Site Provides Easy Access for Local Connections

Last year  focused on the interests of others. My work was rewarding, of course, but it was directed outward and not inward, where my true passion lay dormant.

So about five minutes after retiring, I found myself yearning to pursue my true passion of writing. To write about things that mattered to me, and that might be of interest to others. But I mostly yearned to write for myself and to reflect on the people, places and events that have comprised my life. By reflecting, I hoped to finally slow down and understand my life’s journey.

A problem quickly surfaced. I had no one with whom to bounce ideas, share draft material, exchange advice and encouragement. And this particular writer needed that very much.

Browsing the Internet one day, I found Meetup.com, an online social networking site that helps people of common interests connect to local face-to-face groups. After entering on the website my interest of “writing” and including my ZIP code, Meetup provided me in less than three seconds a list of 26 Meetup groups within 25 miles of Woodstock that relate to my topic of interest. Some groups were more relevant and/or geographically closer than others, of course. But at least I had found a connection with those who share my passion for writing and improving my craft!

You can join a Meetup group or start one, and the topics and areas of interest are endless. A recent search for meetings about “Parenting” within 25 miles of Woodstock yielded 95 groups from which to choose. Some groups focus on specific interests such as single parenting or homeschooling. But there appears to be something for anyone interested in meeting about parenting.

So, busy moms, what non-mommy hobby interests you? Perhaps Meetup can help connect you with others who have limited time, but maintain a passion for painting, poetry, exercise or reading.

By the way, I did join a writing-related Meetup group and have very much enjoyed interacting with the members. Their feedback and encouragement is just what I need as an aspiring writer. And I maintain individual correspondence with a couple of group members, both of whom I would have never met had it not been for Meetup.

Always remember that being a parent is your most important role. But it isn’t all that you are. Take some time to pursue a hobby or interest that may have fallen to the wayside as you've raised your children. A good place to start is finding a local group with common interests through Meetup. 

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