Networking

Chapter 12 refers to networking and what that can do during ones life time.  Life has been one big networking experience for me.  Sharing stories, events, and ups and downs, tears and laughter, all help us get the little buzz we feel that motivates and inspires us.  These things cannot be discounted.  Reflecting on my upbringing in the country, my farm life, my school days at one Teacher schools, and my boarding school days that enabled tennis coaching that was something I looked forward to.  The friendships with country girls who made up about 95% of the students at boarding school.  My years of tennis and squash competition which lead to travelling to other States to compete became part of my learning while gaining life skills much like an Apprenticeship!!

Having just returned home from a school reunion in a small country town I find myself comparing city and country life, all of which have their advantages and disadvantages.  In the country towns you are noticed and included and accepted into the local community.  There is always someone looking out for you.  The pace is slower; you can ride your bike about the town; the birds call each other at night, and other birds tweet in the mornings.  The country towns have small committees working together helping each other and you would barely know COVID existed. See the photos below.

No matter where you live please don't lock yourself away; instead, join a club and/or groups with like interests and keep busy by volunteering to take on honorary positions.  Your skills matter, your input matters, your willingness matters.  Over time your confidence will build up, your self esteem will swell and before you know it the world will feel a better place.

As far as i know confidence and motivation do not come from being surrounded by tall buildings, crowded shopping centres, spending money and eating take-away.