This weekend was a pretty great one for me. I got to hit two libraries, as well as get some craft supplies for some upcoming new projects I hope to share with you. Sunday was, as it always is, my day of resting. And restful it was! Now it is a new week, filled with opportunities and, as always, new ways to add meaning, fun, joy, and encouragement to those around us.
I know last week we didn't have a challenge, but this week, I've got one for all of us. It's pretty simple to understand, but may take a little practice at first, especially if you are a naturally shy person. The challenge is this: Talk to people you wouldn't ordinarily think to. A typical person will come a lot of people in a day, yet we might only talk to our friends, family or, in some cases, no one. You might think "What's to say?" or "I don't come across people I know." Answer me this: How many times do you talk to the cashier in the store? Or the person sitting next to you on the bus? Or even that guy that passed you as you were walking? Ever? That's where this challenge comes in. I myself have dealt with feeling extremely shy, to the point of not saying anything. I still have those days, but I try hard to push against it. Being homeschooled, talking to people of different ages comes fairly easily to me. Also, having parents whose jobs are based on befriending, helping, and teaching international students has helped me in the development of small talk. However, when others are around and are talking, I feel like I don't have to talk, so I don't. My mum is naturally quite talkative, and can make friends with just about anyone. I love that about her. But unfortunately, it can make me feel like I have an excuse not to leave my comfort zone. When I'm on my own, I also tend to be pretty quiet. Lately, though, I have been trying to push myself more. To purposefully greet someone, even if just passing them by. These past few years have been tough as far as friends moving, or losing touch with them, and being far from my cousins and other extended family. Relationships are important. Just because you might feel like you are being left behind, doesn't mean that it's true. It also doesn't mean that you should just give up and buy a million cats. Making friends isn't as easy as it used to be. I miss the days when making a friend was as simple as sitting next to someone and saying, "I like your pencil sharpener" and hearing the reply of "Thanks! I got it at Staples!", and thus going into a deep conversation of what "Staples" was.
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| Friendship: The Early Years |
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| Friendship: What it feels like now |
These are just some small ways to bring a sense of community, of relationship, of camaraderie, into your life, as well as theirs. You talking to them might just brighten their day. Even if you don't have anything immediate to bond over, with some practice, you can open a conversation with whatever strikes your fancy.
I'm not saying to go out and make a bunch of new friends this week. What I am saying is to be engaged with the people around you. Talking, listening, and maybe sharing a laugh with someone, live and in person, not via text, or internet, is a great way to boost not only confidence, but positivity in both yourself, and others.
I'm sorry if this seems like a really wishy washy blog post, but it's something to think about. Be safe in your strive for community, meaning don't put yourself or others in danger, but also don't let your own insecurities or feelings of doubt stop you. Take the challenge!
Take care, and have a great week!
Challenge accepted.
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