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My family and I have moved eight times in the last seven years. Our relocations have taken us across the United States, following wonderful career opportunities for my husband and leading to terrific adventures for our two young children. But as a woman, it hasn't always been easy to build and maintain connections across the states. I will admit that sometimes I felt like a lone star.

Whether you have moved to a new location, become a new mother, or recently opted to leave your career to stay home with your children, you may have found yourself in a new situation. If so, help defeat loneliness by following one these steps:

Participate in a Parenting Group: When I move to a new place, the first thing I look for is a parenting group such as MOPS. Your librarian or physician may have information regarding local parenting networks, or you can look online. Within parenting networks, there are usually organized specialty groups. Be sure to take advantage of the babysitting co-ops, mom's night outs, family potlucks, and other cost effective ways to take breaks, recharge, and meet new friends.

Choose a Church: A little time focusing on your spirit each week is more than good for the soul; it is a great way to engage in social interaction. You can make new friends who have similar lifestyles as yours, and you may be surprised to find there is no better woman's support group than an interested group of moms from church.

Have a Chat: Thanks to e-mail, I have always felt connected to my loved ones across the country. Take a little time each week to e-mail your friends and family members. Also, try reaching out to others online at one of the many interactive support groups waiting in cyberspace. Visit the MOPS forums www.MOPS.org for starters, and connect with other mothers like you across the globe.

Make Some Moolah: Working from home as a freelance writer gives me the intellectual boost I crave and allows me to follow my passion. But you don't have to be a writer to fill your need for professional stimulation. Engage in a work-from-home business that allows you to get out and meet people by selling make-up, candles, or musical instruments. Re-enter the work force in your chosen field. Work part time as a consultant, or sell your baked goods, arts, and crafts in local markets.

Volunteer: I have met many new friends by volunteering in my children's school activities. But if being Room Mom is not your idea of fun, many local organizations are thrilled to have volunteers. Stock shelves at the community food bank, decorate the local retirement home for the holidays, or read to students at the public school.

Get Active: In my experience, there is always someone willing to join me on a daily walk. We rejuvenate our bodies with cardiovascular activity and replenish our spirits with vibrant conversation. Join a gym with babysitting services, or start a jogging group to boost your own healthy habits while meeting other women.

Meet and Greet: Become involved in your local neighborhood association or host a "Meet the Neighbors" party. Take frequent walks around the block, or play with your kids in the front yard, and greet people as they pass by.

Take a Class: Have you always wanted to learn how to scrapbook, speak a foreign language, or do a perfect karate chop? Well, now's the time. Set aside one night a week for an enrichment class, letting a loved one bond with your child while you revive yourself.

The simple truth is that we all want to meet new friends and gain social interaction. So, be brave and approach someone. Also, be kind when another courageous soul approaches you. Soon, you'll have more friends and activities than you can squeeze into a day; and you'll have a hard time remembering how it ever felt to be lonely.

Julie Cantrell is a stay-at-home mother of two spirited children, Emily, 7, and Adam, 4. They reside in Oxford, Mississippi after spending seven years traveling and relocating across the United States.

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