I am trying to get to Creative Wellness 3 times a week. Thanks for the responses!!!! I am thinking about organizing my time so that I have a schedule to follow when I am not out and about. I have a few craft things I can work on, I think I just have to make time for them. I have a rug hooking project and also I need to get our family scrapbook up to date! I am going to go to the movies today and to church tomorrow so that I have something out of the house each day of the week. It's the in-between time I still need to figure out. I'm trying to set up routines in my house for wake-up and sleep time. Maybe each day of the week could have a focus for the house. I don't know, I think I just need a schedule to fall back on so I am not lost. I was also thinking about volunteering at NAMI, because I know a couple people who do that too.
I am so glad to have a place like this to talk about what works for people. My support groups on Wednesdays and Thursdays are also incredibly helpful!!! Thank you Lorraine!!!!
Lastly, taking care of the grandkids is another way I seem to stay grounded.

The creative wellness center is a wonderful place to go,. Do you like to excerise ?How about joining your locial YMCA ? or THE JCC Do you like to read ?/ check out your locial liberary Dan s craft and thing s has craft class s on every kind of craft you can think of !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! if i think of any more i well let uknow HUGS Christine

hi The structure of work leaves one with unending holes. I've been "out" for 11 years and I volunteer. You can volunteer anywhere they need help. I volunteer at the Senior Center and the American Cancer Society. I have worked other places too. Try and organize your week into volunteer appts. Then you can also do crafts to fill your day as well. Meet people you used to work with for coffee or lunch. Oh also you can volunteer and get ideas for activities through your local AARP. Also you can find out about NAMI meetings by going to NAMI.ORG and lookup your state.
Hope some of this is helpful. Good luck.

Julia, you're too kind. I think you know that you are an inspiration to me as well. I try, but I'm not as dedicated to my mental health as you are. You are amazing, and I've heard from quite a few ladies how much they enjoy you at the support groups. I'll see you tonight!

This time is for you. Are there any hobbies you can do to help fill in some of your days. Also check your senior center for events they have. Mine here has hobby classes and pot lucks. More than anything be gentle with yourself.