lost and desperate

[25yearsmlc]

SS,

your GAL list is a great start. I think without GAL, detachment is nearly impossible.

For GAL suggestions, let me mention some of what I did when we lived in the interior of Alaska, even in the winter.
I had 3 kids including a baby (so you know I don't want to hear about how you are 'too busy' to GAL).

We also knew no one when we moved there, and since I had no job upon arrival, GAL was really the catalyst for making friends.

Inertia is the greatest enemy to GAL. Overcome that, & getting out of your comfort zone, & you'll be well on your way to living a happier more fulfilling life. IMO, the more you overcome inertia, the better your R's will be with all people, including your h.

I volunteered at a battered women's shelter.

I coached a girl's softball team for two summers (my older D was on it).

I was on the board of directors for Wrestling, (b/c our son wrestled).

I auditioned for community theater and met some fun creative people.
I got cast, too.

I did stand up comedy (and yes, I still do it). I did a whole set once on a MLCs at the Improv. It went very well.

I learned to cross country ski, became a better shooter.

I Learned to hunt big game, to deep sea fish, & I got better at downhill skiing.

I learned to use a snowmobile ("snow machine" to Alaskans)

I loved riding.

Learned to fly a plane, and I got a pilot's license.

I edited a hunting book. (The book ended up on the Best Seller's List. Who knew?)

I Worked out 3-4 times a week, and I really did get in excellent shape. Looking good made a world of difference to me.

Plus, I'd just had our last child & I needed to lose the baby weight. It was not easy to do, let alone in the dark, deathly cold of their LONG winters.

In the winter, I used a tanning booth, which helped me a lot with depression. I felt more energized, and it probably helped my appearance, which also helps us FEEL better.

Saw a therapist and for some months, went on ADs.

Took a pottery class (very odd for ME to do, but I liked it a lot).

Joined the Officer's Wives club, after 15 years of active duty & ignoring them.
(I only wish I had joined sooner! Met two women who are life long friends to this day.)

Joined a writer's group (ended up having something I wrote, produced).

Took a class in Conversational French

Took a class in Italian cooking

There is more, but I just wanted to suggest to you a few things you can do that do not cost a lot.
Other than pilot training, most of these ^^ activities were free, or quite cheap.

Hope that helps.