Has the system finally cracked? Have the wealthy and powerful simply taken so much leaving the rest of us grasping at our very survival, easily manipulated into turning against other groups and even each other in an attempt to make sense of it all? Is society destined to destroy itself or descend into eternal servitude to our masters? How do we get out of this spiral of madness?
You’ve been dealt a really rough hand. The way it should work is that your community would see that you mean well and want to contribute, and support an ongoing effort to make that happen.
We don’t live in the world of should, but imo you do need a community of any kind. I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say it should be your top priority to make at least one IRL friend and making the absolute most of it. They don’t have to be perfect, but they do have to reciprocate the friendship.
Once you have one, it’s easier to make more. Everything is easier with a community. Keep a journal, write about your efforts, write about the people you might try to talk to. Try anything. There’s a loneliness epidemic out there, so chances are good there are people just like you who are waiting for someone to make the first move. I hope you find each other.
Again, going on the trail was my idea of travel/meeting people… though even when I’m able* to ride I don’t see much around here. I suspect the people I’d fit with are not here, or even if they are they are at home (or just not on the trail).
* 300+ miles so far (over a few years), admittedly that’s mostly ~1-2mi trips to a bridge/bench area when I can’t plan anything better, and my most realistic trip besides that is just to a local grocery store to buy old bananas and maybe some produce to fry.
I should have been clearer that I totally think that’s the correct thing to be doing. Sorry for any confusion, I think you’re on the right track.