Some time ago, I set up a Facebook page. I read that this was a smart thing to do, though I was quickly overwhelmed by the clutter of options: invite a friend, confirm you're a friend, write on my wall, blah, blah, blah. How do people have time for all this chatter, I wondered. So my page was pretty quiet, mostly a hassle to remember it was there.
Then, a few weeks ago, something interesting started happening. People my age were sending me friend invitations. They were posting messages and responding to each other. I was actually interested and started inviting others. I still didn't do it more than once or twice a week, but I liked feeling the connection to friends and neighbors who I otherwise did not make time for. I feel more connected, less alone. I'm learning about things that would otherwise not enter my world. I'm metaphorically spending a little time by the back fence.
So in the New Year, I'm getting over myself and my petty judgments about how I'm too old and much too busy. That's a crock. Connecting with others is important and fills my tank. I'm not going to spend hours online with it - not even many minutes. But people matter and the back fence is gone and this is a new way to be part of community. Who knows, maybe I'll even create a new community for all of us. If I do, are you in?All content © Chris Trout
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Comments on this entry
I was in a staff meeting yesterday for the organization my company is housed with and one of their staff was just returning from having had a stroke back on Halloween Eve. The profound words that he spoke brought tears to my eyes “Life has meaning only in relationship to others.” His insightful comment immediately resurfaced for me as I read your thought provoking words.
Dear Chris…
I’m in! I too feel many of the same thoughts you expressed...and in October my daughter said one night.."Let’s make a facebook page for you!”...so since then I have enjoyed the connections. You can check me out and I will add you as a friend!
Well done with your words and your insights...I enjoy them thoroughly…
I’m in! I am 48 years old and have had a Facebook page for about 4 months. It has been a lot of fun, even though my daughters (teens, early 20s) laugh at me.
The pros: I have reconnected with a cousin I haven’t talked to in 10 years, and actually had a Facebook friendship with a coworker BEFORE she joined my company, making the transition easier for both of us.
The CONS: It is addictive - I check it at least twice a day.
I’m in, too! I took the plunge just yesterday and joined Facebook, and I must admit I’m finding it most enjoyable! It does increase the feeling of being connected, and in today’s world, that is good stuff.