One way to fight isolation and stay connected with others during this uncertain time is through reading. You’re probably thinking, “How will reading help solve the issue of feeling alone?” Well, I have some ideas that may get you pumped.
What are you reading now? Do you belong to a book club? A book club is a great way to meet people and engage in interesting conversations. It’s been a while since I participated in a traditional book club, but I know people who enjoy the experience.
A few weeks ago, a friend was telling me how she really missed her faith-based book club. Participants would meet in a member’s home, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, discuss the selected book, and fellowship. COVID-19 put a stop to that. Now they have convened online and are trying to adjust to the times.
Conversely, I’ve spoken with others who are not always motivated with the choices selected by an established book club. Inviting others to engage with your book doesn’t necessarily have to be through a traditional book club experience. Perhaps you’re bored and would like to create an alternative, purpose-driven agenda? In other words, would you be interested in forming a reading circle centered on a theme, professional goal, passion or social justice issue?
If you were to organize your own meetup, what would it look like? Who would you invite? Theme-focused meetings would attract like-minded people who express a shared intention. Perhaps you’ve wanted to support a particular cause or develop your skills in a certain area. What items would you include on the agenda?
Here’s an example of how this could work…
Let’s say you want to improve your public speaking skills. You could host a two-hour virtual monthly meeting to discuss and practice one skill that relates to public speaking. On your agenda would be a book related to effective public speaking, an historical speech to critique, and a TED talk to review. Prior to the meeting, members would become familiar with the material and then on the scheduled day, discuss, evaluate and share how they would apply what they’ve learned to an upcoming presentation. Each person would be given a specific amount of time to demonstrate or perform what he or she learned from the assignment.
Or, how about a virtual meeting on developing strong leadership skills? Create an agenda around biographies, research, and articles highlighting outstanding women leaders, and so forth…
Ways to get started…
Reach out to your local libraries, bookstores, or community organizations. They may already have something like this set up or would be willing to help facilitate your idea. Or consider posting a notice on social media to see if your followers would be interested in joining your nontraditional reading club.
Hopefully, you’ve been inspired to think of ways to organize a purpose-driven gathering that values reading. Have fun with this! Not only will you be learning and growing, but you’ll also be participating in a group of highly motivated individuals with shared interests. Life-long learning, self-improvement and meaningful connections can help solve the issue of isolation.
Consider This
Want more ideas on staying connected? I recently wrote an article that was published in Sixty and Me, a community of women who want to live happy, healthy and financially secure lives. In the article, I share practical tools to help women combat the feelings of isolation. You can check it out here.
Four Steps to Nourish, Transform and Flourish
• Today, set a loving intention to creatively think about solving the issue of isolation through reading.
• Begin by organizing your thoughts around your passions and purpose.
• How will inviting people to join your original “book club” promote lifelong learning, self-improvement and camaraderie?
• Close your eyes and visualize how this lifestyle change can prepare you for your amazing second half.
Need help with solving the issue of isolation?
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In love, peace and health--
Your feminine glow guide,
T. Kari Mitchell, M.Ed.
Motivational Speaker
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Lifestyle120.com
When your spirit is nourished, your inner light produces an outer glow reflecting your beauty and truth.