Ever play Connections?

Making time to connect with friends and family, or joining community groups is vital for maintaining mental and emotional well-being, especially as we age. Social interaction helps reduce feelings of loneliness, provides a sense of belonging, and can even improve physical health by reducing stress and boosting the immune system. However, for those of us who may have lost connections over time, whether due to retirement, moving, or the loss of loved ones, rebuilding old friendships is challenging. The good news is that it’s never too late to reconnect or build new social ties. Let's start with how we can reconnect with old friends

If you feel unsure about diving into large social situations, start small. You can begin with a simple coffee date or phone call. Don’t feel pressured to make deep connections immediately—sometimes reconnecting relationships take time.

When reconnecting with old friends or making new ones, showing genuine interest in their lives and listening actively can strengthen the relationship. People appreciate when you care about what they have to say.

When you reconnect with an old friend, don’t hesitate to follow up. Suggest a second meetup or simply send a friendly message to keep the connection going. Many people are equally eager to stay in touch but might hesitate to make the first move.

If there are old friends you’ve lost touch with but would like to reconnect with, start by reaching out through a phone call, email, or even social media platforms like Facebook, which are great for finding old acquaintances. A simple message saying, "I was thinking about you and would love to catch up" can be a warm way to reopen the door to conversation.

If you used to attend a school or live in a particular neighbourhood, reunions offer a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends. Many high schools or community centers host periodic reunions, and they can be a wonderful way to rekindle friendships with those you’ve known in the past.

For a more personal touch, sending a card or handwritten letter can be a thoughtful way to reach out to an old friend. You could share memories, ask how they’re doing, and express your desire to reconnect. Many people appreciate this form of communication as it feels more meaningful than a quick message online.

Remember that life may have taken your old friends in different directions, so be patient and open to where your reconnection might lead. Even if you don’t pick up where you left off immediately, you’re taking a meaningful step by reaching out and rekindling those old relationships.

A Challenge in Tracking Resurfaced Social Media Stories

I thought about the idea of resurfacing positive posts and thought I would look for a few more of these posts, but unfortunately, it's difficult to provide a definitive list of resurfaced positive social media stories. Stories often resurface organically due to user engagement, virality, and algorithm changes, making it challenging to track a precise timeline. The same story might have been shared on multiple platforms at different times, making it difficult to determine a single "initial posting" date.

Having said the above, some of the most popular positive stories that frequently resurface across social media over the years include Penguin Hopping into a Boat to Escape Orcas First posted in 2021, this heartwarming clip of a penguin escaping orcas by jumping into a tourist boat went viral across platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. It has since resurfaced multiple times due to its charming nature and has accumulated millions of views. The "Ice Bucket Challenge" (2014). This viral campaign to raise awareness for ALS started on Facebook but quickly spread to Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms. It resurfaced in 2015 and 2016 during ALS awareness months, generating millions in donations for the cause. Taco Bell’s Snapchat Campaign (Cinco de Mayo), Taco Bell's famous Snapchat filter for Cinco de Mayo, where users’ faces turned into tacos, was first launched in 2016. It resurfaced in social media stories about successful marketing campaigns and continued to be referenced on Instagram and Twitter in marketing discussions. Museum of Ice Cream on Instagram (2016), With over 72 million engagements using the hashtag #museumoficecream, this campaign highlighted the museum's fusion of physical and digital experiences. It has been reposted on Instagram and Facebook, especially when discussing the intersection of art, branding, and social media.

These stories typically resurface on popular platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, where they continue to bring smiles and garner engagement from users.

Life Lessons

The following is a lesson about how what we write on the net, always remains. A friend posted the message 42 Life Lessons. Somewhere along the line, someone made a mistake and listed the author’s age as 90. That attracted a lot of attention. I enjoyed reading the post and did some research about the post. You may see the post on one of the social media platforms or have seen it recently. The post was written on May 28, 2009. I do not take credit for the information about the author, it was gathered by Patricia Stoltey another author whose work has won awards. Her 2014 novel, Dead Wrong, was a finalist in the thriller category of the 2015 Colorado Book Awards.

The author of the post sent to me is Regina Brett, a columnist at The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, Ohio. She’s real and interesting, but definitely not 90 years old. A follow-up post on June 6, 2009, is entitled: Life’s lessons Speed up on the Internet; 90 years of living in 50: Regina Brett. Check out Regina’s bio as well.

Think about this; one tiny blog post written from the heart is now travelling around  the world making people nod and smile.

The text sent to me via FaceBook starts below. 

Written by a 90-year-old, 42 lessons life taught me 💖. The following was written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio.

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 42 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short – enjoy it..

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.

9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

10. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

11. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

12. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

13. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it...

14 Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

15. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

16. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

17. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.

18. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

19. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.(amen 💖💖💖)

20. Over-prepare, then go with the flow.

21. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.💖

22. The most important sex organ is the brain.

23. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

24. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

25. Always choose life.

26. Forgive but don’t forget.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does..

31. Believe in miracles.

32. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

33. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

34. Your children get only one childhood.

35. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

36. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere. (I love this one)

37. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

38. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

39. The best is yet to come...

40. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

41. Yield.

42. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Making time to find connections

Making time to connect with friends and family, or joining community groups is vital for maintaining mental and emotional well-being, especially as we age. Social interaction helps reduce feelings of loneliness, provides a sense of belonging, and can even improve physical health by reducing stress and boosting the immune system. However, for those of us who may have lost connections over time, whether due to retirement, moving, or the loss of loved ones, building new friendships is challenging. The good news is that it’s never too late to build new social ties. Let's see how we can connect with new friends. 

Making new friends can take time, but staying positive and open to new experiences is key. Be proactive in attending events and reaching out to others, even if it feels a bit outside your comfort zone at first. Small gestures, like offering a friendly smile or starting a conversation, can go a long way toward building new friendships.

One of the best ways to meet new people is by joining groups based on shared interests. Many community centers, libraries, and senior organizations offer activities such as book clubs, walking groups, gardening clubs, or crafting circles. Engaging in activities that you enjoy is a great way to meet like-minded people and build natural connections.

Volunteering not only gives back to the community but also opens up the door to meeting new people. Whether it’s at a local charity, hospital, or school, volunteering often connects you with people who share your values and passions. Plus, working together toward a common goal helps create lasting bonds.

Lifelong learning is not only great for keeping your mind active but also for meeting new people. Many community centers, colleges, or senior organizations offer classes in art, cooking, technology, or fitness, where you can meet others who are also eager to learn something new. These environments naturally foster conversation and camaraderie.

If getting out and about isn’t always possible, you can still meet new people through technology. There are many online communities designed for seniors to connect with others based on shared interests or hobbies. Websites like Meetup.com offer virtual meetups for various activities, while other platforms like Stitch.net are specifically designed for older adults looking to make friends or engage in social activities.

 Many senior centers, churches, and recreational facilities host regular events like game nights, potlucks, or dances. These social gatherings are ideal opportunities to meet new friends in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Attending these events regularly helps build familiarity and makes it easier to form deeper connections over time.

If technology feels intimidating, consider learning more about social media, video calls, or messaging apps. Many seniors find that these tools can help them stay connected with distant family members and friends, making it easier to nurture relationships even when you can’t meet in person.

By taking small, manageable steps to connect or build new ones, you can greatly enhance your social life and sense of belonging. Social connections are a crucial part of staying healthy, happy, and engaged as we age.