MeetUp

Since my network of single friends has been diminishing over the passed few years, I’ve needed to expand my network or circle of peers. I’ve found that one of the best ways to find people to share common interests and hobbies with is MeetUp.com

If you’re looking to become more physically active, chances are there is a MeetUp group near you for hiking, rollerblading, bowling or my personal favorite, volleyball.

The volleyball group I attend meets every Saturday. I think it’s made the difference in my weekly workout. I’ve actually lost ten pounds in the past four months. That is very difficult for me.

Most of my work involves freelance film and video editing in Los Angeles. This year has been a bit slow and I discovered a support group on MeetUp.com for job seekers. The host, Jeremy Ericksen, started the group to help support the many unemployed people recently laid off in these difficult times. I attended a few meetings, but at the very first meeting Jeremy helped me restructure my resume. One of the meetings was even filmed for a segment that aired on NBC. I had my two seconds on screen.

There are numerous film groups forming on MeetUp every day for networking or simply getting together and watching favorite or newly released films.

MeetUp.com has numerous groups for singles. I have attended events at various types of locations that I usually haven’t been to before. Some of the places I hadn’t been to before in Los Angeles include: Nirvana, Busby’s East and The Edison. If you haven’t been to The Edison downtown you must go. It has a great dark gothic vibe to it with silent films screening on the walls. A burlesque female dancer dances erotically on top of the bar and a stage with a giant snake.

Through another MeetUp group I was able to return to the amazing Griffith Observatory years after it was shut down for repairs. I missed staring out at the stars through telescopes and feeling close to the Universe.

Recently, I went bowling with a new MeetUp. I love bowling and rarely go. This group provided that opportunity to meet others that like bowling.

Often times MeetUp groups will combine forces to make sure there is a good turnout at a specific event.

These MeetUp groups I’ve joined and events I’ve attended are just my preferences for hobbies and activities that interest me. There are MeetUp groups in many cities across the United States. You can find a group simply by searching for your own interests and hobbies. Even better, if you don’t find the hobby or interest you have in your city you can create your own MeetUp group. There is a fee for start-up groups.

MeetUp is a fantastic way for people to meet new people, expand your network, enhance your social circle and heal your mind, body and soul. Perhaps you might even find yourself. The MeetUp.com home page states, 'Do something. Learn something. Share something. Change something.' Well, what are you waiting for? MeetUp!