Little Lessons Learned by Dana
  • Welcome and Meet Dana
  • Blog Posts
  • Inspired Ink Store
  • A Peek Inside Magic Kisses
  • Music from Dana
  • Favourite Youtube Clips
    Sign up here to be notified of upcoming blogs, promotions and events.
Notify Me
Picture
https://www.littlelessonslearnedbydana.com/blog

Friends Wanted ASAP

1/12/2022

2 Comments

 
Picture

Tags: friendship, loneliness, Betty White, connections, virtual tools, virtual platforms, isolation, pandemic issues

Photo by Marina Shatskih from Pexels


​"The  only way to have a friend is to be one."
​Ralph Waldo Emerson
With the recent passing of Betty White, everywhere I looked on social media this wonderful comedic actress was being talked about with such praise from her adoring fans and colleagues as the Golden Girls theme song, "Thank You for Being a Friend" played in the background.   The title of that song got stuck in my head and it really got me thinking about the priceless gift of friendship.

Friends. What would we ever do without them? That is something I do not even want to consider. A good friend can be found from many different age groups, and walks of life.  I have many very special friends who have grown from  acquaintances to soul sisters. I love them so much and they know who they are. I am so very blessed to have found them and I hold them close as they truly are a precious treasure. 

Human beings are social creatures and are made for community. That is why this pandemic has been so incredibly difficult for everyone. We long to be connected and feel like it used to be. Being alone and isolated is not healthy for us mentally, physically, socially or spiritually. True friends are priceless and when they are absent from our  lives it greatly affects us.
Picture
Photo by Mulyadi on Unsplash
People in so many professions are maxed out right now. Many are at their breaking point. This pandemic has gone on far too long and people are exhausted and simply burnt out. Doctors, nurses, teachers and educational staff, small business owners, and pastors, just to name a few are not o.k. Life has gotten so hard and even when we are with our colleagues and friends, we must be very careful to keep our distance. We are concerned about unknowingly making each other sick. The loneliness can get so crippling.

The dilemma remains of how do we stay close when we must be six feet apart? How do we stay connected when we must social distance? I have wrestled with these questions and have found some helpful solutions. They are common everyday steps we can take to feel that connection and sense of community once again we so desperately need.
Picture
Photo by Alexander Dummer on Unsplash

Embrace Technology

Technology can keep us connected like never before. I remember as a kid thinking  wouldn't it be so cool if you could call someone and actually see him or her like they did on the Jetsons cartoon? It is a common reality now and I love it! You can use platforms like Skype, Microsoft Teams, Google Meets, Facebook Messenger and FaceTime. There is power in seeing someone you miss so much. I have a best friend named Jade, in British Colombia, and we always visit this way. It is so cool that I can see her face to face and get to know her little ones who I have never met in person through this innovative communication tool.

Virtual school brings me 15 incredible kids face to face in squares like the Brady Bunch intro and it always makes me smile. I have started what I call the "Chit Chat Club" where I stay on a bit extra just to visit with those that want to stay. Kids need that. They miss their friends so much and they just need time to visit. 
Picture
​

Join Supportive Communities

Joining supportive online communities can make a world of difference. I have my personal Facebook page and a page and blog called Little Lessons Learned by Dana to provide hope and encouragement to others. As I share my struggles and insights, I strive to add value to others' lives. In addition, I am a part of many other online groups. Some are professional. Others are spiritual and others, are just about fun and friendship,  but I enjoy them all because we are connecting! If you are not a part of online communites, I encourage you to investgate this possibility. There are groups for every hobby, profession, and interest. Truly something for everyone!
Picture
Photo by Joyce Busola on Unsplash

Make the Call

Connect with your friends by actually calling them! Skip the texting. There is nothing wrong with texting if that is all you can do or have time for, but when people can actually hear your voice it makes such a difference. Make the time for that call. Schedule it. You won't regret it. 

Old Fashioned Letters and Cards

Remember snail mail? Oh, yeah! It used to be all we had other than phone calls to keep in touch. I used to write many letters to pen pals every month as a teen and it was very exciting and meaningful. I had pen pals from many different countries. Just because we have new, modern ways to keep in touch, it doesn't mean that letters and cards are a bad idea. In fact, they are the opposite! What a pleasant surprise to get a card or letter from a BFF or special someone in amongst all the junk mail and bills! Trust me you will make someone's day! When we were studying friendly letters in virtual school, I sent letters to all my students. For some of them it was the only mail they have ever received. It really meant a lot to them! 
Picture
Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels
Things will not always be this way. At some point it will get better. Until then, we need to prioritise those special friendships and other relationships we hold dear and reach out in creative ways. 

Until next time
~ Dana

Proverbs 27:9 ~ A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.

​Little Lesson Learned: We can still feel very close to those special friends of ours during these crazy times.  It just takes a bit more effort. 

​Copyright © 2022 littlelessonslearnedbydana

Tags: Betty White, friendship, Covid 19, encouragement, connections, technology, virtual tools, virtual platforms

​
​

Author

​Dana Romualdi is an elementary teacher, social worker, blogger, author, motivational speaker and recording artist. She has a passion for helping others and spreading much needed encouragement. She lives in Canada with her husband and two grown children. When she is not working or blogging she enjoys drinking coffee, watching Netflix and reading great books.

Picture
Disclosure:
​This post may contain affiliate links at the side, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no cost to you. I have posted some of my favourite things that I thought you might enjoy as well. Thank you everyone!
​
Tags:
https://www.littlelessonslearnedbydana.com/blog
2 Comments
Paula Short link
1/12/2022 10:19:51 pm

Dana, thank you for sharing these wonderful ideas. I loved your insights and encouragement within. Blessings.

Reply
Dana
1/13/2022 07:40:55 am

I am so happy this resonated with you! Thanks for reaching out!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    February 2019
    January 2019
    January 2017
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    November 2013
    October 2013

    Categories

    All
    Encouragement
    Family
    Grief And Loss
    Kindness
    Laughter
    Parenting
    Personal Growth
    Priorities
    Self Esteem
    Thankfulness

    Picture
    .

    Fun/ Inspirational Teacher Tees
    Picture
    Robert Munsch Books
    Mahalo Ukuleles MR1PP Rainbow Series Soprano Ukulele - MR1-PP
    Picture
    Picture
    Devotionals
    Picture
    Picture
    Poppits
    Crock-Pot Lunch Crock Warmer, Blue - SCCPLC200BL-033
    Picture
    Silicone Face Mask for Underneath Masks
    Picture
    Inspirational Candles
    Picture
    Inspirational Mugs
    Picture
    Gratitude Journals
    Puchase Magic Kisses Book Here
    Picture
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photos used under Creative Commons from campbelj45ca, markus spiske, LuAnn Snawder Photography, symphony of love, JoshBerglund19, edenpictures, istolethetv, Steven Pisano, symphony of love, DanielleSLynn, cmcbrown, ilovememphis, ** RCB **, Orin Zebest, David Hilowitz, symphony of love, ausnahmezustand, Sweet Dreamz Design, moodboardphotography, moodboardphotography, symphony of love, symphony of love, nan palmero, bdogggut34, wuestenigel, left-hand, Michael Bentley, Rookie Shooter, surlygirl, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Midwest Region, anotherlunch.com, Art4TheGlryOfGod, bradleygee, A. Strakey, abodftyh, Gamma Man, benjgibbs, flazingo_photos, j0sh (www.pixael.com), George (Patti) Larcher, KoiQuestion, symphony of love, donnierayjones, The Daring Librarian, Celestine Chua, betsywatters, USACE Europe District, my little red suitcase, Celestine Chua, TheUglySweaterShop, Courtney Dirks, aiba.boxing, AFS-USA Intercultural Programs, abodftyh, symphony of love, Celestine Chua, Dendroica cerulea, Castles, Capes & Clones, symphony of love, symphony of love, symphony of love, susivinh, NelksTV, donnierayjones, symphony of love, bunky's pickle, Malmerio_,  Ronnie, ThoseGuys119, symphony of love, docbaty, jlodder, mrsdkrebs, haferkorn.frank, Enokson, JunoNamkoongLee, jfingas, Alex Guibord, inkknife_2000 (2 million + views), Celestine Chua, emily @ go haus go, symphony of love, Brett Jordan, littlefishyjes, phalinn, slightly everything
  • Welcome and Meet Dana
  • Blog Posts
  • Inspired Ink Store
  • A Peek Inside Magic Kisses
  • Music from Dana
  • Favourite Youtube Clips