergarten and my 2 year old is probably going to be lonely too if I don't snap out of this!...I just don't know what to do....we don't have any friends down here...I can't find a church that I feel welcome and comfortable in...I thank God that my oldest is in Awana..it's teaching him a lot...but Alexander and I don't have a special class or friends...so we stay at home....I get tired of going to parks and the beach alone...my sister moved into a new area and made friends with the neighbors right away...my neighbors seem to not want anything to do with me...whenever I come out..they run back inside...it's hard being all alone.....ok...sorry for complaining...just thought maybe someone else might be going throught the same thing...

[lyngraphics]

Have you looked into any Mom's groups? I found this online: http://momsclubppinesnw.tripod.com/ is it in your area?

When I had my first, I worked from home but was not as busy as I am now. I was depressed for awhile and joined a weekly Mom's group at the hospital where I gave birth. Just that little interaction helped me a lot!

[cbressler1976]

Have you looked into any Mom's groups? I found this online: http://momsclubppinesnw.tripod.com/ is it in your area?

When I had my first, I worked from home but was not as busy as I am now. I was depressed for awhile and joined a weekly Mom's group at the hospital where I gave birth. Just that little interaction helped me a lot!

:hug Thanks for the help!... I have been to other groups when I lived in Orlando...but I didn't make any friends because I am a quiet person....but I will try again...thanks! :hug

[lyngraphics]

:hug Thanks for the help!... I have been to other groups when I lived in Orlando...but I didn't make any friends because I am a quiet person....but I will try again...thanks! :hug

Initially, I am a quiet person usually, too... unless it is a topic I am passionate about (work, politics, the rapture). The good thing about these groups is I get to talk about my most favorite subject- my kids!! That really helps me open up around strangers.

[Sunny]

I was in your situation for a long time. I am by nature a true introvert and learning extrovert skills over my life has been a challenge, to say the least. Couple that with being in a new area, having small children, and the rest, and you can feel EXTREMELY lonely.

I know exactly how you feel! Though my life has now been much fuller, I have not forgotten what it is like.

The best tool I have used over the years is to not look to other people to fulfill me. I firmly believe that the Lord allowed me to experience loneliness, including in my failed marriage, so that He would teach me that truth. I am grateful for my friends, but I look to YWHW first to fulfill my needs.

If someone would have told me that back then, I would not have understood, and maybe even been offended. But in hindsight, that is what was going on. And the only way I now know it was when things got really bad in my life, I gave up on God. That was the evidence He was NOT truly first in my life.

But back to the subject - another way to combat loneliness is to be busy. You are fortunate in one way, because your weather is conducive to being outdoors, getting out and having fun every day!

If you don't have a big double stroller or a trailer behind a bicycle, do your best to get one. For us, anything like that was a big expense, we lived paycheck to paycheck, and even $5 was too much out of budget, but if you can, do it. Shop used, ask around, go to yard sales, join FreeCycle, etc. Find a way to be as active as you can out of doors with your kids being able to come along as possible.

You will be better off for many reasons.
Exercise makes you feel better physically.
Exercise makes you feel better emotionally.
Exercise makes you feel better because you are interacting with your kids.
Exercise makes you feel better because you are interacting with your husband.
You will get out and get to know the town, so you'll feel more at home.
You will gain people skills as you begin to notice regulars and learn to wave and say hello more and more often.

Pursue your interests. Whatever they are. What are the things YOU are excited about or enjoy. Then pursue them. What happens is that, not only will you have a good time, but eventually you WILL run into people as you participate and you will already have common interests and things you can talk about with ease.

Spend lots of time at parks and such. Get out of the house!!! LOL I know you have been doing that, but don't give it up.

Get involved in Bible studies. Find women who are serious about studying God's Word, not just joining for social reasons. Social groups usually already have their cliques. But you find women who are serious about God in their lives and you will find women who love and serve more devotedly, AND usually have some experience with hard times in their lives, so that they are more understanding and accepting of others - rarely cliquish.

Go to as many functions as possible in a church that is not cliquish. Even if you are quiet, the more your face is seen the easier it is for people to think of you.

Neighbors can be great or awful. Some people luck out and others don't, so don't take that personally.

And remember that God uses circumstances to either grow us, or push us somewhere. So look to see what He is trying to teach you, and also consider that me might be pushing you in a different direction that you have been looking to go in.

Hope something has been helpful, but know that I understand. LOL :hug

[Deepcallstodeep]

Look into the MOMS Club and see if there are chapters in your area. www.momsclub.org

It's been a lifesaver for me. It is a secular org. but not only does it offer a lot of support to stay home moms, the chapters do a lot of community service projects. Really rewarding!!!!

:hug

[imfree]

I'm sorry about how you're feeling. :hug

Even though you haven't found a church yet, you can still search for a good ladies Bible study in your area. Have you thought about that? This is a very good way to connect with other like-minded believers. Don't give up on your search for a church. I'm sure the Lord will lead you to the right one! In the meantime, enjoy your time with your little one and take advantage of this time to draw nearer to the Lord as well. Perhaps that is what He's calling you to do for the time being. :)