The last few years I have noticed a trend. I don't know if the world has always been this way and I'm just now opening my eyes to it, or if the world is changing.
Despite what your Facebook friend count is, I've noticed that many people are not connected to a social network. It seems that as we get more connected online, we are less connected face to face. That's a problem.
Online, we can paint a perfect picture of our life. We only post the photos and experiences that are socially acceptable and will interest our friends. Rarely do you see a post about something personal and negative. So looking at each other online, we can't paint the complete picture.
Talking to someone face to face involves a much more complete story. You can see you friend's facial expressions, hear their voice intonation, and give them a hug if they are upset. A word of encouragement over e-mail is nice, but it can't replace the good old-fashioned hug.
I believe it is important and vital that each person is plugged in with some sort of group. For Adam and I, it's church. We go to church, we feel loved, we support others, and we feel grounded. For others, it might be the school PTA, or the Kiwanis club. What matters isn't the location or how you got there. What matters is that you surround yourself with people that love and support you and keep you sane.
Time and again, Adam and I have run across people that are disconnected from society. What usually happens is that they also get disconnected from reality. They start obsessing over small actions and thinking of ideas that probably aren't healthy or true. Without being connected to a group, they begin to believe the ideas and then the world starts looking a lot more grim.
So I insist that if you are not currently connected to a group via a class, organization, or church, that you do that as soon as possible. It makes you happier and more sane.
Here's a place where Sarah writes what's on her heart and mind for whomever will read it. Sometimes it's hilarious, sometimes it's little pieces of life that I'm grateful for. Enjoy!
You know me, i am still in the dark ages when it comes to FB. I so much rather talk with someone in an intimate setting to see, feel, hear and touch. That is just how I am programmed. Blogs, FB, emails etc all paint a picture and you are right, you can never truly feel what that person is feeling. As I told many new moms, forexample, join a mommy group. Since I was astay at home mom from the start, I lacked a group and I new if I didn't get out and do something, I would fall hard. Thank God I found many groups and support.
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