Social networking, seriously, that’s for kids or people without lives…

Have you been bitten by the social networking bug? Are you addicted to Facebook, finding yourself “tweeting” or linking on Linkedin? I must admit, when I first heard about all of this I was not interested in the least bit. I thought Facebook, MySpace, and the likes were for kids or predators. Furthermore, when told of the connections to people from my past, I would have responded, “If I have not seen or heard from someone in all these years, it obviously wasn’t meant to be.” In terms of Twitter, REALLY??? Why would anyone care what I was doing if they weren’t doing it with me? And Linkedin, why would I be interested in building a pyramid of business connections? I’d rather stick to the old-fashioned face-to-face version of business networking.

Well…months later, most every day begins with checking in on Facebook. Curiosity has me wondering who has discovered me out there amongst the millions of profiles and sea of alphabets that make up a plethora of user names. What are my “friends” talking about today? I admit, I created my profile for business purposes so that I could hang my shingle out in yet another place on the “world wide web” and lasso in new coaching clients and speaking engagements. To my surprise, I found a dear friend from 31 years ago who I had searched for years ago with no success. I later connected with lost high school friends and learned of their career paths, marriages, children, and other great life transitions. I found (and they found me) friends from college that I had often wondered what had become of them. Therefore, what started as a business marketing effort has opened doors to people that I am glad to be back in touch with. This portal has lead to hour-long conversations and the making of plans to get together.

I now Tweet on Twitter. Who would have thunk? It’s not so much about telling people what I am doing at this very moment, but more about what I have to offer, providing links to other ways to connect with me, access to the services I provide, and a way to find out what I am working on to grow my practice. This is like a virtual billboard where travelers catch a glimpse as they go about their journey. Now, if I could only figure out how those people who have thousands following them collected them all…

An Finally, Linkedin though initially seen as a place to network to either find the next stop on the career path or make connections to grow my business, in this economic market, it has become a place that has served more as a reality check. Sadly, it is filled with people just like me. People who built strong careers as a result of years of hard work and dues payments only to find themselves one in millions waving resumes and pleading for someone to take notice and give them a chance. The positive side of this is that it lets jobseekers who may feel as if they have taken a wrong turn somewhere know that they are not alone and many share their frustration and sometimes, desperation in the journey. It is true in some cases, misery does love company.

So to tie it all together, the world of social networking can seem trite, a waste of time to some and cliché in some ways. However, what I have learned is that there are many just like me. Through what was perceived as an impersonal medium, real human connections are made and sincere emotions flow. From the comfort of my home, I smile as I hear stories of old friends and what life has brought them. I shed a tear for some of their losses and the compassion they have shown for mine. I laugh when I realize I am not alone in what patience and perseverance it takes to raise a teen-age child and take solace in the fact that I am not alone in this thing called reinvention as it relates to making a livelihood in tough economic times. So the next time someone tells you they don’t have time for Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, MySpace or the likes, smile and let them know that its like opening the front door to your house only to find a surprise party that was planned in your honor. There is much to be said about this crazy computer based world in the hectic and disconnected lives we live. Don’t knock it till you have tried it. Just remember, everything in moderation!

In the spirit of connection,

Angel

Living life to the fullest

A while back, I took offence to being called "middle-aged." That seemed like a term for old people and certainly I did not qualify as an old person to anyone but my child who thinks anyone over 25 is old. I have prided myself on remaining youthful in appearance, attitude and interests. Most have no idea I am approaching my 50 birthday in just months. So how did I become middle-aged? The fact of the matter is that I AM!! Let me now say it with pride and conviction, I AM MIDDLE-AGED and there is nothing wrong with that.

The reality is that age is a physical reality but a mental choice. Yes I am almost 50, yes I have a few more pounds than I would like to carry around, yes, thank God for Garnier Neutriese #866 that hides those pesky grey hairs, and yes I do remember the 45 and 33 vinyl records, telephone party lines, S&H Green stamps, 8 track and cassette tapes, Ed Sullivan on Sunday nights in front of the old black and white TV and countless other relics from my past. However, the good news is that I REMEMBER!! Yes, I remember with a smile on my face and whenever some one sends one of those viral emails around that start with "remember when..." I admittedly read with great memories, smiles and occasionally audible laughter.

With this age comes confidence, expereince, insight, long time friendships, clarity, and a sense of purpose and of where I have come from. As much as we would like to frown on the actual number, label or even those grey strands, what we have gained is greater than what we have lost. Even in times of hardship, I can look back on my journey and know that better days are right around the corner because time, experience, and faith have taught me that. When I think I have nothing to show for how far I have come and the years, I look back on my dear friends who have shared laughter, tears, loss and celebrations with me for whom I would give the world and them for me. I cherish the young people, though nerve racking at times, who are part of my family and friend circle because there is a little piece of me and all who have been apart of their lives glimmering in their eyes and hearts.

My daughter chastises me whenever there is too much cleavage showing, when the hair is too bright or big, when the skirts are too short or the jeans too tight. God bless her for being my barometer. However, I am still kicking, sexy, and loving life so as long as I am doing it all with grace, sophistication and self-respect, that is all that matters. Bring on my animal print!! Besides, she may think I'm too much at times but her friends think I'm cool (and much younger than I am and most of their parents are).

The bottom-line is this, life is what you make it. If you see age as a limitation or the approach to the end of something, pull up your rocking hair and watch the sunset. If you're like me, live it, love it, dance while you can, laugh as loud as you want and celebrate you!

Inviting 50 with arms wide open...

Angel