The advice I would give someone younger than me (and that’s a lot of people these days) is to participate in life.
I originally thought of this in terms of what I would tell students coming into college. I did not participate in groups when I was in college, and I think it was a grave oversight on my part. I told myself I wasn’t a joiner, when in actuality I was depressed much of the time and afraid of getting rejected. I think that if I had picked a group that fit my interests (and at the University of Illinois there were several such groups even for nerds like me), I would have had less depression and would have gotten over thinking I would always be rejected. The awkwardness finally went away when I found a group that became family to me. We weren’t a university-sanctioned group, just a bunch of people who hung around.
In a more general sense, I have always sought out experiences, so I would say I was a participant in life. My bucket list included things like being in a dunking booth, marching in a parade, and participating in a talent show (all checked off). But, again, I wasn’t a joiner. My leisure activities, including writing, have been a solitary venture.
My psychiatrist suggested I find a group to join in my leisure time because of the importance of being around other people. So I am joining Nodaway Chorale, even though my voice isn’t as strong as it used to be. I used to enjoy singing, and think maybe I can enjoy it again.
So, participate in life. Find yourself a group activity you enjoy. Take opportunities to experience life. What are you doing to participate in life?
Words Like Me 