This week I posted a blog about the great community where we live in northwestern Montana. However, living in remote community, working from my home and having a husband that travels every other week, my on-line community is extra important to me.
It’s my on-line community, usually through Twitter, that I turn to when I have a question, want to share exciting news or just want to chat with a friend. You’re there at 2am when I’m not ready to sleep. You’re there when I’m stuck on my blog and can’t make WordPress work right. You’re there to make me laugh and you’re there when I need a hug. 🙂
Connecting with friends around the globe creates a sense of oneness that didn’t exist even a mere ten years ago. What once seemed half a world away, somehow seems closer now when I’m chatting with Vishaal in Anegada, Dr. Mani in India, Iconic88 in Australia or one of the many other global friends anytime, 24/7.
Our peeps have become our family. Most of my Twitter followers know more about me than my siblings do- because you’re there every step of the day, following what’s going on. You know when I’m ecstatic because I interviewed Sir Richard Branson, or when I’m uninspired by CitiBank for a 226% increase in my credit card interest rate. You follow the ups and the downs in my life as I follow yours- and you care! To me, that IS fa
mily!
Many say that the community online isn’t “real”. They obviously haven’t met mine. I’ve found mentors, protégées and business partners all online, as well as created deep and lasting friendships. I even met the love of my life, my husband @globalpilot, online. ☺
I think what I love most about our online community is that especially in this mode of connectivity, everyone is equal. I don’t look at the stats of “who you are”, “how many people follow you” or “how much can you help me”, I’m just looking to connect with real people- good people with hearts that they’re willing to open and lives that they’re willing to share. That’s all it takes and I’ll follow you anytime.
All I ask is that you interact with me. Be real. Be authentically you. For no one can be YOU quite like you can. You have something very special to share and the party just wouldn’t be the same without you.
This Thanksgiving, I’m setting my virtual table right now, and I’m cordially inviting you to join me for Thanksgiving dinner. As I gaze at your avatars, it’s almost like looking across the table and saying, “Welcome friends, I’m glad you’re here”.
Know that during this holiday of gratitude, your friendship, support and love mean the world to me. I don’t take you for granted, not even for a moment.
My sincere thanks to you for allowing me to share a small part of the journey with you. It is with an overflowing heart that I send loving wishes for a very Happy Thanksgiving to all my US peeps, and expressions of gratitude to my global family as well.
With gratitude, love and hugs,
Gail
Thank you Gail – I loved this. I’m so thrilled you got your heart’s desire to interview Sir Richard. A wonderful interview.
For me, being English, it was especially gratifying that Sir Richard is English. I love all your luminaries – it was just nice for a change to hear an English voice. I learn so much from you and your amazing spirit, as well as the luminaries. Thank you for sharing your Thanksgiving dinner with all of us.
Love and hugs, Hebe.