The next goal I set for myself was one of the first goals I created to try to live a happier life. This goal is to be a better friend. To do this, I created a list of several sub-goals.
The first sub-goal is to be a better, more active listener. I think I am an okay listener, but I know that I also tend to talk too much, and sort of take over conversations with stories and examples from my own experiences. My goal is therefore to remember to let other people talk, and show my interest in their experience by asking questions.
The second sub-goal was to look up old friends. I think this has become less about looking them up (Facebook exists, after all) and more about showing interest in their lives. I am trying to do this by remembering to comment for birthday wishes and to comment on status updates, especially if it seems as though they need support or have something serious going on. Also, I've been playing a game on FB that allows me to start games with specific people, and I've been trying to start games with old friends, and can then chat with them during the games. This has been a lot of fun, and I think a really good way to reconnect.
The third sub-goal is to be a better godmother to Aidan. I have really dropped the ball there, but I am going to make an effort from now on to stay in touch with Kris and Shawn and definitely remember birthdays and holidays for Aidan. And Ari, Jenna and Lauren. Darwin, too, and Riley. All my friends' kids, actually. These are the closest I have to children of my own, so I am going to make sure I stay connected and remain part of their lives.
I know that I get into too much of a routine, and sometimes, I just fail to make an effort to stay connected with my friends. But it is important to let people know that they matter, and making just a little bit of effort to do this can make a huge difference for me, and maybe for my friends as well.
The first sub-goal is to be a better, more active listener. I think I am an okay listener, but I know that I also tend to talk too much, and sort of take over conversations with stories and examples from my own experiences. My goal is therefore to remember to let other people talk, and show my interest in their experience by asking questions.
The second sub-goal was to look up old friends. I think this has become less about looking them up (Facebook exists, after all) and more about showing interest in their lives. I am trying to do this by remembering to comment for birthday wishes and to comment on status updates, especially if it seems as though they need support or have something serious going on. Also, I've been playing a game on FB that allows me to start games with specific people, and I've been trying to start games with old friends, and can then chat with them during the games. This has been a lot of fun, and I think a really good way to reconnect.
The third sub-goal is to be a better godmother to Aidan. I have really dropped the ball there, but I am going to make an effort from now on to stay in touch with Kris and Shawn and definitely remember birthdays and holidays for Aidan. And Ari, Jenna and Lauren. Darwin, too, and Riley. All my friends' kids, actually. These are the closest I have to children of my own, so I am going to make sure I stay connected and remain part of their lives.
I know that I get into too much of a routine, and sometimes, I just fail to make an effort to stay connected with my friends. But it is important to let people know that they matter, and making just a little bit of effort to do this can make a huge difference for me, and maybe for my friends as well.
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