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Loneliness during the Holidays

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Gertrude Abercrombie’s “The Stroll” (1943). Credit Credit Oil on fiberboard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Gertrude Abercrombie Trust

Loneliness is a worthy foe, and with the rise of social media, most of us are suffering from it in some form – especially this time of year. It’s easy to feel isolated in tense family situations or even parties.

“Striving for connection along with a healthy dose of self-care will get you through the season.”

So how do we cope? I’m glad I ran across this article today. It has some fantastic actions we can take to combat loneliness, especially this time of year. Along with the list from the article, I would add these things:

Encourage Friendships

Having a social life and human connection is important for us to thrive in our lives. A lot of people are shy about reaching out, or inviting people to do things. Do It!! Same sex friendships are particularly important in my opinion. If you have trouble meeting people then volunteer for something you care about…. and/or get a pet.

Having Pets

Animals are awesome. If you don’t, or can’t,  have one, volunteering at the local shelter is a great way to interact cats and dogs, and to be of service at the same time!

Go to a Gym

It took me awhile to build up to it, but now I go three times a week. Working out keeps my blood moving and my endorphins running. I think more clearly, and I’m able to make better decisions. And I have more energy. Exercise is the best thing for everyone.

Limit Alcohol

I’m personally sober since 2005, but if I wasn’t I would severely limit alcohol and stay away from drugs. In my experience these things end up making loneliness much worse.

Limit Sugar

This time of year is next-to-impossible to eat right, but I SO stay away from eating sugar. It keeps my blood sugar steady throughout that day so there’s less moodiness.

Good Night’s Sleep

I strive to get a good night’s sleep every night – which means eight solid hours in a dark, cool room.

Practice Gratitude

List ten things you’re grateful for when you feel low and it will completely change your thinking and mood.

Walk in Nature

I take a walk in nature everyday with my dog. Looking at trees, grass, and feeling the warmth of the sun brings me lots of joy.

Be Creative

It doesn’t matter if you’re good at it. You’ll probably improve as you go along anyway. I’ve taken multiple creative paths and it feels so good to create something. Write something or pick up and instrument… or a pen!

Be of Service

Get out and be of service to people. Being of service in some way is crucial.

Get a New Job

I know from experience, if you’re unhappy with your job, you HAVE to make a change. Life is too short and we spend too much time there. Anyone can do it. Make a plan, get some training or education, and DO WHAT YOU LOVE.

Week of October 1st

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shapes

Sun at 8 Libra
Mercury at 26 Libra
Mars at 27 Virgo and Venus at 20 Libra
Jupiter at 18 Sagittarius
Saturn at 14 Capricorn
Uranus, Neptune retrograde, Pluto going Direct.

Be clear this week about what you have control over and what you don’t, because this week we face our shadows.  The days are noticeably shorter, and the veil between the worlds is thinning, as we move towards Halloween. This is underlined by Pluto turning stationary Direct in Capricorn on Wednesday. It’s one of the most intense events of this year. Pluto raises toxic energy to the surface for us to face and release, moving us towards regeneration. This week we face our Shadow and shed our skins.

Pluto is also the planet of karma, and when it changes direction we experience a karmic shift. We are deeply transformed, and we are able to release fears and blocks that are holding us back from becoming the best version of ourselves. Saturn and Pluto going Direct together points us to some of the most important issues of our lives. Be alert to messages, and don’t let your fears or negativity block your path.

Monday 9/30 – Moon in Scorpio today. Keep things low key and avoid power struggles or confronting anything. Focus instead on transformation. The mood could be heavy tonight with Venus squaring Pluto at 9:15pm Pacific. This can bring catharsis to creative projects, friendships and romantic relationships. Try to find workable solutions and harmony.

Tuesday, 10/1 – Moon in Scorpio still, so take it easy. Make sure you’re well rested and well fed as Pluto slows down above us. Good outlets for this shift are embracing the truth, staying grounded and working hard on things you love.

Wednesday, 10/2 –  Pluto is stationary, or standing still in the sky, and moving Direct (forward) at 11:39pm Pacific. Whatever internal growth you’ve been experiencing over the last five months is changing direction and is ready to be expressed in your life. If you’re able to put all of your energy towards things you have control over, you’ll be less likely to get into power struggles with people, which is important this week. Remember, Pluto brings reformation, but also healing and rebirth.

Thursday, 10/3 – Moon in Sagittarius today, so thankfully the mood is a little lighter. Mercury enters Scorpio in the early morning hours, bringing emotional depth to communication. Avoid obsession, or digging too deeply into the psychology of others. Keep communications as loving and balanced as possible, since Scorpio can be too blunt about the truth. Work on shadow integration and transformation instead. Mars goes into Libra (its detriment) in the evening, bringing a slow down to action.

Friday, 10/4 – Moon into Capricorn. Focus on work and what you’re producing. Projects or events can be hard to get off the ground, and the energy is kind of serious for a date night. Practice patience.

Saturday, 10/5 – Moon in Capricorn. Get the chores done this weekend. Work in the garden, tidy up the house and cook for the week.

Sunday, 10/6 – Moon into Aquarius in the evening. Mercury (in Scorpio) also opposes Uranus (in Taurus), at 11:15pm. That’s a lot of electricity in the area we already covered this week. Watch your words, and put energy towards expressing your genius. Don’t waste your time on people that can’t hear your views.