Dude this resonates with me so much, especially the idea behind talking to people being self-perpetuating. A good way to force yourself to do this is going out alone - it forces you to be in the moment and removes anyone you might use as a "crutch".

I can't wait to get back down to Bristol - I've been stuck at home jobhunting for the past 10 weeks. I reckon I'll be back around the 6th/7th October, I'll hit you and some of the guys up. Need to dust off those cobwebs!