The People We Meet

The People We Meet
            Years ago, making friends and forming meaningful professional connections was something that primarily happened face to face. We became friends with kids who lived nearby. We found new business associates through introductions at the office or conferences.
            The opportunity for people to get together in the same physical space decreases each year as we connect to the world by an ever-larger percentage through the internet, whether on social media, texting or some other cyberspace connection.
            Much as I worry about people—especially younger generations—coping with escalating levels of loneliness as in-person interactions decrease, the modern phenomenon of connecting electronically also has many positives. 
            Modern technology allows us to communicate with people anywhere in the world. The constraints of the pandemic catapulted online meeting technology that allows group interactions at a level previously impossible due to time and space constraints. We might cultivate deep friendships and important professional relationships online without ever meeting the other person face to face.
            I am grateful for the many interesting, creative people I have met through my work creating HikingAutism.com. That is the theme in a guest essay just published on The Renaissance Garden Guy, a web site featuring an eclectic range of topics, created by John Stamos, one of the positive, uplifting connections I’ve made through the online world. Please check out “The Paths We Cross” featured on The Renaissance Garden Guy to read my first guest feature for the site. Check out the wide range of other topics and information on John’s site while you’re there!
            The highlight photo of me giving a supportive hug to Sean as he tries to overcome sensory blocks to start hiking was taken at the site of this week’s featured hike, Mussel Rock and Paragliders, a hike that features ocean views, a cool keyhole rock structure, and the chance to see paragliders on a lucky day.
 
            Check the Home page for the broader background story. Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Browse hikes on the main Hikes page or on the Hike Search by Area page, and scroll to the bottom of each hike page to see full photo galleries.
            If you’d like to support HikingAutism, check out the Support/Shop page! Check out selected articles and interviews under Media. Click World Walks to see or share favorite family-friendly walks! Stay in touch with Lisa Louis and HikingAutism via Contact. The Links page lists a loose collection of helpful information links. Feel free to share and follow on Facebook at HikingAutism, follow on Twitter at @HikingAutism and Instagram at lisalouis777
New this week:
Hike Notes 16: Mussel Rock and Paragliders