This week, Kevin and Niseema talk about ways to recognize and cultivate “Companionship” and “Belonging,” the two themes of the Loneliness Scale questions, (see button below.) Did your parents have companions or feel a sense of belonging in their community or social circle? If not, you may have a high tolerance for isolation and loneliness yourself. Birth order is also a factor: first-born children are often the parent/caregiver's companions while last-born children are often the loneliest, especially in a large family. Hoarding and addictions can be seen as "companions" too: though in reality, both are very isolating, cutting us off from the sense of belonging we crave. It is a paradox!
In the second half of the show Kevin and Niseema go through four steps that can help EASE your loneliness: Extend your boundaries,have Action plan, Select an activity, and Expect the best. By practicing these four simple steps anyone can move from a sense of isolation and loneliness to a place of companionship and a feeling of belonging.
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For more information or support contact hosts Kevin O'Donoghue LMHC or Niseema Dyan Diemer SEP at: info@thepositivemindcenter.com, or call 212-757-4488.
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These are challenging times and we hope this episode served to validate and ease your anxiety about what you may be experiencing.
Please feel free to also suggest show ideas to the above email.
Thank you for listening,
Kevin and Niseema
www.tffpp.org
https://www.kevinlmhc.com
www.niseema.com
www.thepositivemindcenter.com
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Opening Music : Another Country, Pure Shadowfax, Shadowfax
Break Music:" Lonely Too Long." Performed by: The Young Rascals, Written By: Eddie Brigante, Felix Cavaliere, Source: Rhino Atlantic.
End Music : TFFPP Theme - Giullian Goiello for The Foundation for Positive Psychology
The Positive Mind is produced with the help of:
Engineering: Geoff Brady
Producer: Connie Shannon
Website Design and End Music: Giullian Gioello
Marketing and PR: Jen Maguire, Maguire PR, jen@maguirepr.com