Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Building Community

I often wonder why it is so difficult to build community.  And then I remember that we are all so busy.  We work all day and then we barely have time to eat, keep house, go to all the meetings that we have volunteered for and find enough time to sleep.

BUT, there are times when it is right to follow my gut and just reach out.  I found an old address book today.  It has been in my stuff for a very long time.  And I found one name in particular who I have been trying to get back in touch with for a very long time.  I have tried to connect with her on Facebook, but couldn't find her.  I have Googled her many times.  I have looked her up on Dexknows.  All of that failed.  And I couldn't find a phone number today either, but maybe...just maybe after 20 years a phone call would have been too much of a surprise!!  But I was able to confirm that she still owns the home.  That was a bit tricky, but I figured it out and was able to confirm it.

And then I sat down and wrote her a little letter.  And I invited her to reconnect with me.  What do I have to lose?  Really?  I mean, if she chooses not to, then I can either choose to be disappointed, or I can choose to be proud of myself for trying!  I believe I will do that latter.

Is there someone in your life who you would like to reach out and reconnect with?   Listen to your gut...it just might be the right time.

4 comments:

  1. Well...she answered me!! I haven't gotten to talk with her yet, but I am sure we will have a chance!!

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  2. Well, I've spent most of my free time over the last several days reading this blog from cover to cover. I am very glad you found my address and sent that letter. Reading about how you spend your time and what you value was weird, but in the most fabulous way. You see we have a lot in common. I too have learned much about myself from that book The Highly Sensitive Person. And I absolutely love my acupuncturist. Not only does she make me feel better but she also has this amazing personality. At one point you mentioned fearing that you were becoming one of “those people.” I’m afraid that I have already succumb. Around here we eat a diet that is comprised of mainly organic, whole foods that are grown locally whenever possible. We also have a garden and are members of a CSA as well. The few prepared foods I purchase for convenience are never packaged in cans because of the whole BPA issue. My father in-law had volunteered to build me a chicken coop and I was real close to taking him up on his offer until our naturopath told my husband that he was allergic to eggs. Since I try very hard not to come across as though I wish to indoctrinate others, I seldom have the opportunity to speak about these things. So you see, your letter was an answer to my prayers in a fabulously weird way.

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  3. Good for you, Peggy! It's so true that our lives can get so full that connection can be way down on our list. I'm glad you and your family are a part of my community.

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  4. Dear Anonymous...SO sweet to reconnect with you. So special that we are on the same path. We have not yet been able to reconnect in person, but my hope is that we can sometime soon.

    Dear Lena,
    Thanks so much for being such a loving supporter of my writing and life view.

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