How to Lead a Fixed Useful Life

If you are house-bound because of a disability or illness, the house doesn't have to be your prison. Your mind can free you, and let you lead a useful life right where you are. Through the marvels of the internet, you can reach out to just about anyone at any time. While this isn't a replacement for being able to physically travel, it goes a long way to bring some companionship into your life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

The Internet

1. Reach out and touch someone thorough the internet in a way that was never possible before. You can actively interface with people even if you are bedridden. Visit chat rooms and message boards, and take college courses you can take online.
2. Use e-mail to keep in touch with friends. It doesn't take a trip to the Post Office to send a letter anymore. Keep up with the people in your life. After corresponding with you regularly, they just might want to drop in and see you personally. It keeps you in the mix.
3. Chat with friends through a free instant message program like Yahoo Messenger. This can be an easy way to keep in touch throughout the day if your friends work at a computer.
4. Play the "virtual life" games that are out there. You can subscribe to one and freely travel through stores, malls, bars, wherever and meet real people behind virtual representations. It won't make up for real life, but you will be entertained.

Reaching Out

5. Join a support group online for people that are housebound or bedridden. Talk with others that are in the same situation that you are in. Nobody understands more than someone going through the same thing.
6. Mentor a schoolboy or girl. The rewards of seeing someone succeed because of the help that you provided can make you understand that your life has meaning, that you are still useful and that being house or bed-bound won't stop you from making a difference in this world.
7. Involve yourself in a vocation. If you're an ardent supporter of the environment, or if you're politically motivated, or even if you have your own cause, get involved. There are many things you can do on the computer and on the telephone to advance your cause.
8. Practice whatever faith it is that you believe in. Connect with their outreach people and let them minister to you as you do with other people.

Finding Entertainment

9. Rent movies online. You no longer need someone to go to the rental store and take them back for you.
10. Take a college course online. You can earn your Doctorate online. For some, keeping their mind sharp and gaining an education is a dream, it's there for you...if you want it.
11. Write about your experiences. You can write article on how you cope with your life. You can delve into an area of study and become an expert in that and write articles that will help you to feel a sense of engagement.

Tips & Warnings

• Do things in moderation so you don't tire yourself out.
• Don't give away your money to anyone online unless it's from a reputable organization like a school or charity. There are people out there that engage in scams against the physically challenged.
• Don't get addicted to "virtual life" programs. This can get very expensive. Use it as entertainment, not to replace your real life.