Let’s Get Together

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

This morning is my idea group. We’re down to two members right now because Jane took a fulltime job. Kathy, the remaining member, is a professional speaker and a colleague at the University of Phoenix, where we both teach. She’s funny and a little bit wild, a real right-brainer.

We meet at coffee houses or libraries and talk about what we’re working on, share information and get ideas when we are stuck. We also cheer each other on. For those of us who work alone at home, isolation can be a serious problem. Getting together regularly with like-minded friends is a great cure. I also meet every other week with my friend Maureen to talk about business issues and with a writers’ group twice a month to critique one another’s work. Professional, service or networking organizations provide another social opportunity. You can learn about these groups in your local newspaper or professional publications. Meetup.com lets you connect with others who share your interests both locally and online.

As an educator, I like to get together with others by taking classes, where we can all learn something new and valuable as we get a little face time. However you decide to get out into the world, one of the best reasons to do it is offered by author Barbara Sher—because when you put yourself out there, something can happen to you.

©2006 Dixie Darr. All rights reserved.