Social Networking: how has it changed your relationships?

I've been having fascinating conversations with people about social networking.

A few weeks ago, I spent the morning with a friend's ex & son. At some point, I heard the ex report to the son that they needed to return home on time because "you and your Mom are going out on a boat or something."

Later that night, I saw photos posted from the boat trip: a bunch of my good friends,including the friend & her son, the get together posted that morning on FB as a spontaneous activity.

I admit. I don't like feeling "left out." 10 years ago (heck, 2 years ago!) I could have a party, include some friends, exclude others, & there would be no splashback. Not now - we have access to who's doing what at almost any time - whether by direct evidence or extrapolation.

So I ask -- how has social networking affected YOUR life?

Shifts

Today I met with Judy Winslow (http://brightpointeinfo.com/) to talk about, well, all kinds of things.

What I know, what I enjoy doing with my time, where my passions lie.

Where some of my resistances lie.

These past 18 months have been difficult for me, in many ways. My coffee business, METRO Coffee & Wine closed in early Feb, 2008. I had foot surgery after that, then a deconstruction accident (home demolition!) that set me back. Just when I was getting back on my feet again (literally) my mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, in September.

Mom died in January of this year -- her death was complicated by a difficult family situation, and my grieving has been just as complicated. Today's big truth for me was - not that I failed to protect her, but that I don't know that she "forgives" me for that. I wanted to take a quick trip to the afterlife to talk to her, to get her assurance.

The shift is that, at some level, I know that Mom, in an omniscient state, understands all that preceded her death; & I am certain that if she could communicate with me, she would make sure that I need not ask her forgiveness - that she loves me & that I did all I could. The shift is for me to forgive myself, forgive the other actors in this family drama, and move on with grace.