You can make more friends in two months by becoming genuinely interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.
- Dale Carnegie
I came across this quote today and decided to open my blog with it because I've been a little "down in the dumps lately" (for lack of a better word). To no surprise- I've been finding it rather challenging to meet friends here on the North Island. Its difficult to come into a new town, have a new job, and try to establish myself with a social network. I know that I have only been here for 2 months and that making friends takes time, but I keep constantly finding myself asking "In a town of 5000 people, what does everyone do with their spare time?"
I Think one of the reasons that I am having such a hard time finding friends is because back at home I have been blessed with a very strong social network. I am such a talkative person that I've never had a hard time meeting people. I'm the girl that can go into a room of 100 people knowing absolutely no one, but will come out knowing not only everyones name, but something interesting about them. I guess I have taken this skill for granted over the past 20 years because I am finding it challenging just to put myself out there and spark up a conversation. Challenge number 1 is finding someone my own age to talk to, and challenge number two is to have the confidence to say something too them. (this sounds silly when written down and not in my head, but I guess that's the joy of reflecting)
I guess the reality is that ever since I've moved out from home (6 years ago) I've always been put into a situation that was prime for making friends. A university town where everyone has shared experiences. In many ways I've never been the only "new kid" on the block. People in Port Hardy have their lives established, they have their social networks and they have their routines- I'm the one who needs to put myself out there and take an interest in how things are done.
Despite the fact that I feel like I'm writing in a diary (and posting it online for the world to see) I have accomplished something for myself today. I have realized that sitting in my apartment and feeling lonely is not going to help my cause for meeting people and getting involved. My plan for this week is to challenge myself to make a friend by stepping outside of my comfort zone.
So if you're from Port Hardy, and happen to be reading this (doubtful) save me the awkwardness and be my friend :) HA. I'm pretty fun to hang around.....ha ha ha
"If you go looking for a friend, you’re going to find they’re very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you’ll find them everywhere."
- Zig Ziglar
(im pretty sure my mom is one of the only people that read this and I want to assure you that I am LOVING MY LIFE out here, it is amazing! I couldn't ask for anything better. I love my job, love my apartment and love my car- life is good) I would just like to have more people to hang out with in my spare time- theres no need to worry about me! xoxo)
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