O7.16.2022
How small has my circle gotten? Relatively small, especially since COVID-19 and my retirement. In comparison with my youth, really small. You grow, you learn, you move away from the place of initial growth, space is created, and distance happens. If you have the great fortune to retain your early friendships, it's miraculous. Sometimes.
Friends fade sometimes. It hurts when it happens, particularly if it's true friends opposed to acquaintances. I think we all have both. But the friends, and friendships grown with love and trust, can and do haunt me.
Something I relish is being able to just pick up where you left off. That's powerful. I also find great joy and comfort in forming new relationships electronically, something not really knowing anything about until after moving from Texas in 1986. I miss lots of them, at least until I learn about adult views that may drastically differ than my own. I don't love them any less, I just drift away from rekindling a tight bond. I try to be civil, I promise.
My electronically formed bonds are based on the like-minded and what seems to be sincere. I try to be selective, and not ever rude or pushy. I love joining groups that talk about hobbies, dreams, and of course, politics.
Circle development is important to me, especially in my later years. While I still have the talent of thinking like a 17 year old, I have gained a bit of maturity in my ability to think and function as an adult. I no longer succumb to peer pressure, I just smile and quietly fade out. Unfriending and unfollowing and blocking takes a toll on me emotionally. I know, all grown up & a big ol' bag of emotions. Can't help it when the heart is the target.
The growth of my circle has been a quest of acceptance, one of learning and excitement. I had been in a vague depressed state since hearing of trump possibly running for the POTUS. All of my feelings about the state of the political landscape came into view, and as it played out, it was televised. It has been the lead story in radio and the news. You can't get away from it. If you can passively ignore it, my hat is off to you. Kinda like if you can socially have a drink on occasions. I'm jealous for sure, but mad respect.
My online connections are strong and many. Some even remain from my life in Texas. But my newer contacts have schooled me, heavy on explaining in an educated ways. We rarely fuss, and always share a common mission: reaching a common goal in a democratic way. It's funny how you can be so fond of people you've never even met.
Folks, our democracy is at risk...have you noticed? So stand up and be counted.
As always, thank you for stopping by.
#strengthinnumbers
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