During the pandemic, the essence of human interaction became both infrequent and precarious. Suddenly, being physically close was seen as hazardous, social gatherings appeared prohibited, and Zoom emerged as the main avenue for connection. What many anticipated to be a short two-week break transformed into extended solitude, which continues to affect our capability to bond.

According to a report released by the U.S. Surgeon General, almost half of American adults express feelings of loneliness. Even years after lockdowns and social distancing measures, the emotional impact persists. However, loneliness is not merely a transient feeling; it stands as a public health crisis associated with cognitive deterioration, elevated blood pressure, mental health challenges, diabetes, infectious diseases, and beyond.

I was among those who felt isolated. Thus, this year, I made a commitment to change my circumstances. I discovered a new in-person hobby that unexpectedly altered my life—and it all started on Threads.

A Transformative Day in Denver

To grasp how this journey commenced, we need to turn back to June 26, 2022. That day was pivotal for Colorado sports enthusiasts: the Colorado Avalanche secured the Stanley Cup against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Coincidentally, that weekend also marked Pride in Denver. My partner and I traveled from Boulder to Denver to partake in the Pride festivities, unaware of the electric atmosphere created by the overlap of both events.

We found ourselves in a bar adorned with an array of Pride flags and Avalanche jerseys. While the game unfolded before me, I was entranced by the speed, intensity, and thrills of hockey. It felt like stepping back into the “before times,” yet also as though I had stumbled across something utterly novel and exhilarating.

When Nathan MacKinnon and Artturi Lehkonen netted the game-winning goal, I was hooked. Hockey immediately became my new fascination.

A few months later, my partner and I experienced our first Avalanche game at Ball Arena. That event intensified our passion for the sport. We purchased jerseys, gathered commemorative pucks, and binge-watched programs like Letterkenny. But it wasn’t solely the sport that enticed me—it was the camaraderie.

I dove headfirst into the culture: mastering the inside jokes of the Avalanche’s broadcasting team, discussing trades with fellow fans on Facebook, and following players throughout the NHL. It was a realm that felt welcoming, inclusive, and surprisingly wholesome for a sport known for its toughness.

Then, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) launched in 2023. Women’s hockey was gaining traction, and I found myself motivated. If players like Taylor Heise could achieve their dreams, why couldn’t I?

Starting From Square One

I had never played hockey before. I had never even stepped into hockey skates. Yet, I was eager to give it a shot.

As a neurodivergent woman who hadn’t made new friends for years, the thought of stepping into a new sport with unfamiliar faces was intimidating. So, I did what many millennials tend to do: I reached out on the internet. I made a post on Threads, seeking advice or support.

What I received was far beyond that.

My post linked me with individuals who not only cherished hockey but actively played it and had forged friendships through the sport. One of those individuals was Sarah Speights, a board member of the Women’s Association of Colorado Hockey (WACH), who connected me with the Denver Women’s Hockey League (DWHL).

From that juncture, everything shifted.

I signed up for DWHL’s free Hockey 101 clinic, using skates that Sarah lent me and equipment provided by the league. I began skating lessons, completed the clinic, and registered for the league.

In January, I participated in the PWHL Takeover Tour in Denver, an event that attracted over 14,000 fans—many of whom were players—to celebrate women’s hockey. The sense of belonging was immense and reinforced my choice to hit the ice.

A month later, I persuaded my partner to join a co-ed league alongside me. Now, we frequent the rink one to two times weekly, either playing or practicing.

Rediscovering the Positives of Social Media

Social media frequently receives negative attention—and for valid reasons. Nevertheless, in 2025, it still retains a glimmer of its original intent: fostering community.

If you’re experiencing isolation or are in search of connections, begin with what already brings you joy. Investigate online communities, search for local gatherings, and explore free or inexpensive means to get involved. That’s the path I took, leading me to a beloved hobby and a community I never realized I needed.

All it took was a single post on Threads and some shared gear.

So, stop fretting about perfection or maintaining an image. Take the plunge, try something different, and observe where it leads you. You might just discover your tribe—and yourself—along the way.