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/ 

[judurant]

Last weekend I drove 2 hours to visit my friend in another state. Even though I did it a few months ago, I still had some anxiety about going, because I'm chronically ill. But I asked her to keep her expectations low regarding what activities I may or may not be able to do, and it worked out great! 

[CarolS115]

Walking the dog I sat down for a rest on a bench and a woman joined me. We had a nice 20 minute chat. 

[c892301w]

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.

[MOM313]

Fathers Day with the inlaws

[ShawnT411412]

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

[SereneSeagull]

That can even make you feel good too @ShawnT411412 

[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.

[SereneSeagull]

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

[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. 

[SereneSeagull]

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.  👍

[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. 🙂

[Dawn0622]

I went to a comedy show for a group of seniors

[SereneSeagull]

That’s a fun activity to do, @Dawn0622 

[Dawn0622]

I really enjoyed it 

[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.