Being disabled as much as I try I don't feel like I fit in usually. People look at me differently and I feel left out most of the time. In church, in family and even with friends. I can not change this but have learned all I can do is be me. It hurts to not be accepted or included but I learned to thank God anyways and live each day the best I can. God provides the people I need and knows whats best for me.

Friendship has been one of my greatest teachers. And chosen family has been one of my greatest resources both in the good and bad times. I’ve navigated friendships that deepened, friendships that changed, and friendships that needed to end with care. I have learned community is something you practice. It requires discernment, boundaries, and the courage to show up as yourself while allowing others to do the same. I want to come along side those who want more than proximity or shared history. People who want friendships rooted in mutual support, accountability, and respect. Healthy community isn’t about perfection. It’s about learning how to relate, repair, and belong without losing yourself.

For me, meeting new people and making friends hasn’t always come easy. I’ve had times where I felt anxious walking into a room, worried about saying the wrong thing, or wondering if I even belonged. There have been seasons of loneliness where I wanted connection but didn’t know how to start—or where past hurts made it hard to trust new people. In this session, I’ll share openly about my own challenges with friendship and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. This isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about creating a safe space to talk about how hard it can be and to support each other in the process.

On the other side of the well known "Let Them" theory is a beautiful hidden path to finding your way home--I call it,"LET ME" I discovered this hidden gem long before the popular theory exploded, I found it quietly along my own personal path of healing and self discovery. Stemming from childhood trauma/wounds and being a deeply "sensitive" and empathetic female, the role of "people pleaser, door mat" seemed fitting so I embraced it vigorously. Coming from a generation of young girls conditioned to "be nice" left me drained emotionally, spiritually, and without a clue as to who I was and what I was meant to do and be. Over-giving and constant self-abandonment left me disconnected from my divine "Spiritual Home". I walk my personal path each day, a step at a time, empowered, aligned and protecting my peace and with great gratitude I am "letting me"--guilt free.

As someone who's lived in several places, and had a large extended family, I'm also lucky to have a large group of friends and "loose ties," i.e. people who I see regularly in daily life as I'm out and about. I've been able to connect to my new neighborhood and community several times, by volunteering, getting involved in local issues, and meeting people who broaden my circle - and my perspective! One of the many benefits of this is that it really helps to combat stress - it keeps you busy in both mind and body (if you're so inclined), and can help take your mind off other issues. I have suffered significant loss in my life, and have learned that reaching out and getting involved - even when you may not feel up to it - really helps.

Grief from loss can occur many times throughout our lives. From the loss of a dream or idea to the loss of a parent or spouse, grief can creep into our lives in many different ways. There is no right or wrong way to grieve but talking to someone can be a healthy way to cope when going through all of the ways we can be distressed. I've dealt with everything from the loss of my mother at a younger age after a debilitating illness to the sadness of losing the ability to continue in a career that I very much loved because my body had betrayed me. Loss of relationships has been a common thread throughout my life, from friendships to the closest and most important of all relationships. I've had heartbreak on every level. I've navigated loss of career, relationships, dreams & ideas, loved ones & pets (maybe one of the hardest to cope with!). I've gotten through some situations much quicker & easier than others, finding that going through, rather than around, tends to get me the best outcome.

MOTIVATION IS HARD!!! I know sometimes getting started is the hardest part in getting anything done! At times it's so hard to get moving, even at a snail's pace, but once someone else is involved.... BAM, I'm moving at Mach 5 to get it done! Maybe you just want someone to talk to while you fold laundry. Maybe it would be helpful if someone is just sitting quietly while you do something really hard emotionally, like going through belongings of a loved one after they have passed. There are numerous situations where having someone to just BE with you can be helpful and I'd be more than honored to be that for you. We can talk about anything, or nothing, whatever you'd like and whatever might help you get through whatever task it is that you are having trouble starting. I get it. I have nearly earned a Master's Degree in procrastination! I'm learning little tricks to get myself moving, the top of which is the Body Double... someone to be with while I do the thing I don't want to do.

Today's world can feel really cold & lonely sometimes so we could all use a sounding board; to let off steam, to talk through ideas & emotions, or to "try out" thoughts outside of our own head. I fully understand how lonely life can feel. I moved over 1000 miles away from anyone I know, & making friends as a chronically ill, middle-aged empty-nester isn't an easy task! I've struggled meeting people in my area, however I've made a few connections that will hopefully blossom into more in time. I have been able to maintain relationships with longtime friends over the internet & that has surprisingly provided a sense of community of its own. Those strong long-distance bonds give me immense comfort & therefore reinforce my belief that we can share a lot of 'warmth', build community, & gain support & healing to combat loneliness on this platform. Many times, just talking about our day or our worries with someone who cares, regardless of proximity, can be exactly what we need to feel less lonely! ♡

I’m an introvert who grew up in a family of introverts. I had no childhood friends because of homework and music lessons. A divorce and estrangement from family left me on my own entirely. My adult friendships were few, occasionally satisfying, but contact was sporadic. After retiring, I relocated to an area where I knew no one. Although now eager for connection, I had few social skills, and my initial efforts were fraught with unrealistic expectations in a closed community culture. It took a while, but I’ve turned the corner. A few deep friendships, a weekly Friday afternoon social group at my house, volunteer activities and counseling made the difference. It’s not an overnight solution, but I’m proof that a satisfactory, joyful recovery from isolation and loneliness by learning new skills is possible. It requires willingness to expand your comfort zone, persistence, resilience, a growth mind-set and good humor. Join me. Let’s start your journey to connection and healing.

At 83, I’m living a full life – with all the ups, downs, sharp turns, and potholes that come with it. I’m a mother of two. I was a Silicon Valley CFO, a Marriage Family Therapist, a care giver for my dad. I’ve been married and divorced more than once. I’ve been my own best friend and only supporter, successfully navigating my world on my own for the last 42 years. I recreated myself several times and I retired at 70. But every 10 years brought physical, psychological, emotional challenges – my body and mind not feeling as good or working as expected. Hormonal changes (for men & women), clothes don’t fit right, loss of energy, vim and vigor, ailments and illness, “senior moments” and loss of friends and family. During this time, I created a community for myself through friendships, volunteering (now as a Senior Peer Counselor), and hosting a weekly Mahjongg game while managing a fractured femur and the resulting identity crisis. If any of this sounds familiar, I'm here for you.

For me, living alone and a couple hours from close friends means the holidays can feel like a funny mix of peaceful project time and unexpected loneliness. I’ve opted out of complicated family dynamics because I’m no longer a people pleaser, which leaves me with a whole new kind of solo space. If you’re hitting your limit after the hundredth round of holiday music, or feeling out of sync with a family group chat that moves 30 messages a minute, and you’d rather talk to an actual human instead, I’m here. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve or Day, Valentine’s Day, or any moment when it seems like everyone you know is wrapped up in family plans while you’re navigating your own quiet corner of the season, it can feel liberating or it can feel like being the odd duck out in the cold. Don’t spend even a moment blaming yourself for being single or simply on your own during the holidays. Book a session with me, and let’s talk it through together.

Over a span of 30 years, I encountered cultural differences with 3 different partners. Each partnership faced both internal and external cultural bias, stigmas, and discrimination based on societal stereotypes. I went through cognitive therapy with my husband to learn how to communicate effectively with someone who not only learned English as a second language, but who was holding long-engrained beliefs about our respective countries and societies. We also worked on how to present a united front to outside disruptors, often family and friends bringing in their own bias that stirred the pot of misunderstandings and underlying the need to learn straight-forward communication. Even if your partner is unsure how to, or unwilling to, communicate their own feelings, you can still enhance your own communication style in an open, compassionate manner that exudes respect and honesty to yourself and to them.

For most of my life, it felt like I was trying to fit into a role I was never meant for. I was always the "black sheep" in my family or the "weird" one, which left me feeling disconnected and unsure of myself. That path led me through some really tough times with depression, not knowing where I'd live, and the quiet pain of friendships just fading away. Through all of it, I fought with that constant feeling of being an imposter, like nothing I did was ever truly good enough. A crisis that left me homeless for a second time forced me to start completely over, but it actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise. In that quiet space of rebuilding, I finally learned how to set real boundaries, manage my own emotional stress, and find my way back to creating music. I also realized that helping other people feel seen is one of the most powerful ways to heal. So now, I'm here to offer a listening ear and a steady presence for anyone navigating their own tough challenges.

I grew up in the Dominican Republic and moved to the U.S. when I was five. My childhood was shaped by the reality of addiction, my cousin was using cocaine and I’d watch him sleep all day and stay up all night. He was kind, but deeply ashamed, and I remember how hard it was to see someone I loved struggle so much. My grandfather also struggled with alcoholism and eventually died from liver failure. Watching two people I cared about suffer like that taught me that addiction isn’t about being bad, it’s about being stuck in something painful. It hurts the person using, and it hurts the people who love them too. I barely drink now because of what I lived through, but I’ve never stopped believing there’s hope for people who use. I’ve shared my story with friends who were drinking heavily, and sometimes it helped them pause and think differently. I’ve been that listener for others who are hurting: someone who doesn’t judge, who gets it, and who knows what it’s like to love someone who can’t seem to stop. If you’re going through that now, I’d be honored to sit with you in it.

I’m a first generation American born on the mainland, embracing a rich multicultural heritage. Life has profoundly shaped me. Losing my mother at a young age led me to embrace motherhood earlier than most. Through navigating significant changes and new beginnings, I’ve grown into a resilient and positive person. Along the way, I have discovered a sene of self-worth.

Do you have strong opinions about politics, or just curious about the state of the world? I have the guts to speak on it respectfully with you. I’m a Democrat-leaning independent, open to all perspectives and ready to explore the issues that matter. We can break down current events, debate ideas thoughtfully, and have honest, no-nonsense conversations without any fluff or party posturing. Whether you want to challenge your own views, understand opposing perspectives, or just talk politics meaningfully, I’ll engage fully and openly. If you’re looking for candid, intelligent, and unbiased discussion, let’s dive in together!

I offer support for those facing or recovering from homelessness, because I’ve lived it myself — multiple times. I know what it’s like to lose everything and have to start over from nothing. Through those experiences, I learned strength, resilience, and how to rebuild a stable life with hope and purpose. My support comes without judgment, only compassion and understanding for what it truly takes to survive and rise again.

I understand the unique challenges and experiences of sex workers because I’ve lived them myself. From navigating safety, boundaries, and workplace dynamics to managing stigma and personal growth, I’ve experienced it all and come through stronger. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about your experiences, share guidance, and provide support tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for advice, emotional support, or someone who truly understands the realities of the work, I’m here to help you feel heard, empowered, and confident in your choices.

I understand how overwhelming social situations can feel when you’re living with social anxiety. I’ve faced these challenges myself and have learned strategies to manage fear, build confidence, and navigate interactions with more ease. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about your experiences, explore coping techniques, and gain practical tools for connecting with others.

I’ve spent a lot of time feeling alone, especially after experiencing grief. Finding my people didn’t happen overnight, but building a supportive circle changed everything for me. Now, I want to help others do the same. If you’re grieving, feeling isolated, or unsure where you belong, I’m here to remind you that healing is possible and that you don’t have to walk this journey alone. Together, we can work toward connection, support, and hope again.