The Buddy System

There are a lot of great things about being in college right now, especially my college. We've got a good (and free) gym, good (and cheap) entertainment both on and off campus, and a temple barely off-campus. I've taken advantage of a lot of these in my time here.

But I've done a lot of these things alone. Part of my recovery has been coming to understand that doing things with other people is not only better for helping me do things, but people actually want to do things with me. There have been a few times when I've needed the alone time, especially at the temple. I think I usually missed out by doing things alone. I spend enough time alone in my private room, at the library, and in my own head. A new commitment to doing things I like with people I like kills two birds with one stone--I can stick to the habits and activities I want to participate in, and I can avoid the loneliness that so often amplifies my problems.

For example, on Tuesday my roommate and avid runner Carole told me she had no motivation to go on her usual run. I told her that we should go to the gym. So we did. She'd never been to the school gym. She'd only run on the treadmill at our apartment complex or outside when it was warm enough. She was enthralled. I taught her to use an elliptical (my knees won't let me run these days) and we tried out a few weight machines--something she'd never done before and I was reluctant to do by myself for fear of looking dumb and not wanting to ask anyone for help.

Yesterday after class I wasn't feel up to much of anything. Carole came in my room and asked if we were still going. "I have no motivation," I told her. "I'm your motivation," she told me with a creepy grin. So I dragged myself off the bed and drove us to the gym. I felt much better after (but I'm sore as I write this the next morning).

So here's to not being alone. Go do stuff with folks.