S1 Ep 8 Making New Connections

In Season 1, Episode 8, Making New Connections, of "Growing Older Together," Lourdes navigates the significant impact of establishing new friendships and rekindling old ones. This episode focuses on how new and revived connections can bring joy, support, and a deep sense of belonging. Through stories shared by listeners, such as Ana’s newfound friendship and Carlos’s reconnecting with a school friend, the narrative reveals how our relationships shape our experiences and personal growth.

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You can also email me at podcast@lourdesdirden.com. Thank you for listening.

Transcript

[00:00:00] Music

[00:00:19] Welcome back to Growing Older Together, Season One, Echoes of the Past, Visions of Tomorrow. I'm Lourdes. Today in Episode 8, Making New Connections, we are talking about the importance of new and old friendships. Meeting new people and getting back in touch with friends from the past, can be really meaningful. New friends, introduce us to different ideas and fun, while old friends remind us of our history and how we have grown over time. 

[00:00:56] In this episode, we will share stories from listeners who have [00:01:00] made new friends in unexpected places or reconnected with someone they lost touch with. We will explore how these relationships affect our lives today, bringing joy, support, and a sense of belonging. It is all about the simple, powerful ways 

[00:01:20] our lives intertwine with others, making each day brighter. 

[00:01:26] Let's talk about making new friends. Imagine meeting someone at a local class, having a conversation with a stranger on a park bench, or joining an online group that leads to a real friendship. These moments can start a new friendship, give us new ways to see the world or teach us something we did not know before. 

[00:01:52] Ana is one of our listeners. She told her story about meeting her friend, Maria, during a gardening [00:02:00] workshop. They both reached for the same packet of sunflower seeds at the same time, which started their first conversation. They found out they loved gardening, and from that small start, a wonderful friendship grew. This friendship has brought a lot of joy into Ana's life. Ana's story is a great reminder of how common interest can lead to new friendships. It is about being open to those moments of connection, no matter how small they seem. Thank you for sharing your story, Ana, 

[00:02:38] Now, let's talk about getting back in touch with old friends. Life often moves us apart, and we might not talk to some friends for a while. The great thing about reconnecting is that it often feels like you pick up right where you left off.. 

[00:02:58] Carlos is one of [00:03:00] our listeners. He said, "I got back in touch with a friend from school after almost 30 years. We found each other online, and catching up was incredible. Our renewed friendship has brought me comfort and fond memories, 

[00:03:16] making me think of my younger days and how much I have grown." 

[00:03:20] Carlos' story shows us how real friendships do not fade with time. It is always a good idea to reconnect with an old friend. Often, these friendships help us remember who we truly are. Thank you for sharing your story. Carlos. 

[00:03:40] As we make new friends and reconnect with old ones, we add new pieces to the story of our lives. This process also makes us think who we are. Getting to know ourselves better is a big deal. It might be our most important connection. As we change, our [00:04:00] friendships do, too. Knowing ourselves better makes every new or old friendship even stronger. This journey helps us understand our feelings, choices, and how we relate to others, making every relationship more meaningful. 

[00:04:17] New friends or old ones coming back into our lives, help shape who we are. They support us during tough times, laugh when things are going well, and share their wisdom. 

[00:04:32] These connections are a big part of our lives, but another connection's just as important - getting to know ourselves better. We learned more about ourselves as we meet new people or reconnect with old friends. This self-discovery is a huge deal because it's our most important connection. Knowing who we are today, understanding our likes, [00:05:00] dislikes, and where we stand on different issues makes every new or old friendship stronger and more meaningful. 

[00:05:10] It allows us to share our true selves with others and build deeper, more authentic relationships.

[00:05:18] So, as we wrap up this episode, reflect on your connections with others and yourself. Is there someone you have meant to reach out to, or are you looking to form new friendships? Remember, understanding yourself better can make these relationships even richer. I would love to hear your stories or learn more about how you have got to know yourself through these connections. 

[00:05:49] In next week's episode, Echoes of Understanding, we are going to discuss the importance of listening to each other and how listening can help us make [00:06:00] stronger friendships. I cannot wait to hear your stories. 

[00:06:04] Before I finish, please subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone you think may enjoy it, too. Your support helps our community grow. 

[00:06:18] To close, I'd like to share a quote by C. S. Lewis that resonates with today's theme. "Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.'" 

[00:06:36] Okay, that's it for today. Thank you for listening. Until next week, let's grow older and wiser together. [00:07:00]