01 Aug Carpe Diem, by Lifebook Member Pat Jones

By Lifebook Member Patricia Jones

Lifebook encourages its members to take advantage of every opportunity to celebrate life throughout each category. This ‘Carpe diem’ (seize the day) philosophy is one that I actively apply to every aspect of my life, including my Social Life.

Oftentimes people remark to me that I have so much fun in my social life. But having fun doesn’t come by accident. For me, making meaningful social connections has become an everyday experience. No matter how brief my interactions with others, each person I encounter is in my LIFE and I want to share something with them, even if only for a moment. I continually apply my practice of truly acknowledging people as important individuals through questions and comments. Additionally, creating environments of comfort, fun and adventure for my friends is of critical importance to me.

If I were creating a recipe for an extraordinary Social Life, it would include the following elements:

1. Bring core values to your Social Life, and all of your individual relationships. Make sure that your relationships reflect the things you stand for and believe in.
2. Surround yourself with the right kind of people. I want friends who are upbeat, spiritually based, compassionate, fun-loving, energetic, positive individuals that will help move my life forward.
3. Schedule at least one fun event per month. On a recent trip to Napa Valley, a friend went online and made reservations to tour a vineyard and stomp the grapes. To make the event more memorable, I brought along white T-Shirts, purple scarves and a pair of scissors. Just before the tour, I snipped the sleeves and waistline of the T’s into shreds, gave the duds to my friends and donned the scarves. We grabbed our baskets and gloves for the grape harvest, kicked off our shoes and dove right in. We stomped, laughed, and romped “in style.” I think we even made it onto the vineyard’s website.
4. Be a risk taker. Try something outside of your comfort zone, and involve others in your experience! When’s the last time you did something with your friends for the first time? Whether preparing a new gourmet recipe, participating in a physical or intellectual challenge, or just plain thrill-seeking- dream (and live) outside the box!
5. Be inventive when planning a social event. Make it your goal to create a memory that will last forever.
6. ASK and LISTEN. Ask people questions and really listen and respond to them. There’s a wealth of knowledge out there, ready to be tapped into if you are willing to observe and absorb. Many of us have learned to network in the business world. We should all embrace those talents during social interactions.
7. Be decisive. When you are invited to a social event, make a decision ASAP and don’t back out on your commitments!
8. Focus on FUN! The main purpose of having a successful social life is to HAVE FUN and experience all the joy that comes from being in the company of those you love. Life can be difficult, but you can use your social venue as an opportunity for enjoyment!

-Patricia (Pat) Jones