I’m an artist, a mother of 2 young boys, an introvert, and a homebody. Being alone at home working all day, though I’m super grateful for the calm time, can get to anyone when you dwell too much and too long in your own mind. I ended up getting two Bengal kitties and they’re so awesome to have around to keep me company during the day. I take a weekly art class at my local art store and I get to see the regulars and talk about art and network about events. I take a meditation break every afternoon. (And I listen to Howard Stern to have a good laugh.)😋 These are just some of the ways I help combat my loneliness. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic, Brooke.❤️
I appreciate you sharing this Amy! Very insightful and helpful 💛 I would love to get a pet to have at home (I'm a huge dog lover) but unfortunately my landlords don't allow pets in the apartment, so I'll just have to wait until I can afford my own house! I think meditation is also a great way to clear your mind and ground yourself, I'm trying to make that more of a habit in my own life too! Thanks for watching and commenting ☺
I specifically listen to podcasts with cohosts so that I can pretend we are friends while I paint. 😂 that sentence alone speaks volumes to how lonely creative jobs can be. Several of my friends have offered to chat while I paint over the phone but I always turn them down because I can’t concentrate on the conversation and my work. Great video!
Haha I do the same 😂 and yes I totally relate - listening to a podcast can be passive, but being on the other side of a conversation while painting at the same time isn't easy!
100% can relate, even though drawing/painting all day is exactly what I want to be doing and I love my alone time, it can get a little lonely when some days the only "interaction" are people commenting or engaging with what you post online
Good topic. I'm an artist/designer and my wonderful cat who was my best friend died last year. Since then sometimes the loneliness alongside my grief is crushing and makes me feel almost like its harder to breathe. She would roll around on the floor next to me in the studio, watch films with me in the evenings and was my constant companion. I've been looking for ways to make more connections, the other day I went to a cafe and ended up chatting to half the people in there which was nice (people overheard me talking to the staff then started chatting to me so it wasn't me forcing conversation on strangers just to clarify). But I need something more regular than that so I'm looking for more volunteering and some kind of hobby groups. I often watch too much netflix and UA-cam and it's because it makes me feel less lonely ie the Star Trek crew feel like my colleagues and friends until I realise I'm alone staring at a screen. I'd love to see this topic discussed more as I think loneliness is a huge issue for a lot of us in our current society.
I lost 2 elderly cats last year and it took a while before I decided it was time to adopt again. I was busy with art over the holiday season etc. and then I started to venture out into cat cafes. I spent time playing with cats without the real commitment of owning one. I highly suggest visiting those places or even volunteering at a shelter. After 7 months I finally found a set pair of 2 young kitties from my local FB group where a couple needed to rehome their 2 kitties. They brought me alot of joy & responsibility. After my spring busy season I still needed something extra so I decided to take up a part time job at my local flower shop. Where I am learning floral design, I communicate with customers. I communicate with my coworkers and occasionally do deliveries and that makes my day. Delivering flowers in nice weather over something positive like a birthday, anniversary or whatever. I am secretly adding so many floral photos to my phone too. I plan to use them for future art reference. I am an extroverted introvert but I wasn't getting outside of the home very much. Volunteering and hobby groups are great if you have the extra time. I have been meaning to join a coop gallery with a group of artists in my area but I haven't made the commitment to it yet. It looks interesting.
And I discovered you because of Kelsey Rodriguez who you met at Creator Camp! So it brought you at least one follower! Loved your interview with Kelsey on her channel. I live in the boonies of Ontario, and I used most of the suggestions you have - except instead of Fitness or cafes, I watch UA-cam videos and write comments to the creators! LOL! I actually have some cool "comment convos" with some of you folks. Look forward to watching some of your other videos! You are a fabulous artist. (Oh, forgot to say on the Kelsey video that I absolutely LOVE that you don't have a "niche." I love the variety of your art! Obviously your collectors do too!
I like to listen to two books on loop. “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin and “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert. These books always pick me up and put me back on my feet. Another absolute must read for artists is “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. Brooke, I saw in the video that you are familiar with this title already, for everyone else, this one is a bit of a heavy lift, but it will transform your art and life if you do the work.
My wife reminds me to look for artist associations (still haven’t) and the dog gives me disapproving looks and sighs dramatically for walks. There was also a depression issue I’m now dealing with professionally. Great video. Thanks!
Your videos are so high quality Brooke they’re inspiring me so much! I’m a full time artist and def struggle with the lonelies at times. My weekly figure drawing class and going to art shows and markets helps a ton!
I am SO glad you did come :') you were the first person I met at camp and you genuinely were the perfect icebreaker for what ended up being a phenomenal weekend. I often feel hella alone over here on my little island LOL, but you're so right. connecting with like-minded and hearted people definitely makes this lil rock a bit less lonely :) thank you for being one of them
Discord is great to keep in touch with other creators or like-minded people. Its video and chat functions enable not just painting together over a large distance, but with the right community joining a voice chat in the evening for catch-ups and discussions is possible too.
I have been working from home for years. For the past five years, I’ve been working and sleeping in an 8’x8’ room. I have a bedroom that I hardly ever use, and the only thing in my “living” room is a workbench and an arm chair. I live almost my whole day in the same small room and honestly, I love it. I have it all set up perfectly for everything I need, including several pieces of furniture I made or modified especially for the space. I suppose it’s not for everyone, but it works for me and it helps me be very productive and relaxed at the same time. One thing that was a game changer for me was installing multicolored smart lightbulbs in some of the lamps. That way I can use different colors for different times of day it it totally changes the feel of the room just by clicking on the app. Thanks for sharing your journey keep up the great work 🧑🏽🎨
Thank you for talking about this! It’s definitely hard for me to find the balance between staying focused on work/ being productive and not getting lonely. But, even hearing you talking about it here feels like a bit of connection 💙✨
Good Video made me feel all warm and fuzzy😁. We were locked down with Covid for 2 years and I only went out to the liquor store and the grocery store. All my art supplies were delivered. My life didn't change a bit. Art Sales went crazy because everyone needed a painting for a backdrop to their zoom calls. It was the best of times. I now suspect I may be an introvert.🙃
I just found your channel and I'm definitely going to watch a bunch of your videos and try to support you! Im an artist that really wants to be self employed and just live of my art but it's hard. I'm currently offering pet portrait commissions and selling prints, I might go into animation a bit but yeah it's hard to make income streams for sure. But I'm happy to maybe support your art dream 😊
Mmmm I would say that may be true for some, but not all! I think that solitude is definitely important, but not totally essential to be a "true artist"
Spoken like a real troll sir 😀Nope, this statement is true only for those who believe it. There are plenty of other, healthier way to live an arty life ❤
I became basically a recluse when the pandemic hit. I’m an introvert, I don’t like crowds or loud noise so my time alone was and is a huge blessing. Rather than my art causing solitude, it was solitude that brought me to art. I’m new to painting and enjoying the creative aspect. I can’t in any way compare my artistry to yours but I thought you might find my different perspective interesting.
I DO like this video, Brooke! Contemplating how to put some social cushions in place - living in Portugal and moving to a new city (after 3 years) this fall. Still don’t speak Portuguese enough to have a conversation. 🤪
As someone living in the GTA it is absolutely wild that a studio space Toronto is more expensive than in a city like Vienna … Thank you for covering this topic, I relate to much of it. Feeling lonely is not easy to bring up in conversation, so I appreciated listening. We can all feel a little less along after watching :)
You wouldn't think it would be more expensive, but I was paying 200 euros a month for a nice space in Vienna and here in Toronto I can't seem to find anything decent for under like $600/month! Thanks for watching, happy to provide some company 🥰
Been binge watching your videos. It's so soothing and relaxing, it's addictive. I've been diagnosed with anxiety disorder. Watching your videos really calms my nerve. I really really don't know how. I know too many information for you. Just wanted you to know that your videos helped. Thank you and keep it up.
I enjoyed the Instagram+ loneliness videos. Thanks for an uplifting video on ways to combat loneliness. You reminded me that WE are responsible for our wellbeing - Not other people, organizations+ locations 🎉
Volunteering as an art tutor has really helped me with loneliness, sharing my passion for creating and helping others who are lonely as well and I am learning new skills as well.
Your most authentic video yet! Love this! My strategy hasn’t evolved past the “get a cat” solution to loneliness… so the tips in the vid and in the comments rock. Thank you!
Hello Brooke, I understand and like your honest perspective & admissions of the truly difficult aspects of working independently. My own experience of loneliness is something that I find difficult to discuss or explore on such a public platform as UA-cam. I am pretty self-conscious a lot of the time & have experiences of these mental health struggles too. I did not have a problem with addressing them during the University years, but have found the life of Art making, even with all the exhibitions available in London, England very unsettling, when accompanying friends around Art galleries, while not focussing enough on the business and development aspects of being an Artist. Then after some very tough conversations with friends whom had continued growing, working and studying within the Royal College of Art, I realised that what I actually required was a new challenge. So in response to some of the questions and challenges that you raise in your videos, I decided that the best way to build up some mutual trust and respect, is to ask you if you would like to be email buddies? It could be worthwhile to see if my imagination ,can link up with your imagination to produce a network, that can be a positive group for the you of the Fine Artist community, in Canada. I have family over in Vancouver & they also paint whilst managing to engage with logical & practical, decision making. It's great that you are making your own way in the career that you have chosen & are able to identify, the hobbies & day to day routines, which allow a sense of fulfilment. I completely respect you experience of and confusion when dealing with all the different messaging Apps & texting is something that I actually struggle with too, I figure that this is due to being born before the year 2000 with of a sensible persuasion, like yourself. It's great that you have met someone that you are happy living with, none of my friends from university were open to sharing an apartment. Therefore I am just at a stage where I am open to rebuilding my social skills with makers abroad. My internal dialogue composed an idea, as I was listening to your troubles and resilience, so let me know if this is helpful & then I can email you, some of the solutions & concepts that I recommend would be helpful to work towards. Phone calls with you & Tim would be a very responsible method of teaching & understanding more about your audience. Tell more of why it is that people make art! Best, @kitintheart BA Visual & Conceptual Art PS: Have a look at the output of Naughty Dog Studio & The Last Of Us. I would love to know what you feel toward such a genre, with a review of criticisms & compliments! Favourite word of the day: Antimony Regard & Disregard. :)
Thank you for talking about this. Just from watching your video I already feel less lonely.🥰 Another thing that makes me feel less lonely is pets. A spontaneous cuddle from a fluffy friend can do wonders during a solitary drawing session.
Great points and I can definitely relatie to it! I'm glad you're using different ways to deal with loneliness. Also my god you're hilarious. "Pooping and other stuff' made me snort some extra air out of my nose haha. Good giggles, thanks
Clicked on this video for the title but then my ears perked up when you said: I moved to Austria 🙉 I'm in Vienna and love to connect with other creators (and help them to be less lonely) so I'd love to connect w you.
Visual arts and isolation go hand-in-hand, as they require contemplation within the self, but inspiration from the world and people around us. Similar to the paradoxical nature of many artists being chaotic by nature, but needing a clean and open space in order to think clearly. Going out and interacting with others, and even just getting fresh air is consistent with what's helped me as well. I will say that the intrusive thoughts you mentioned in the video are your unconscious mind letting out repressed emotions that are important to acknowledge, so it's best not to try and "turn them off", but rather, we should observe and coach ourselves through them since we cannot get rid of that side of us when we're alone. Then again - deeply emotional people make great artists :). Blessings
Thanks for your comment Daniel 🙏 I am certainly a deeply emotional person, so I guess I picked the right profession haha. I think you make a great point about getting fresh air - it's something I forgot to mention in the video so thanks for sharing!
I think what many people underestimate is how important it is to have community, especially in the long run. If there is absolutely no connection between you and the town you live in, this is a recipe for depression. Friendships outside of the community you live in are valuable as well but if you can only call people on the phone to stay in touch, that's not enough. If you have a place you call home in the world, there's absolutely no shame in returning there after your studies or even staying there all your life if that makes you happy. A lesson I needed a few years to figure out.
That's a great point. I'm glad you were able to figure that out for yourself 💛 I'm still working on building more of a community where I live, it's a work in progress! Thanks for watching and sharing 🤗
Hi my name is Donald and I just wanted to tell you I enjoyed your vlog it was interesting and it opens some doors in my life that I didn't even know was even there I just wanted to say thank you have a great safe blessed journey wherever you go
firstly the important stuff the ways i cope with loneliness are doing chores, listening to music, playing with my cat, video games, anime and youtube and yea nice singing brooke you have great voice maybe opera singer as side job and hope you dont fall to loneliness demon take care! now for the unimportant stuff . . . . . . . . . . As a beginner artist i can relate to loneliness my social life is zero i rarely go out and never had any girlfriend i do enjoy going outdoors on hikings and stuff, now about my friend loneliness, been together for quite sometime having barely any friends 2-3 who i dont have much interaction with even though we are close i dont wanna burden/annoy them too much by being talkative much and i tried to talk to people and make friends online text them on social media and stuff things go good for a while, then things go down as i am ghosted and it happens again and again well i lost my motivation to do art though i love it i mean i still do art but not as much active i used to be and procrastination on top of it, then ai stuff started to question my skills and the improvement all good stuff to talk about haha
I too enjoy listening to podcasts or audiobooks while creating art. I remember Bret Weinstein talking about how he and his wife like to listen to audiobooks while working on a puzzle together in the evenings. He says the activities use different parts of the brain.
You talk pretty well as someone who doesn't go out much and living in solitude. I wish I have your confidence in storytelling. I'm an introvert and socially anxious at the same time. I couldn't express myself much when I'm talking and I often stutter.
This sounds very familiar to me, thank you for the tips! I used to rent an art studio, and when we were looking for a home to buy, we searched for a place with an extra room for my art studio, it was a very practical choice, I didn't realise how much I would miss the time spent outside of home, at my old art studio. Little things like making a bit of small talk with the receptionist when picking up my mail for the day, or visiting the café and meeting a friend for lunch near my studio. I do like to work alone most of the time though, so as a solution I now work 1 day at an art studio in the city with other artists, purely for social contact, it's a win-win. :)
New on your channel, so nice to discover good content on UA-cam. You even sing!!! I feel very connected to you, as the way you talk and act looks similar to the way I do!! ❤ I will check out more of your videos. I am in the way to become a professional artist. Thanks for sharing your content!
Great video, very funny 🤣 and relatable. Isolation can be really hard and take its toll , it's great that you try to help yourself and that you shared. I so know what you mean about the resistance to do things to help ourselves, it can become a vicious circle, glad you're managing and scheduling things that help... I also try to go places where I could have micro interactions with nice people, like my pilates class and my yoga class. Loved your creative video 💙
I can totally relate. Being an artist and working from home lack that interaction with people during the insane amount of hours that you spend working and hanging out with friends during the weekend doesn’t make up for it. on top of that, i leave alone so i don’t even have interaction with parents/siblings 😅
I came across your channel yesterday, and binge watched a bit, love your work, though I am not an artist, rather a wannabe, I have a really wide range of interests, but love watching inspirational people, and that you certainly are! I was thinking about various things related to comments you have made in your videos, but will probably send my thoughts in an email rather than leave them in the comments. Nothing negative, just some thoughts, ideas and observations£ You are an amazing talent Brooke!
Thank you for making this video. As an introvert I think I enjoy the solitude of the artist life more than some, but after 5 years in my home studio I'm looking to rent an additional studio space just to feel more a part of my local community. I think the extra expense will be worth it. In the meantime I've set up a weekly lunch date with another self-employed friend and I joined an exercise class as well.
The last months i had worked in my first solo exhibition, i have never been this lonely in my life but at the same time soo happy, the exhibit went very well and now i have two more exhibits on the way, all the hard work and time it's starting to pay of, im still very lonely because but have never stop creating and the joy i feel after a finish piece its soo special
Congratulations on your successful solo exhibition! I hope your next two are also a success and that you manage to find a way to solve the loneliness issue along the way 🙏
I've never met anyone with the last name CORMIER. and you pronounce it correctly!.Cormier is my mother's maiden name... It gets me wondering since my grandfather came from Maine that maybe there's a connection there...since your from Canada right? Lol hopeful thinking that I might have an artist like myself as a distant relative lol....I promise I'm not a weirdo...I wasn't gonna comment but this video is about connections right!? 😅 thanks for all you do. You are so sweet and inspirational.
Not an artist (Amateur) :)) but therapist here in my own practice… despite being with people (patients) all day, I feel very lonely 😕 so, decided to work in clinic, as this is the way to connect with colleagues more often.. thank you for this video, now I understand that there are a lot of professions that can be lonely
So awesome to see this I thought I was alone in this. I quite my day job Dec 2019 right before covid expecting to get out and do art walls and events and we'll that didn't happen. I consider myself an introvert so I looked forward to not having to interact with people on a daily basis but boy was I wrong lol I needed someone besides my wife to interact with. This video helps!!
Hello friend 😊 I hope you are doing okay mentally your art deserves to be seen all over sacrifice over relationships and friendships is just another thing one has to do sometimes
By the way I love your enthusiasm and your voice skills it's just amazing I feel like you would be an amazing character in the in the TV show or something like that I would be super dope you have great charisma about you🎉
I really really resonate with you! I'm glad someone made a video on this! I really struggle with motivation and loneliness if I don't balance well my time with socializing. It's easy for me to become obsessed with my art but I noticed that in the long run this just isn't healthy for me and my mood. For me the solution is to separate work time from other activities (especially if you work from home) and as you said, planning ahead some time for friends and activities and stick to it even if , initially, you don't feel like going.
So glad you brought up this topic. I work from home and love it most of the time. Loneliness enters the front door at times though. Nice to know that talking with strangers, baristas, etc is a tick mark for socializing! ❤your humor ‼️
lol I love the singing at the end! I found you at Kelsey's podcast and I really loved your conversation ☺️ I learned a ton from you! I just subscribed and I hope to see more of your videos in the future 🥰🧡 Take care always!
This was an amazing random video to be recommended for me! I've been dealing with lonliness lately, and I think Siri listened and gave me a youtube algorithmic gem! Thanks so much for the openness, logical way of looking at something I feel a lot of people deal with, but like me didn't know how to express it.
This is so relatable to me as well. I loved the college life and I went from that to moving to a new country to be with my now-husband and everyone here speaks a different language than me. It is hard and a lot of pressure to make new friends. I can speak the language, but it's not the same as having friends to interact with who are English-speaking. I do have my husband's friends, but it's not the same as having friends of your own. I'm possibly going to move back to the US next year and am looking forward to that. I really miss my friends and family back home.
Struggled with this at various stages of being a full time artist ( over 30+ years ) some great advice there. It is by nature a very insular occupation that almost requires this hermit like isolation and immersion for us to develop and grow as artists . But huge inspiration can come from our interactions with other artists and wider world
I have dealt with this for many, many years and over the recent year, I started to go into a public park to workout (because I really don't like gyms) and have started a small community of calesthenics in there, and have been a game changer for me. Also, try to find some time to do some RP games on the weekends. Artist life can be lonely, but it can definitely be easier if we do get out of the confort zone. Thanks for sharing your experience and giving some more tools to work with =D
In the same boat as a children’s illustrator and it’s a struggle! These are all great ways to get out. Been thinking more lately about how much I need these. Thank you Brooke!
Thank you so much for this video! I'd like to add more, you can deal with loneliness by doing something new, try to draw something you have never tried before, as an artist it'll definitely gonna fun and with this loneliness hack you'll learn something new too. Hoping that it'll help you who's reading this. Thanks again!☺️✌️
Amazing video Brooke so so relatable! 😊 Im a concept artist myself and its amazing how much more inspiration I feel when talking to other creatives in the same boat and to geek out over art with 😁💯
I am not an artist but since this year started loneliness have started in my life and not just started but increased a lot painfully due to some personal reason, i am using meditation and some lifestyle changes to deal with it and maybe to even solve it .By the way i saw one of your painting the one in which you were drawing a tree near a body of water, wow amazing .First time seeing your channel.
thank you for sharing ❤, somehow its good to know that this is a common struggle and not some sort of a personal curse ^^ . i would say finding an online community did help me a lot and it doesn't have to be an art community it could be any group that you share a common interest with , it really does help specially if you cant meet with your friends IRL as much as u would like to .
Love to hear your story, sis. Usually i do the same, like painting while listening music. That's make me really enjoy the moment. Also lonely is the powerful of introvert Thank you and Keep going for you! 😊
Good video! It´s nice to see an honest take on the experience with loneliness, and i like that you took that experience with positivity. PS i also enjoyed the musical number at the end 😁 new suscriber unlocked
As a writer, I can really relate to this. When I graduated from school, I moved back home for a few months to look for a permanent job and figure out what was next. Those were some of the most productive "writing" days because, similar to you, I turned my childhood bedroom into a little office. I'd literally roll out of bed, write, apply for jobs, then roll back into bed. It wasn't healthy, socially, and covid sort of became that too, except I at least had my partner with me during that time. Finding that balance is never a one size fits all.
Sounds like a very similar experience, and indeed, balance looks different for everyone, it's just a matter of finding what works for you! Thanks for watching and all the best 🙏
Im a retired Canadian, moved to Panama SA and deal with isolation everyday in a foreign country. Ive started up a paint and sip here and its been good for me to keep busy and keep my passion going. Its hard. Today is hard and then I found this video....Isolation is hard some times...keep painting
A paint and sip sounds like a wonderful idea! It can be really hard, but it sounds like you’re taking action and that’s most important. I wish you all the best! 🙏
Awwwn I love these tips. I've been thinking of some sort of "art camp" like a place where a bunch of artists get together in a beautiful inspiring space and just paint for 2 weeks together or something. You know? I havn't found anything interesting online but wow that would be so cool.
Thanks for watching Marie! 😊 I attended a painting retreat a few years ago with an art association which was really nice! It would be great to do something like that again, maybe we'll have to plan it ourselves!
I must admit I have struggled with this...especially in winter and especially when the stupid car decided to die just before Xmas and nowhere open all over Xmas into new year to get it fixed so was unable to go anywhere. The only getting out of the house I had was to walk the dogs. Having the dogs does help...not just walking but training (We do agility) and shows to compete. Also been helping for an hour at the local primary school helping 8-9 year olds with their art...just voluntary right now but a learning curve for me and also a bit more human interaction.
I’m an artist, a mother of 2 young boys, an introvert, and a homebody. Being alone at home working all day, though I’m super grateful for the calm time, can get to anyone when you dwell too much and too long in your own mind. I ended up getting two Bengal kitties and they’re so awesome to have around to keep me company during the day. I take a weekly art class at my local art store and I get to see the regulars and talk about art and network about events. I take a meditation break every afternoon. (And I listen to Howard Stern to have a good laugh.)😋 These are just some of the ways I help combat my loneliness. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic, Brooke.❤️
I appreciate you sharing this Amy! Very insightful and helpful 💛 I would love to get a pet to have at home (I'm a huge dog lover) but unfortunately my landlords don't allow pets in the apartment, so I'll just have to wait until I can afford my own house! I think meditation is also a great way to clear your mind and ground yourself, I'm trying to make that more of a habit in my own life too! Thanks for watching and commenting ☺
Awe I hear you
I specifically listen to podcasts with cohosts so that I can pretend we are friends while I paint. 😂 that sentence alone speaks volumes to how lonely creative jobs can be. Several of my friends have offered to chat while I paint over the phone but I always turn them down because I can’t concentrate on the conversation and my work. Great video!
Haha I do the same 😂 and yes I totally relate - listening to a podcast can be passive, but being on the other side of a conversation while painting at the same time isn't easy!
sounds like you need to get out with your friends damn
@@thecoldscoop I do at least once a week. It's hard to coordinate because of scheduling and being an adult in our "busy is king" world.
100% can relate, even though drawing/painting all day is exactly what I want to be doing and I love my alone time, it can get a little lonely when some days the only "interaction" are people commenting or engaging with what you post online
Definitely! It can be both a blessing and a curse!
Good topic. I'm an artist/designer and my wonderful cat who was my best friend died last year. Since then sometimes the loneliness alongside my grief is crushing and makes me feel almost like its harder to breathe. She would roll around on the floor next to me in the studio, watch films with me in the evenings and was my constant companion. I've been looking for ways to make more connections, the other day I went to a cafe and ended up chatting to half the people in there which was nice (people overheard me talking to the staff then started chatting to me so it wasn't me forcing conversation on strangers just to clarify). But I need something more regular than that so I'm looking for more volunteering and some kind of hobby groups. I often watch too much netflix and UA-cam and it's because it makes me feel less lonely ie the Star Trek crew feel like my colleagues and friends until I realise I'm alone staring at a screen. I'd love to see this topic discussed more as I think loneliness is a huge issue for a lot of us in our current society.
I lost 2 elderly cats last year and it took a while before I decided it was time to adopt again. I was busy with art over the holiday season etc. and then I started to venture out into cat cafes. I spent time playing with cats without the real commitment of owning one. I highly suggest visiting those places or even volunteering at a shelter. After 7 months I finally found a set pair of 2 young kitties from my local FB group where a couple needed to rehome their 2 kitties. They brought me alot of joy & responsibility.
After my spring busy season I still needed something extra so I decided to take up a part time job at my local flower shop. Where I am learning floral design, I communicate with customers. I communicate with my coworkers and occasionally do deliveries and that makes my day. Delivering flowers in nice weather over something positive like a birthday, anniversary or whatever. I am secretly adding so many floral photos to my phone too. I plan to use them for future art reference. I am an extroverted introvert but I wasn't getting outside of the home very much. Volunteering and hobby groups are great if you have the extra time.
I have been meaning to join a coop gallery with a group of artists in my area but I haven't made the commitment to it yet. It looks interesting.
And I discovered you because of Kelsey Rodriguez who you met at Creator Camp! So it brought you at least one follower! Loved your interview with Kelsey on her channel. I live in the boonies of Ontario, and I used most of the suggestions you have - except instead of Fitness or cafes, I watch UA-cam videos and write comments to the creators! LOL! I actually have some cool "comment convos" with some of you folks. Look forward to watching some of your other videos! You are a fabulous artist. (Oh, forgot to say on the Kelsey video that I absolutely LOVE that you don't have a "niche." I love the variety of your art! Obviously your collectors do too!
I like to listen to two books on loop. “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin and “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert. These books always pick me up and put me back on my feet. Another absolute must read for artists is “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. Brooke, I saw in the video that you are familiar with this title already, for everyone else, this one is a bit of a heavy lift, but it will transform your art and life if you do the work.
Thanks for sharing Cory! I'm really enjoying The Artist's Way so far, and I've heard of the others you've mentioned - I'll put them on my list :)
I feel so much loneliness thank you for making a video on it.
My wife reminds me to look for artist associations (still haven’t) and the dog gives me disapproving looks and sighs dramatically for walks. There was also a depression issue I’m now dealing with professionally. Great video. Thanks!
Thanks for watching John! Wishing you the best and hope you can find some ways to help 🙏
Your videos are so high quality Brooke they’re inspiring me so much! I’m a full time artist and def struggle with the lonelies at times. My weekly figure drawing class and going to art shows and markets helps a ton!
Thank you so much! 🙏 A weekly figure drawing class sounds awesome! Glad your finding things that help :)
I am SO glad you did come :') you were the first person I met at camp and you genuinely were the perfect icebreaker for what ended up being a phenomenal weekend.
I often feel hella alone over here on my little island LOL, but you're so right. connecting with like-minded and hearted people definitely makes this lil rock a bit less lonely :) thank you for being one of them
Awe Brad!! So glad we could start off the experience together 🥲
Thank you for being YOU
The crickets during "mur*ered in the Utah Wilderness" hilarious. Nice video quite funny
Discord is great to keep in touch with other creators or like-minded people. Its video and chat functions enable not just painting together over a large distance, but with the right community joining a voice chat in the evening for catch-ups and discussions is possible too.
Would you recommend any?
I love your vibe in front of the camera, it’s very natural and relatable❤
I have been working from home for years. For the past five years, I’ve been working and sleeping in an 8’x8’ room. I have a bedroom that I hardly ever use, and the only thing in my “living” room is a workbench and an arm chair. I live almost my whole day in the same small room and honestly, I love it. I have it all set up perfectly for everything I need, including several pieces of furniture I made or modified especially for the space. I suppose it’s not for everyone, but it works for me and it helps me be very productive and relaxed at the same time. One thing that was a game changer for me was installing multicolored smart lightbulbs in some of the lamps. That way I can use different colors for different times of day it it totally changes the feel of the room just by clicking on the app. Thanks for sharing your journey keep up the great work 🧑🏽🎨
Thank you for talking about this! It’s definitely hard for me to find the balance between staying focused on work/ being productive and not getting lonely. But, even hearing you talking about it here feels like a bit of connection 💙✨
Thank you Sarah, I'm really happy to hear that! 🥰
Good Video made me feel all warm and fuzzy😁. We were locked down with Covid for 2 years and I only went out to the liquor store and the grocery store. All my art supplies were delivered. My life didn't change a bit. Art Sales went crazy because everyone needed a painting for a backdrop to their zoom calls. It was the best of times. I now suspect I may be an introvert.🙃
It’s really eye opening hearing your thoughts on this topic and a little sad 🥺
Even if it's a little sad, I think its important to share, because you just never know who could benefit from listening!
I just found your channel and I'm definitely going to watch a bunch of your videos and try to support you! Im an artist that really wants to be self employed and just live of my art but it's hard. I'm currently offering pet portrait commissions and selling prints, I might go into animation a bit but yeah it's hard to make income streams for sure. But I'm happy to maybe support your art dream 😊
Thanks I needed this video. Nice to know I’m not alone, feeling alone.
Of course! Thanks for watching 🙏
Thanks, this is a topic I have been thinking a lot about lately! It’s nice to know I’m not alone in that and the tips!
Thanks for watching! Hope it helped 😊
A true artist is bound to be in solitude as that's the only place where he finds peace and isn't misunderstood
Mmmm I would say that may be true for some, but not all! I think that solitude is definitely important, but not totally essential to be a "true artist"
Spoken like a real troll sir 😀Nope, this statement is true only for those who believe it. There are plenty of other, healthier way to live an arty life ❤
@@remybernard5222 calling others trolls, just after they poor their heart out, so very healthy of you
I became basically a recluse when the pandemic hit. I’m an introvert, I don’t like crowds or loud noise so my time alone was and is a huge blessing. Rather than my art causing solitude, it was solitude that brought me to art. I’m new to painting and enjoying the creative aspect. I can’t in any way compare my artistry to yours but I thought you might find my different perspective interesting.
Nice to discover your channel through this theme. It’s very cool that you talked about that 😊
I DO like this video, Brooke! Contemplating how to put some social cushions in place - living in Portugal and moving to a new city (after 3 years) this fall. Still don’t speak Portuguese enough to have a conversation. 🤪
😂🙃 omg the “tortured artist” spiraling in her own thoughts!
I thought I was the only one!
Still recovering ❤️🩹
As someone living in the GTA it is absolutely wild that a studio space Toronto is more expensive than in a city like Vienna …
Thank you for covering this topic,
I relate to much of it. Feeling lonely is not easy to bring up in conversation, so I appreciated listening. We can all feel a little less along after watching :)
You wouldn't think it would be more expensive, but I was paying 200 euros a month for a nice space in Vienna and here in Toronto I can't seem to find anything decent for under like $600/month!
Thanks for watching, happy to provide some company 🥰
Been binge watching your videos. It's so soothing and relaxing, it's addictive. I've been diagnosed with anxiety disorder. Watching your videos really calms my nerve. I really really don't know how. I know too many information for you. Just wanted you to know that your videos helped. Thank you and keep it up.
Thats really nice of you to say, thanks a lot and glad to hear your enjoying my videos! All the best 🙏
I enjoyed the Instagram+ loneliness videos. Thanks for an uplifting video on ways to combat loneliness. You reminded me that WE are responsible for our wellbeing - Not other people, organizations+ locations 🎉
I really enjoyed this video, thank you for sharing your tips on how to combat loneliness as being an artist!
Volunteering as an art tutor has really helped me with loneliness, sharing my passion for creating and helping others who are lonely as well and I am learning new skills as well.
Super thankful for this video!! As a full time artist this hits home 🤧
Your most authentic video yet! Love this! My strategy hasn’t evolved past the “get a cat” solution to loneliness… so the tips in the vid and in the comments rock. Thank you!
Hello Brooke,
I understand and like your honest perspective & admissions of the truly difficult aspects of working independently. My own experience of loneliness is something that I find difficult to discuss or explore on such a public platform as UA-cam. I am pretty self-conscious a lot of the time & have experiences of these mental health struggles too. I did not have a problem with addressing them during the University years, but have found the life of Art making, even with all the exhibitions available in London, England very unsettling, when accompanying friends around Art galleries, while not focussing enough on the business and development aspects of being an Artist. Then after some very tough conversations with friends whom had continued growing, working and studying within the Royal College of Art, I realised that what I actually required was a new challenge.
So in response to some of the questions and challenges that you raise in your videos, I decided that the best way to build up some mutual trust and respect, is to ask you if you would like to be email buddies?
It could be worthwhile to see if my imagination ,can link up with your imagination to produce a network, that can be a positive group for the you of the Fine Artist community, in Canada. I have family over in Vancouver & they also paint whilst managing to engage with logical & practical, decision making. It's great that you are making your own way in the career that you have chosen & are able to identify, the hobbies & day to day routines, which allow a sense of fulfilment.
I completely respect you experience of and confusion when dealing with all the different messaging Apps & texting is something that I actually struggle with too, I figure that this is due to being born before the year 2000 with of a sensible persuasion, like yourself. It's great that you have met someone that you are happy living with, none of my friends from university were open to sharing an apartment. Therefore I am just at a stage where I am open to rebuilding my social skills with makers abroad.
My internal dialogue composed an idea, as I was listening to your troubles and resilience, so let me know if this is helpful & then I can email you, some of the solutions & concepts that I recommend would be helpful to work towards.
Phone calls with you & Tim would be a very responsible method of teaching & understanding more about your audience. Tell more of why it is that people make art!
Best,
@kitintheart
BA Visual & Conceptual Art
PS: Have a look at the output of Naughty Dog Studio & The Last Of Us.
I would love to know what you feel toward such a genre, with a review of criticisms & compliments!
Favourite word of the day: Antimony
Regard & Disregard. :)
Thank you for talking about this. Just from watching your video I already feel less lonely.🥰 Another thing that makes me feel less lonely is pets. A spontaneous cuddle from a fluffy friend can do wonders during a solitary drawing session.
Awe thank you Kirsten! I'm happy to hear that 😚 and I 100% agree with that! I really wish I could have a fluffy friend at home too!
Great points and I can definitely relatie to it! I'm glad you're using different ways to deal with loneliness. Also my god you're hilarious. "Pooping and other stuff' made me snort some extra air out of my nose haha. Good giggles, thanks
Haha thanks a lot Cas, I appreciate it! 🙏
Great advice! Sounds like you've conquered. So wonderful that you shared. ❤️👍
Thank you! 🧡
Clicked on this video for the title but then my ears perked up when you said: I moved to Austria 🙉
I'm in Vienna and love to connect with other creators (and help them to be less lonely) so I'd love to connect w you.
You spoke about my life as an Artist but I guess its a story of every Artist Out there. Glad you shared your experience with us ♥️💐
Visual arts and isolation go hand-in-hand, as they require contemplation within the self, but inspiration from the world and people around us. Similar to the paradoxical nature of many artists being chaotic by nature, but needing a clean and open space in order to think clearly. Going out and interacting with others, and even just getting fresh air is consistent with what's helped me as well. I will say that the intrusive thoughts you mentioned in the video are your unconscious mind letting out repressed emotions that are important to acknowledge, so it's best not to try and "turn them off", but rather, we should observe and coach ourselves through them since we cannot get rid of that side of us when we're alone. Then again - deeply emotional people make great artists :). Blessings
Thanks for your comment Daniel 🙏 I am certainly a deeply emotional person, so I guess I picked the right profession haha. I think you make a great point about getting fresh air - it's something I forgot to mention in the video so thanks for sharing!
I can imagine a podcast with you, and that's looks nice in my head.
I think what many people underestimate is how important it is to have community, especially in the long run. If there is absolutely no connection between you and the town you live in, this is a recipe for depression. Friendships outside of the community you live in are valuable as well but if you can only call people on the phone to stay in touch, that's not enough. If you have a place you call home in the world, there's absolutely no shame in returning there after your studies or even staying there all your life if that makes you happy. A lesson I needed a few years to figure out.
That's a great point. I'm glad you were able to figure that out for yourself 💛 I'm still working on building more of a community where I live, it's a work in progress! Thanks for watching and sharing 🤗
Hi my name is Donald and I just wanted to tell you I enjoyed your vlog it was interesting and it opens some doors in my life that I didn't even know was even there I just wanted to say thank you have a great safe blessed journey wherever you go
I checked your friend's channel, gosh he's so handsome!
firstly the important stuff the ways i cope with loneliness are doing chores, listening to music, playing with my cat, video games, anime and youtube and yea nice singing brooke you have great voice maybe opera singer as side job and hope you dont fall to loneliness demon take care! now for the unimportant stuff .
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. As a beginner artist i can relate to loneliness my social life is zero i rarely go out and never had any girlfriend i do enjoy going outdoors on hikings and stuff, now about my friend loneliness, been together for quite sometime having barely any friends 2-3 who i dont have much interaction with even though we are close i dont wanna burden/annoy them too much by being talkative much and i tried to talk to people and make friends online text them on social media and stuff things go good for a while, then things go down as i am ghosted and it happens again and again well i lost my motivation to do art though i love it i mean i still do art but not as much active i used to be and procrastination on top of it, then ai stuff started to question my skills and the improvement all good stuff to talk about haha
Thanks for sharing - I hope you can find a good balance in your life and wish you all the best! 🙏
I too enjoy listening to podcasts or audiobooks while creating art. I remember Bret Weinstein talking about how he and his wife like to listen to audiobooks while working on a puzzle together in the evenings. He says the activities use different parts of the brain.
Interesting, thanks for sharing Steve! I also love doing puzzles, I'll have to throw on an audiobook next time :)
You talk pretty well as someone who doesn't go out much and living in solitude. I wish I have your confidence in storytelling. I'm an introvert and socially anxious at the same time. I couldn't express myself much when I'm talking and I often stutter.
your story is almost identical to mine after university. Thank you SO much for this video
This sounds very familiar to me, thank you for the tips! I used to rent an art studio, and when we were looking for a home to buy, we searched for a place with an extra room for my art studio, it was a very practical choice, I didn't realise how much I would miss the time spent outside of home, at my old art studio. Little things like making a bit of small talk with the receptionist when picking up my mail for the day, or visiting the café and meeting a friend for lunch near my studio. I do like to work alone most of the time though, so as a solution I now work 1 day at an art studio in the city with other artists, purely for social contact, it's a win-win. :)
Thank you very much Brooke for this video, it really helped me to understand that I am not alone in this loneliness of the artist. I send you a hug:))
Thank you! Great video. I understand well what you are talking about.
New on your channel, so nice to discover good content on UA-cam. You even sing!!! I feel very connected to you, as the way you talk and act looks similar to the way I do!! ❤ I will check out more of your videos. I am in the way to become a professional artist. Thanks for sharing your content!
Great video, very funny 🤣 and relatable. Isolation can be really hard and take its toll , it's great that you try to help yourself and that you shared.
I so know what you mean about the resistance to do things to help ourselves, it can become a vicious circle, glad you're managing and scheduling things that help...
I also try to go places where I could have micro interactions with nice people, like my pilates class and my yoga class.
Loved your creative video 💙
Thanks so much for watching Enza, and I appreciate your comment! 😚
I can totally relate. Being an artist and working from home lack that interaction with people during the insane amount of hours that you spend working and hanging out with friends during the weekend doesn’t make up for it. on top of that, i leave alone so i don’t even have interaction with parents/siblings 😅
I came across your channel yesterday, and binge watched a bit, love your work, though I am not an artist, rather a wannabe, I have a really wide range of interests, but love watching inspirational people, and that you certainly are!
I was thinking about various things related to comments you have made in your videos, but will probably send my thoughts in an email rather than leave them in the comments.
Nothing negative, just some thoughts, ideas and observations£
You are an amazing talent Brooke!
Thanks so much Richard, I appreciate it! 🙏
Yup, everything you said is very, very true and relatable.
It is unbelievable how much I resonate with this. Thank you so much for being vulnerable and sharing this. I admire you and your work so much ❤
Thankyou for this video, i so related & need that ✨
Thank you for making this video. As an introvert I think I enjoy the solitude of the artist life more than some, but after 5 years in my home studio I'm looking to rent an additional studio space just to feel more a part of my local community. I think the extra expense will be worth it. In the meantime I've set up a weekly lunch date with another self-employed friend and I joined an exercise class as well.
The last months i had worked in my first solo exhibition, i have never been this lonely in my life but at the same time soo happy, the exhibit went very well and now i have two more exhibits on the way, all the hard work and time it's starting to pay of, im still very lonely because but have never stop creating and the joy i feel after a finish piece its soo special
Congratulations on your successful solo exhibition! I hope your next two are also a success and that you manage to find a way to solve the loneliness issue along the way 🙏
I've never met anyone with the last name CORMIER. and you pronounce it correctly!.Cormier is my mother's maiden name... It gets me wondering since my grandfather came from Maine that maybe there's a connection there...since your from Canada right? Lol hopeful thinking that I might have an artist like myself as a distant relative lol....I promise I'm not a weirdo...I wasn't gonna comment but this video is about connections right!? 😅 thanks for all you do. You are so sweet and inspirational.
Not an artist (Amateur) :)) but therapist here in my own practice… despite being with people (patients) all day, I feel very lonely 😕 so, decided to work in clinic, as this is the way to connect with colleagues more often.. thank you for this video, now I understand that there are a lot of professions that can be lonely
So awesome to see this I thought I was alone in this. I quite my day job Dec 2019 right before covid expecting to get out and do art walls and events and we'll that didn't happen. I consider myself an introvert so I looked forward to not having to interact with people on a daily basis but boy was I wrong lol I needed someone besides my wife to interact with. This video helps!!
Hello friend 😊 I hope you are doing okay mentally your art deserves to be seen all over sacrifice over relationships and friendships is just another thing one has to do sometimes
By the way I love your enthusiasm and your voice skills it's just amazing I feel like you would be an amazing character in the in the TV show or something like that I would be super dope you have great charisma about you🎉
Art is such a solo experience, I’ve never been able to paint in a group
Thanks you so much 4 this! I was wishing to have this kinda of lessons/tips
I really really resonate with you! I'm glad someone made a video on this! I really struggle with motivation and loneliness if I don't balance well my time with socializing. It's easy for me to become obsessed with my art but I noticed that in the long run this just isn't healthy for me and my mood. For me the solution is to separate work time from other activities (especially if you work from home) and as you said, planning ahead some time for friends and activities and stick to it even if , initially, you don't feel like going.
Thanks a lot for sharing Sonia! 🙏 I appreciate it!
I love your channels. It's very inspiring, and you're a gem. 💎
Relatable - love this ☺️🙏 I will check out your art!
So glad you brought up this topic. I work from home and love it most of the time. Loneliness enters the front door at times though. Nice to know that talking with strangers, baristas, etc is a tick mark for socializing!
❤your humor ‼️
Thanks a lot Joan! 🙏
lol I love the singing at the end! I found you at Kelsey's podcast and I really loved your conversation ☺️ I learned a ton from you! I just subscribed and I hope to see more of your videos in the future 🥰🧡 Take care always!
Awe thanks a lot Jessica!! I appreciate it 🤗
This was an amazing random video to be recommended for me! I've been dealing with lonliness lately, and I think Siri listened and gave me a youtube algorithmic gem! Thanks so much for the openness, logical way of looking at something I feel a lot of people deal with, but like me didn't know how to express it.
Thanks a lot for watching and for your comment! 🙏😊
Great video Brooke - thanks for sharing 😁
Thanks for watching Gavin!
This is so relatable to me as well. I loved the college life and I went from that to moving to a new country to be with my now-husband and everyone here speaks a different language than me. It is hard and a lot of pressure to make new friends. I can speak the language, but it's not the same as having friends to interact with who are English-speaking. I do have my husband's friends, but it's not the same as having friends of your own. I'm possibly going to move back to the US next year and am looking forward to that. I really miss my friends and family back home.
Thats why I even gave up my stay at home hustle two years ago and started working in a job again. I think it's a better worklife balance this way. :)
I'm glad you found something that works for you! 🤗
Struggled with this at various stages of being a full time artist ( over 30+ years ) some great advice there. It is by nature a very insular occupation that almost requires this hermit like isolation and immersion for us to develop and grow as artists .
But huge inspiration can come from our interactions with other artists and wider world
I have dealt with this for many, many years and over the recent year, I started to go into a public park to workout (because I really don't like gyms) and have started a small community of calesthenics in there, and have been a game changer for me. Also, try to find some time to do some RP games on the weekends. Artist life can be lonely, but it can definitely be easier if we do get out of the confort zone. Thanks for sharing your experience and giving some more tools to work with =D
That's wonderful, I'm glad you were able to find that for yourself Enmanuel! Thanks for watching and sharing 🤗
Precious video, thank you ❤️
In the same boat as a children’s illustrator and it’s a struggle! These are all great ways to get out. Been thinking more lately about how much I need these. Thank you Brooke!
The struggle is real!! Hope you can find some things to help in your own life ☺thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for this video! I'd like to add more, you can deal with loneliness by doing something new, try to draw something you have never tried before, as an artist it'll definitely gonna fun and with this loneliness hack you'll learn something new too. Hoping that it'll help you who's reading this. Thanks again!☺️✌️
Amazing video Brooke so so relatable! 😊 Im a concept artist myself and its amazing how much more inspiration I feel when talking to other creatives in the same boat and to geek out over art with 😁💯
Thank you for sharing your experience Brooke, God bless!
As someone who works in video production and mostly doing work by myself, this is actually so real that not many people talk about!
I am not an artist but since this year started loneliness have started in my life and not just started but increased a lot painfully due to some personal reason, i am using meditation and some lifestyle changes to deal with it and maybe to even solve it .By the way i saw one of your painting the one in which you were drawing a tree near a body of water, wow amazing .First time seeing your channel.
thank you for sharing ❤, somehow its good to know that this is a common struggle and not some sort of a personal curse ^^ . i would say finding an online community did help me a lot and it doesn't have to be an art community it could be any group that you share a common interest with , it really does help specially if you cant meet with your friends IRL as much as u would like to .
Excellent tips for artists. When I paint I like listening to podcasts, too ...but I should go out and meet other artists more often 🙂
Thanks for watching Lara! It definitely helps to have some artist friends :)
Love to hear your story, sis. Usually i do the same, like painting while listening music. That's make me really enjoy the moment. Also lonely is the powerful of introvert
Thank you and Keep going for you! 😊
Thanks for watching! Yes, music can also be helpful... and dancing! :)
This was very helpful, thank you!
Good video!
It´s nice to see an honest take on the experience with loneliness, and i like that you took that experience with positivity.
PS i also enjoyed the musical number at the end 😁 new suscriber unlocked
As a writer, I can really relate to this. When I graduated from school, I moved back home for a few months to look for a permanent job and figure out what was next. Those were some of the most productive "writing" days because, similar to you, I turned my childhood bedroom into a little office. I'd literally roll out of bed, write, apply for jobs, then roll back into bed. It wasn't healthy, socially, and covid sort of became that too, except I at least had my partner with me during that time. Finding that balance is never a one size fits all.
Sounds like a very similar experience, and indeed, balance looks different for everyone, it's just a matter of finding what works for you! Thanks for watching and all the best 🙏
@@b.cormier Totally agree! 😁
Very Amazing.
Thanks
So relatable! Great video, love your editing. ❤ keep ‘em coming :)
Thank you so much! :)
Hi Brooke! You are sooo funny and talented. I admire how you manage success and challenges. Keep up the positive outlook in life.
Thanks a lot Jasmin! 🙏 All the best!
Im a retired Canadian, moved to Panama SA and deal with isolation everyday in a foreign country. Ive started up a paint and sip here and its been good for me to keep busy and keep my passion going. Its hard. Today is hard and then I found this video....Isolation is hard some times...keep painting
A paint and sip sounds like a wonderful idea! It can be really hard, but it sounds like you’re taking action and that’s most important. I wish you all the best! 🙏
Another fun to watch video. Love your humor!
Awwwn I love these tips. I've been thinking of some sort of "art camp" like a place where a bunch of artists get together in a beautiful inspiring space and just paint for 2 weeks together or something. You know? I havn't found anything interesting online but wow that would be so cool.
Thanks for watching Marie! 😊 I attended a painting retreat a few years ago with an art association which was really nice! It would be great to do something like that again, maybe we'll have to plan it ourselves!
That mushroom painting is breathtaking 🙊
Thank you!! It's available on my website ;)
Great video, but that outro compelled me to sub and like (and laugh) 😃👍
Haha I guess I will have to sing more 😜 thanks for sticking around!
2 second commute back to bed 🛌
😂 I definitely had that too!!!
I must admit I have struggled with this...especially in winter and especially when the stupid car decided to die just before Xmas and nowhere open all over Xmas into new year to get it fixed so was unable to go anywhere. The only getting out of the house I had was to walk the dogs. Having the dogs does help...not just walking but training (We do agility) and shows to compete. Also been helping for an hour at the local primary school helping 8-9 year olds with their art...just voluntary right now but a learning curve for me and also a bit more human interaction.