social-emotional

“Why Don’t You Tweet (X?) More, Dave?”

/ Dave Eberwein / Leave a comment

A communication platform needs to be informative, timely and respectful.

Back in 2017 I thought I found one with Twitter.

I started using it in early 2017 determined to make it a significant part of my communication toolbox — a new way of connecting with others in my community on topics of interest in a way that I had not used. I wanted something that was instantaneous, as well as something where respectful dialogue could take place. Platforms such as the nightly news and periodicals provided one-way information flow. Twitter was poised to be my new two-way communication tool.

I was excited and up for the challenge.

I started out pretty strong too, but faded in my use of it over the first year. Today, in 2024, I still use Twitter …. I mean “X” … but do so sparingly. What I’ve found is that what is often presented on it as ‘fact’ is often just unsubstantiated opinion filled with negative and demeaning commentary.

That is not what I want or need from a professional communication tool.

It used to be a wonderful place to share thoughts and build understanding. And while there is still some of that within it, it is often punctuated with insults, accusations, political rhetoric and hyperbole.

I have pretty much lost interest in it as a reliable, professional communication tool.

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‘Tis The Season For Hope – Take 2

/ Dave Eberwein / 2 Comments

Almost exactly three years ago to the day, I wrote ‘Tis The Season For Hope. It was December 2020 and we were smack in the middle of the pandemic with no vaccine and dozens of health restrictions all around us.

Times were tense.

Schools had significant changes to their operations — the whole province had restrictions. People were anxious. Emotions were high. I was receiving a ton of email about the pandemic and what we ‘were’ or ‘were not’ doing.

Amongst all of this disruption there was a building sense of calm — of being connected to each other. The Season of Light came to remind us about the many cultural events that begin near the Winter Solstice when November meanders into December — a time when cultures showcase warmth, love and hope with the beauty of light. It was just what we needed as we continued to fight the virus without all of the tools we needed. We needed a break.

Light can do that.

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Napping — We Know It Can Be a Good Thing. But, It Might Be Better Than We Thought

/ Dave Eberwein / Leave a comment

I do not nap.

I’m Impressed by Those Who Nap Successfully

If I ever do close my eyes during the day for a bit, I wake up grumpy and often with a headache.

I sleep at night — not during the day. When I stop to think about how many daytime naps I’ve likely had, I haven’t taken more than about a dozen since I was very young. Other people nap daily and wake up energized and ready to tackle the world.

I do not!

I’m kind of like an electric toy. I’m charged all day, doing a ton of ‘stuff’ — when I’m at home you can find me gardening, doing home repairs, in my workshop, hiking with my dog or doing some housework. I stay occupied and go pretty hard for most of the day. By the time evening rolls around I’m tired, I take out my batteries to recharge, and then I fall asleep.

The next day, I put my fully charged batteries back in and go hard again.

Yet, there are others in my family who if they could take a nap every day they would. I’m amazed at this ability.

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