Community Manager

Social Challenge: Week 1 One Small Win!

Forum|Forum|2 months ago
May 28, 2026
194 replies
13089 views

Week 1: What’s one small win you have had this week and one thing that’s been harder than expected? Short answers welcome! Jump in even if you’re just getting started!

Want to join the challenge? Here’s the URL:https://www.aarp.org/rewards/earn/socialchallenge/

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RodW461225

Contributor ⭐

Beat Vally Fever!

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mahurrle

Contributor ⭐

Asked a neighbor to go out for dinner and we went and had a fabulous time.

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PamelaW565787

Contributor ⭐

Hi there. Im taking the challenge too. I went grocery shopping and ran into my new neighbor. We exchanged cell numbers after a 10 minute chat.

TNTMOM

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

I find it hard to overcome my own self talk "I can't remember names." Kind of like "I can't do math."

SereneSeagull

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

@TNTMOM Hi, maybe try flipping it. Take the negative or self deprecating thought process I guess maybe it’s called, and change it to a lighter, less worrisome, burdensome feeling. Like, “I’m going to have fun with people and be present with them, and not worry about trying to remember names as much”.

At my gym there are probably anywhere from 25-30 people in a given class. Some don’t come all the time, but many do, and then there will be new people as well. It’s understandable and totally fine not to get everyone’s name. We all talk waiting for a previous class to end.. The most important thing, and it’s palpable as a group, is being present and enjoying the moment with everyone. Once you can lift the worry of not getting names, or negative reinforcements that might get in the way, and just be present in the situation with others, you will enjoy the social connection. It tends to get easier. Just be in the moment, and enjoy and let it happen. Hang in there. 🙂

TNTMOM

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

I really appreciate your insights and encouragement! Thank you.

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Jillcarl

Contributor ⭐

Had breakfast with a dear friend I hadn’t seen in 9 months. Such a special friend.

volunteered at this specific social event for the first. Thousands attended. Not being familiar with driving, parking there was difficult but I did it!

SereneSeagull

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

Well done! 👍

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CherylM0000

Contributor ⭐

I was invited to play cards with neighbors I've never met before. I was hesitant but accepted the invite. I'm glad I did because I had a really nice time and have two new friends. We're making plans to get together again in two weeks.

My challenge was fear this week. I was anxious reaching out to new people fearing I wouldn't have anything to talk about.

SereneSeagull

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

That’s great, @CherylM0000 ! I think half the battle sometimes is what I call the “what-if” dance we sometimes do in our heads, conjuring up negative thoughts on something that hasn’t happened yet. Learning to be in the moment and tossing that what-if feeling aside, and stepping out of one’s comfort zone is a fantastic way to make fun connections, as well as feel good about our own selves. 👍

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TSW7515

Contributor ⭐

The one small win is that I am doing better at my job and I am getting my bills paid off in a better way.

SereneSeagull

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

I’d say that’s a big step. Congrats, @TSW7515

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ShawnT411412

Contributor ⭐

I smile and I also stopped to say hello to someone I normally wouldn't.

Be Kind. Be Well. Have fun.

SereneSeagull

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

That can even make you feel good too @ShawnT411412

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MOM313

Contributor ⭐

Fathers Day with the inlaws

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c892301w

Contributor ⭐

A neighbor saw me out walking the dog and asked if I would like to walk together. I said yes, which was a bit uncomfortable, but it was an enjoyable walk and talk.