Social Challenge: Week 1 One Small Win!

[AARPTeri]

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/ 

[TSW7515]

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.

[CherylM0000]

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. 

[Jillcarl]

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]

Well done! 👍

[TNTMOM]

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

[SereneSeagull]

@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]

I really appreciate your insights and encouragement!  Thank you.

[SereneSeagull]

👍🙂

[mahurrle]

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

[PamelaW565787]

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.

[myndstate]

Excellent!

[RodW461225]

Beat Vally Fever!

[lindag382050]

Went to a meeting by myself - I usually would go to a table that did not have anyone at the table - today I went to a table that had 2 women sitting at the table and sat down and introduced my self to them.  As it turned out they had not introduced themselves to each other prior to my sitting down and introducing myself.  A win for all!

[SereneSeagull]

I love that @lindag382050 ,  You probably made their day too!

[MoMo1211]

I just scheduled an orientation for new volunteers at a local agency. I am a bit nervous but am excited to give back and hopefully help others while also meeting new people.

[myndstate]

You can do it!

[deborahc358885]

Win: Setting up dinner out with my children.

Hard: Not getting answers to an ongoing medical issue

[SheilaG623510]

 I enjoy talking the ladies where I do volunteer work once a week.

[SusanG75864]

One win:  My daughter is so busy she seldom visits so I texted her to ask if I could come over on a day convenient to her.  We set up a time and I arrived by the ADA bus service.  We had a good day.

Challenge:  Went to icecream social at my complex.  Tried to converse with others.  Washington Freeze hard to overcome.  Hard to make friends. I will keep trying.

[myndstate]

Happy to hear you had a good day with your daughter! This is a win that keeps on giving with all the great memories the two of you made.

[MarieN48752]

I saw Canadian geese with babies.

Hard: Not hearing from my daughter 

[TNTMOM]

Thanks for sharing, Marie.  Do you reach out to your daughter on the channel that she prefers?  For example, my young adult son responds to a text message but rarely picks up the phone.  Hang in there!

[myndstate]

• One small win I have had this week is finding a bag of Hershey's kiss in the refrigerator!
• One thing that's been harder than expected is losing the feeling of alienation at the church I attend.

[SusanG75864]

I know what you mean about feeling alienation at your church.  I joined a new church when I moved.  People were friendly and welcoming and pastor was kindly and wise.  Then he retired and new pastor began.  One of his first sermons was about the sin of living a gay life.  I am not gay but the sudden non-inclucividity of his sermon totally turned me off.  I did not go back.  A disappointment. 

[CherylM0000]

---

@SusanG75864 wrote:

I know what you mean about feeling alienation at your church.  I joined a new church when I moved.  People were friendly and welcoming and pastor was kindly and wise.  Then he retired and new pastor began.  One of his first sermons was about the sin of living a gay life.  I am not gay but the sudden non-inclucividity of his sermon totally turned me off.  I did not go back.  A disappointment. 

---

I applaud your actions of not going back to a place/church that teaches discrimination and makes you feel uncomfortable. 

[rl713]

Totally hear you, I Know what you're talking about. Remember church is made of people, it can't be perfect. Try a different church, God is always PERFECT!!

[SereneSeagull]

Yep, @SusanG75864 I absolutely detest the obnoxiously pious who preach to love all and cast stones while they do it. 

[AlbertC608581]

I'm excited to spend time with dear friends on a Museum and Lunch outing later this week.

[TNTMOM]

It's always so nice to have something to look forward to --- enjoy!