Losing my sense of community

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Since becoming physically disabled and incontinent I feel like I've lost my sense of community. Ive spent a good portion of the last 4 years indoors because leg reconstruction surgeries (I've had 6). Im not religious, Im an athiest actually. Ive tried a lot of religions and I always come to the same conclusion. Its just not for me. (And please dont tell me I just need to pray or whatever). I was an animal rights activist from the age of 18 until I had my accident. I still have some friends but people tire of coming to my house and me being so limited. That all to say I feel like ive lost so much of myself. I guess im grieving.

 

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Just sending you a hug

 

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I can relate, since getting MS, I cannot do what I used to. I feel like that’s a major problem in modern American society. The isolation and lack of community

 

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Any chance you can get to one of the service clubs like Moose, American Legion, AmVets, Eagles, elks, etc? You don't have to drink alcohol. If you are old enough for the senior centers (Some start at 55), they often have good programs, or even just a cheap lunch with lots of people to talk to. How about the support groups? They have members who have already found answers. There is one i got to via my local hospital. Some of them do rides to and from. If you can solve the transportation problem, what about volunteering somewhere where you sit, maybe do paperwork or answer phones? Even local Animal Shelters/Pounds. Got a local vet clinic that needs a volunteer? Maybe Red Cross - depends on the city. Finding dinner or anything around the dinner hour is tougher, but groups meet in the evening. Even a meditation group or Tai-Chia or something. Some yoga classes are designed for handicapped. Certain college towns support lectures and activities the general public can attend - or are even for the general public. Yea Ellensberg, Washington. Good luck!

 

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justej, thank you. You gave me a lot to think about here.

 

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Brother Elijah, Just now getting on and checking posts after a while. Saw yours about sense of community. Please let me say I am feeling for ya. I am not going to sugar coat it and say a lie that I know what your are going through cause I do not. But I can have some understanding of it. Isolated in your home.

I saw you said you are an Atheist, thought I am not 100% convinced. From your posts I think you are more agnostic. Me, I am Roman Catholic, but I am not an up tight, holier than thou Catholic. I respect all religions and those with no religion. We are all in this journey together and have to travel it in the way we feel fits best. So don't worry I would not be coming to try and evangelize to you if I get to your area. I will admit that I will pray, in private, for you and your suffering.

Bro, you are an inspiration to me, as are many who are on this form. I sometimes feel guilty being here seeing as I only have an occasional bedwetting issue. The situations that others like yourself are dealing with day in and day out are remarkable. Makes me feel that my peeing in the bed ever so often is insignificant.

Again, brother Elijah, I am here in message as you need.

Ya Brother in this life JT

 

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I relate to being an atheist. I came to the conclusion that it was more honest to not believe in something just because lots of other people do or because it is comforting. Mind you I have no issue with others believing what they will as long as they don't feel the need to impose their beliefs on me.

I would recommend to you that you don't give up. Online communities can help and there is someone out there who will enjoy spending time indoors with you.