Have you ever felt alone? You have, of course. How did you make yourself feel better? You called a friend, right? Or did you just watch TV by yourself?
At some point in our lives, we’ve all felt like we were all alone. I hope this feeling won’t last long.
If not, I want to tell you how being part of a group can make you feel less lonely, maybe for good.
On Maslow’s list of needs, belongingness is the second level. As people, we want to feel like we belong somewhere. This makes sense.
People were able to stay alive because they lived in groups. To be a part of the group meant to get food, to be safe, to make friends, to be accepted, and to feel connected.
If you were kicked out of the group, you had very few chances of making it. If you were part of the group and fit in, you got to live another day.
Feeling like you don’t belong can make you feel lonely, anxious around other people, and stressed out. Finding your “tribe” is important. Here are a few ways you can find your people.
Through a friend, you can find your tribe.
Start with the people who make you feel good about who you are right now. When you get together again, ask them to invite their friends. If you like them, you probably will also like their friends.
Find your tribe through a group that already exists.
What do you like to do? How can you find people who like the same things as you do? Meetups, Facebook groups, and other sites can help you meet people who like the same things you do.
Volunteering is a great way to find your people.
Last, where can you help out? If you don’t feel like you belong, it could be because you don’t have ties to your community. As a volunteer in your own community, you can take on a role that makes you feel important and useful. This can help you feel like you belong where you live.
After all, the member of the tribe who didn’t do anything was more likely to be kicked out. Getting involved in your community will make you feel like you’re a part of it.
I hope these suggestions help. No one should feel lonely.