Friendship in Print

One of my challenges this year is to take more time out for friendship. I think the Internet is an absolutely wonderful way of locating old friends, renewing past friendships, staying in touch, and making new friends. But, one of the big dangers I have seen and experienced with "friendship via the Internet" is how easily it is to misinterpret what is said in print. What can appear to be a rather terse note might just be a few words written in a hurry. What can appear to lack compassion or connection might be the result of fatigue on the part of the writer. It is just so hard to tell!

Another danger, I have found is how people often distance themselves from their words when they send emails or texts. That is good when the writer needs the distance to get more in touch with how he or she is really feeling. However, it is not good when people feel free to share things they would never feel comfortable saying to someone in person. I can't tell you how many people I have talked to who have seen friendships dissolve through insensitive posts on Facebook or quickly dashed off emails.

I find myself often trying to clarify what I mean through those ever prevalent emoticons or through an explanation of my tone in brackets "(sarcasm)," or "(I'm smiling while I type this)". But often, that kind of spelling out of emotions breaks the flow of what I am saying - and often just seems silly.

What ways have you found to use the Internet to strengthen these ties - and not harm them? What have you experienced in staying in touch via the Internet?

Warmly, and in friendship :)
Lisa

Keeping track....

Yikes - I flipped the calendar over this week, and realized that the "Day of Reckoning" in terms of my 2011 plans/ goals/ dreams was almost at hand.

So, how have I done so far? I decided to take an inventory of some of my goals/ dreams (I won't catalog them all here, because as my kids would be happy to tell you "Her resolutions take pages!"), but here are a few:

1.  Lose 25 pounds - I have lost 9 lbs. My goal is to lose 3-4 more pounds before the end of the year to reach my halfway point.

2. Finish writing my book and send it off to an editor- this is one of my "dreams" - I define dreams as goals straight from the heart. I was successful in completing my book, and it is in the hands of three editors. This goal is right on track.

3. Move my two nonprofit organizations ahead - I have made small progress with one, very little with the other. This is a new goal for 2012.


4. Develop a new friendship - this goal was achieved in surprising ways. An old friend from the past and I reconnected and have been corresponding, now making plans to have dinner.  A surprising way to make a "new friend".


What are your dreams and goals? What success have you had in moving them forward? What are your plans for 2012?
 

Keeping Dreams Alive....

I think that one of the most challenging parts of making dreams a reality is keeping dreams alive. This is especially true during times when I am overwhelmed with work -or when I am in a down period and just find it plain hard to move my dreams forward.

During these times, I find my lists invaluable. If I can't make progress on my dreams, I can at least make progress organizing my space and my time to work on them. I can take my big dreams and break them down into bite-sized pieces and schedule them in. I can sit down over tea or a glass of wine with my husband and strategize on how to get back on track.

I admit - it isn't easy to keep trudging ahead -especially with dreams that years of planning. But, having achieved several of them - I can you that tell that they are worth the plodding.

As fall begins to settle over the prairie, and the fire grass is starting to blaze its brilliant orange and red hues, I am starting to shift gears and am thinking more of my indoor goals and dreams. As I am closing up my gardens for the year, picking the pumpkins and the last of this season's squash, I am dusting off writing projects and recipes, pulling out the knitting needles and planting indoor herbs.

The dreams that went dormant in summer are stirring with new life!

What are your dreams for the winter months?

What is your dream? Here are a few of mine...

Now that my nest is emptying, I am disciplining myself. Yes, through the years of raising children, working, paying bills, I have had many dreams - started many projects and then set them aside. But, with my nest ready to dust out, I am focusing on these projects and disciplining myself to get them completed-- all the while indulging in those small endeavors (new recipes, travel, reading) that I love. I am developing and building on my faith life -- seeking to be fruitful.

What are your dreams? The winds are blowing.. before this world "knows us no more" let's jump in a seize the day! Here are a few of the projects I am working on:
  - two writing projects
  - straw bale gardening
  - exercising on a regular basis
   - cooking new recipes
   - meeting new friends

What are some of your goals/ dreams??