As you set out on this journey to social wellness, its important to keep in mind that there are a few specific steps along the way that are milestones. Certainly the first is to say yes to social invitations when in the past you would have said no. Once you have been attending social events for three months or more however, its time for the next step which is to initiate and facilitate or host a social activity yourself. This is really critical as it moves you from being a passive participant, dependent on others, to interdependence. Remember independence is not the ultimate goal here, interdependence is.
It’s critical that you move to this step because in order to take control of your social wellness you need to be making it happen rather than hoping it will happen. It creates a very different mindset. Once you have done it a few times you will realize how incredibly simple it is. It’s not that any of this is actually difficult, it’s just that we have forgotten how.
The next step is to invite people into your home. This might be for a dinner, a movie or games night, or anything you would enjoy sharing with others. The reason this is a key step is that it moves one to a new level of trust, self acceptance and confidence. Many people feel vulnerable allowing others into their home and perhaps concerned what others might think. First of all, remember trust is the foundation of all relationships and inviting people into your home says, “I trust you.” Secondly, you are saying “I trust you” in regard to sharing your vulnerable self with others. In my experience, when others are welcomed into your home they respond in a very warm and positive way.
