The other week as I was surfing the net I came across Meetup.com and found a large selection of mom groups in my area. I picked a few that meet close to me and joined them. I get emails just about everyday with different events that are being scheduled and I can choose to go or not. There's no pressure, no phone calls, just simple e-vites basically. So, today I went to my first one. I was pretty nervous and prayed about it as I got ready to go. We met at a park at a small lake and it was all very informal. Since Mae was in school and the start time for this event was 9:30 I only had about one hour until I had to leave to pick her up. It would have been nice if I could have stayed longer since I did not get the chance to really talk with anyone. I stayed with Isabel most of the time to make sure she was not going to fall off the play structure, tumble down the stairs, or just plain ol' walk away.
This group will meet at another park next week and I plan to attend. Then there is another group that is doing a Valentine card making event at someones house in two weeks. I am thinking about going to that one too. My concern is that I have not been to this persons house and I am not sure what it going to be like with my kids there. Granted, this is a moms group so it should be ok to have kids roaming around. I have emailed the planner for this event and asked my questions. It would be fun to get together with other card-crafty people!
This whole meeting-new-people thing is hard for me (as I've mentioned in previous posts). I am praying about it though. I know that I need to step out of my comfort zone and put myself out there, otherwise it could take me years to make new friends. I suppose this is yet another opportunity to depend on the Lord. He knows my needs, as well as who I am, and how it all fits together. As I am not looking forward to the pain of growth, I know that good things await on the other side. The Lord has great things planned for my life and it does include things such as uncomfortable situations, but I also know that He is right there with me even when I feel alone in a park full of moms! So, I'm trying, I'm putting myself out there for new friendships and growth and hopefully I am on my way to making some much needed friends.
Wednesday, January 24
I'm Trying!
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7 comments:
You are so brave! It is hard for me to meet people, too. I took John to the library yesterday, and later my kids asked if I knew anyone there. I first said yes, but then I remembered that the lady I "knew" was actually just a stranger that I had seen at the store last week - practically a friend? aach.
There is a playgroup that maybe I will take John to. I don't know.
Oh Deane! I have so been where you are now - and not that long ago!
I know exactly how it feels to put yourself out there into an out-of-comfort-zone social situation and feel totally adrift.
I'm here to tell you - stick with it! It's worth it!
Tip 1: Ask questions. People love to be asked about themselves. The more interested you are in others, the more interesting you become!
Tip 2: Always carry a pen and paper with you! If you meet someone you want to get to know - ask for their contact info!
Tip 3: Carry your contact info with you at all times. Write it out on little pieces of paper, or even cardstock. So handy!
Tip 4: Try to leave the fear behind. You're a fabulous person! (I wish I lived near you!)
Good for you Deanne! I think that is great not only for you, but for the kids to interact as well. Hope things work out for you :)
good job! I think we all feel that way to some extent, I also think it's great that you are doing something about it.
I am right in that boat with you, Deanne! We can pray for each other as we go through this relocation thing together. I was so blessed to have my frind Carrie visit for a few days from Indy, but now that she's gone I'm feeing discouraged all over again. I'm proud of you or putting yourself out there!
Thanks for the compliment on my v-cards. The stripes are patterned paper, and the paper has sparkles! I love sparkles.
My friend Jenn was telling me yesterday that the last couple v-days her kids have made paper mustaches and attached them to dum-dum lollipops for all their classmates so it looks like they have a mustache when the pop is in their mouth. Anyway, sounded cute and relativly easy.
Good job Deanne! Making new friends is so hard - it takes me so long! I'm impressed you made the effort to join some mom's groups. That will surely be a great way to make friends. The card-making activity sounds perfect for you since you have shown us that you are card-pro!
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