Feeling alone is totally normal, and yet it totally stinks! Even though you might think you're the only one feeling alone, the irony is that you share that experience with more people than you realize.

In order to feel connected and accepted, we have to give ourselves permission to accept ourselves.

“Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.” -Brene Brown

Consider all the "tiers" of people in your life: acquaintances, neighbors, colleagues, community groups (church, workout places, school), friends from the past, book clubs etc. then consider who you might feel drawn to.

Four tips:

1. Notice how you might be defining friendship, and consider a broader definition. Your closest friends might not be in your same stage of life or might not "look" how you initially expect. 

2. Be interested, rather than trying to be interesting (from Awesome with Alison podcast episode 93).

3. Initiate! Be someone that you would want to be friends with. 

4. Take notice if the relationship is healthy AND enjoyable (look for BOTH).

Healthy relationships include love, trust, equal power, a positive vibe and have an overall uplifting feeling.

“You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.”

― Brene Brown