Summer is here which means cookouts, pool parties, and nights that we wish would never end. (Insert every song every written about summer with that line.) But it’s not what you hoped it would be. You find yourself feeling left out of these big events. People that you thought were your friends didn’t send you that text or phone call. You’re scrolling on social media, and see the photos. You immediately have this sinking feeling in your gut.

And before you know it, you are binge watching Netflix movies with a pint of Halo Top wondering, “What’s wrong with me?” “Why didn’t they think to call or text me.” “I thought we were all friends.”

How did I describe you so perfectly? Friend. I have been there before. It hurts being the one who’s left out. It hurts sitting there, wondering why they did it. So let me help you get out of this funk. By the end of this blog post, I hope you feeling inspired & encouraged.

Stop feeling sorry for yourself.

Yep. I went there with a truth bomb on the first one. Sitting in your room saying, “Woe is me” isn’t going to make you feel any better. (Trust me, I’ve learned.)  Instead, let yourself feel what you need to feel about the situation.(Cry, write in your journal, confide in your parents or siblings, confide in a close friend, listen to music, etc.) Once you get those feelings out you will feel lighter.

Get Out of The House

This may seem super simple right? But forcing yourself to dress up, put make-up on, and just get out of the house will leave you feeling refreshed. Even if you have no where to go, just get dolled up, and go take a drive.

Make Time For A New Relationship

If this is a friend group who has repeatedly left you out, then it’s time for a relationship change. Call or text that person whom you haven’t seen or spoken too in a while, but they’ve been on your mind. See if they would like to go out for coffee, & chat. Join a club. Join a gym or take workout classes. There’s so many ways to meet new people. You will find the community you are meant to be with.

Hustle Hard

Maybe you are looking at the above, and thinking, “Yeah that sounds great, but I don’t have time with school & work.” That’s okay. Take that energy that you are spending worrying about your problem with friends, & turn it into something productive. Don’t waste time. Rather use it to further your education, or start hustling for that dream you have had. Maybe you have thought about owning your own business, but feel you are too young. Or that people would make fun of you for it. I highly encourage you to read this blog post from Hope Taylor who started her business when she was only 16. She is now 22, and making over 6 figures in her business. (Wouldn’t that be amazing!) (P.S.– More resources down below!)

Grow Your Relationship with God

It’s no secret that I am a Christian, but I have found this to be the most helpful advice I’ve ever received. So I’m passing it on to you. Take that energy that you are spending worrying, & use it to pray about the situation. Sit down, have a chat with God, and let it go. One of my favorite resources is a book titled, “Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely by Lysa TerKeurst”. Her helpful insights along with reading your Bible have changed my perspective. This time that may seem lonely, & frustrating can actually yield the most beautiful fruit if we let it.

 

I hope this has helped you, or put some things into a new perspective. If you have any tips to add, please feel free to add them below. Let’s create an encouraging & inspiring community.

Love,

 

 

 

Other Resources:

Cyberbullying + Harsh Criticism 

Supporting and Parenting A Young Entrepreneur