It’s the first week of March. That means spring is right around the corner, right? It also means it’s time to get a cup of our favorite hot beverage, pull up a virtual chair, and talk about what is on our minds. I have three things to talk about today over hot black coffee.
My Head Almost Touches My Knee, Right?
I have written before about my love-hate relationship with yoga. In January, I thought I would celebrate the new year by participating in an online 30 Days of Yoga program.
On the final day of the practice, the instructor asked us to examine how we felt. I think she was aiming for us to think strong, proud, or accomplished. My first thought, however, was “Relieved“. I was so glad I did not have to do yoga the next day.
But then a funny thing happened. I did do yoga the next day. And the day after that and the day after that. I am still doing yoga almost every day.
Without the pressure of feeling obligated to do yoga every day, it turns out I want to do yoga every day. Sometimes I just do a very short post-run class. Some days I do a full hour-long practice. My love-hate relationship is currently stuck on “love”.
Maybe someday I will even be able to get my nose down to touch my knee. It could happen.
Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins
If we were having coffee, I would tell you about Julia Hawkins. Julia Hawkins from Baton Rouge, Louisana is a runner. In 2019, she competed in the Senior Games in the 50 and 100-meter dash races. At the time, she was 103 years old. Mrs. Hawkins got into running rather late in life, at the age of 100.
She doesn’t waste much time practicing. She has too many other things to do. Julia lives in her own home, reads, goes out to lunch with friends (I am assuming this was before the pandemic), and gardens. She tends to her collection of bonsai trees, which she must water and care for every day.
Mrs. Hawkins has some good advice for us: appreciate what she calls “magic moments.” “I’ve given books to a lot of my friends about magic moments—things that you get every day that you might miss. Sunrises, sunsets, hummingbirds, shooting stars, music, and friends’ comments,” Hawkins said. “All of those things that just touch you so much, just seeing, hearing and feeling it… I hope most people our age have more magic moments than senior moments.“
Julia Hawkins celebrated her 105th birthday last month. I hope if they have the Senior Olympics this summer, she blows the doors off of her race(s).
The Social Dilemma
If we were having coffee, I would tell you about a film I recently viewed on Netflix.
When I began blogging three years ago, the first bloggers I made connections with were a group of very friendly and generous book reviewers. They advised me to have a social media presence, so I registered for a Facebook page and a Twitter account.
They were right. The Facebook page and Twitter account did bring readers to my blog. After keeping up with both accounts for several months, posting regularly, and gaining followers, I promptly neglected both for over two years. I recently started posting to Twitter again just because it’s so much fun!
Twitter has developed a negative reputation, mostly because of heated political discussions, I believe. But I follow runners on Twitter. I see none of that negativity in the Twitter running community. In fact, I see just the opposite. The Twitter running community is unfailingly positive and encouraging.
After watching The Social Dilemma on Netflix, however, I am questioning my participation in any social media platform at all.
If you have social media accounts (and who does not?) I highly recommend watching this quasi-documentary.
The purposeful manipulation of people who participate in social media is shocking and pervasive. If you still wish to participate after watching this film (and I do), The Social Dilemma provides countermeasures users can take against the most egregious threats.
It is well worth an hour and a half of your time to watch this cautionary movie.
Thank you for joining me for coffee this month. I hope to see you again in April, when we again will chat over our coffee mugs. Thank you to Coco from Running With Perseverance and Deborah from Confessions of a Mother Runner for hosting the Ultimate Coffee Date
You can find the places I link up here.
I started watching The Social Dilemma a while back, but never finished it. I guess I need to go back to it, Laurie. As you probably know, I’m no longer on either Facebook or Twitter. The negativity just got to me. However, I can certainly understand that it can be rewarding when you have a special group of friends who share your interests, and are upbeat and caring. My husband is still on Facebook because of a photography group he loves. Those are positive reasons to engage in social media.
Blessings!
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I know what you mean about FB and Twitter being negative, Martha. On Twitter, I only follow runners. They mostly stick to positive topics. I am in a group for older runners on FB, but I rarely comment. Just read what others post. Blessings to you!
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I haven’t tried yoga yet. I’ve thought about it, but that’s as far as I’ve gotten. I also find if I am not “obligated” to so something that I am more likely to do it. Having a choice in the matter makes such a big difference. I have started an exercise streak though, and that seems to help me be motivated to get out everyday. Seems to be counter to that idea, doesn’t it? Hummm? I guess it’s complicated.
If I live to be 100, I want to be Hurricane Hawkins! Gives me hope for my marathon at 80. LOL
So, can you give us a spoiler on the movie?
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The movie switches back and forth between a fictional family who is having issues with social media and interviews with real-life social media (or former social media) execs telling about how users of social media are manipulated. It’s chilling!
I hope you do a marathon at 80. I have a friend who ran the Athens Marathon the day after her 80th birthday.
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Thank you!
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If we were having coffee, we’d have a very long conversation about all of the above. I recently started doing the occasional yoga workout and I’m a real Goldilocks, because I feel like 99% of the videos that I try are either too fast paced or too slow paced. The other 1% are just right;-) But I’m keeping at it.
One of my favorite athletes is Jeanne Rice, who’s 70+ and setting records right and left…on a podcast she once said “no one runs marathons when they are 100” but it looks like the field is open for 50-100 meters.
Oh social media…I keep my personal life separate from my blogging life, so I’m “me” on FB and “Birchwood Pie” on Twitter and IG. I have not been on Twitter since the pandemic started and I can go a LONG time between FB visits. Even though I only follow people that I want to follow on Twitter, I feel like my feed is a constant retweet of “the world is ending”. I recently joined my local MRTT group on FB which is making me like FB again, as long as I stay on the MRTT page. IG has been a really good experience. The bottom line is that I don’t hate social, but blogs are my happy place.
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I know what you mean about fast-paced/slow-paced yoga. It’s tough to find the sweet spot.
I have heard of Jeannie Rice. She is amazing!
I am in an older runners group on FB, but I still don’t contribute much. Just lurk. I don’t actually know anyone I follow on Twitter, but they are all mostly positive and all runners. I guess if you manage it correctly, social media can be a good thing. It’s scary how we can be manipulated without knowing it, though.
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Ah, there’s the story about the old lady runner! It would be so impressive if she tackled another Senior Olympics this summer!
I love her advice too – and all the things she mentions are for free!
I’d love to be like her when I’m 105.
Thanks for the Netflix recommendation. I will need to watch it!
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Catrina, if anyone is still running happy at 105, it will be you! 🙂
The Netflix movie is scary! But important.
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Julia Hawkins is an inspiration. Who knows, maybe I’ll start running at 100! And SO happy to hear you’re cottoning onto yoga. I will never in 1,000 years be able to sit in a full lotus; I’m just not built that way. But I can do Wheel now, and I never thought I’d be able to. Yes, The Social Dilemma is pretty horrifying — but very illuminating. Everybody should see it, IM (never H) O.
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I hope I am running (or doing anything) at 100! I used to be able to do wheel. I haven’t tried it in years. If I try it and hurt myself, I’m blaming you, Jan! 😉
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Dam girl I hope we’re all still running at 100, what a phenomenal old Gal, she’s so cute. The netflix movie sounds interesting I will check it out. The only social media I have is this blog, I don’t have anything else, my PTSD & other stuff is triggered if I am too overwhelmed. My life is a cautionary tale, lol. Great coffee time look forward to another. Have a wonderful rest of the week.
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I hope we are all running at 100 too! I never thought of a blog as social media before, but you are right. I don’t see the hate here that I do on Twitter or FB, though. Hope your week is great too!
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When I’m 105, I hope I’m still running. My social media presence (facebook) is an echo chamber. If I get even a whiff of dissenting political views, I unfriend. I know my nature would be to obsess and get angry. Do you consider wordpress social media? I do.
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I just thought about this, Jeff – Julia just aged up! From the 100 – 104 age group to the 105+! Who but runners like to age up?
That’s true. I do think WordPress is social media. I never thought about that. I don’t see the rancor here that I do on other forms of social media, though.
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Laurie I loved having coffee time with you. Yoga practice makes me happy. I’ve been thinking about how I miss the classes I used to take..I’ve found good sessions on You Tube, but somehow miss the group vibes. … I’m not a runner at all, but who knows, maybe in a couple of decades I will emulate that amazing lady and start! (Actually I think I would be ecstatic to still be moving !). I do already believe firmly in her magic moments theory and hope to celebrate many more of those!
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Thank you for joining me for coffee, Sallie. I miss yoga classes too. One of the teachers at the studio I went to was very good and I always tried to go to her class. I love that magic moment philosophy too.
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Isnt that documentary so frightening… & also, you can SEE it … I almost wish social media was taken away – I think its just going to cause the ruin of America. How sad is that???
103… started running at 100 – that is just amazing!!!!
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I agree with you about social media! It’s crazy how we are manipulated without knowing it.
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The brief story of Julia Hawkins is amazing. I’m glad you included that.
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I loved it! Glad you did too!
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I watched the Social Dilemma as well – really eye opening! I’m not off of most social media, but I am very careful about my time there and what I spend my time on 🙂 Good for you doing yoga, and thanks for sharing Mrs. Hawkins’ story!
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I am much more conscious of what I am viewing on social media now after I watched The Social Dilemma. Julia Hawkins is my new hero!
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I am also a fantastic of Twitter and really think the heat level can be controlled by managing who we follow and how much time we spend scrolling.
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I think you are right, Michele. It is up to each one of us to be discerning.
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Julia is a force to be reckoned with!!
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She is amazing!
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Laurie, you now have me very curious and I am going to find time to watch The Social Dilemma. I do think we need much wisdom both in using social media and in what we read from social media. The influence is strong and definitely can sway us, if we are not careful. Thanks for the recommendation.
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The Social Dilemma is a scary movie, but I am glad I watched it. I learned a lot.
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I have social media accounts with pinterest, facebook, twitter and instagram – I don’t spend much time on any of them but you have to have a presence they say. I post on Facebook daily on a page about my blog but only spend about 5 to 10 minutes there in the am and forget it.
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I should post on FB every day, but I neglect it badly.
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…spring right around the corner? The corner is might long in my neck of the woods.
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We can dream! 🙂
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Laurie, this was a great “coffee date.” I liked each of the three topics you brought up. I have heard a lot about the Social Dilemma. Unfortunately, we don’t have Netflix, so I’m sad I won’t be able to watch it. I am careful about how much time I spend on social media, and I try to be intentional both in what I post and what I interact with contentwise. And I loved reading about Julia Hawkins. UH-MA-ZING. That’s all I can say. 🙂
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The Social Dilemma is definitely a scary movie. I watch my screen time much more since I watched it. And Julia Hawkins is amazing!
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I finally ordered the DVD by Jane Adams called “Yoga for Seniors” (once I got past bristling over the title, I ordered it). Amazon delivered it today. I will watch it on the computer. Interestingly, my new Medicare Advantage through Priority Health, which kicks in April 1st, offers a Silver Sneakers program. The Medicare Navigator, who is two years younger than me, said “a lot of my seniors are pleased with their free Silver Sneakers membership.” I said “that’s a great benefit” while bristling over the idea of “silver” … but I digress. So yesterday, while renewing my AARP card I see Silver Sneakers on the site … yoga classes, other health-and-fitness-related free classes if you have a Silver Sneakers membership. Hmm. If I only read the fine print on things Laurie. I like the idea of the now 105-year-old Mrs. Hawkins running in senior races. And taking up running at age 100! I will quit bristling at the term “senior” going forward – I’ll aspire to be like her.
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Our rec center announced last year that they will no longer accept Silver Sneakers. Seniors raised a ruckus about it, but the rec center didn’t budge. I don’t have Silver Sneakers anyway, but I thought it was a shame for a lot of people. I had to get used to the term “senior” too!
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They probably could have had them have their own activities. We have a senior center around the corner from me and they have senior exercises, but it is more like chair yoga. I think we are more active than that … right now anyway. “Senior” just doesn’t seem right to me … the senior discount is okay, but I only got my AARP card to save 10% on my cellphone bill each month. At the time, I joined, I was the minimum age for joining: 50 years old.
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I think it was a money-saving thing for the rec. They didn’t get full reimbursement from Silver Sneakers for the cost of a membership. Our rec center actually has a lot of senior fitness options – yoga, swimming classes, weight lifting, aerobics…
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OK, I see – I thought they were gearing up for a younger crowd than the seniors. The Senior Center around the corner from where I live, is mostly a social gathering spot, where seniors used to gather to play cards and visit plus they could get a hot lunch if they wanted, but could bring a bag lunch too. I am sure the seniors miss those gatherings as the Senior Activity Center’s been closed since March 16th last year when every gathering place closed down that day.
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When I used to go into the rec, usually late morning, there were always a lot of seniors there. A lot of them take part in the fitness activities, especially swimming. There also used to be a senior center with mostly social activities at a church in town. I am sure that is not happening now due to Covid.
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I’ll bet many seniors, even after they get their vaccines, will not be willing to return to group exercise settings. Even other social activities or travel. The fear will always be there. Our Senior Center was closed since last March with the exception of offering vaccines the past two weeks – no senior activities at all. Nursing homes opened for visitors just the end of last week.
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It’s easy to get out of the habit of going to the gym. I know. I started going back to the gym to go to Body Pump. I would go to an afternoon virtual class where I was the only person in the room. I stopped going after a few times. I just got out of the habit.
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I used to go with some co-workers years ago – we joined Elaine Powers and went four nights a week. We lived near one another and their husbands both returned to school to further their education.
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As a long time yogi, I can tell you that I’ve never gotten my head to my knee, lol! My practice has evolved over the years and I’ve given myself a lot of grace, especially lately. It’s more about the breathing and the stretching for me, not how deep I can get in a pose.
While I haven’t seen The Social Dilemma, I agree with what you said about the negativity. I unfollowed a lot of people on FB over the past year. I learned a lot about my ‘friends’. It’s been a tough one. I like Twitter for the reasons you cited.
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So it’s not just me? I think running makes you stiff. I started doing a practice with a lot of breathing and stretching. I like it a lot too! I unfollowed a lot of people on FB too. Mostly friends from HS. Too much negativity!
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LOL on the yoga — and on being drawn to it anyway! My social media feeds are highly curated. Most of my FB feed is filled with posts from the many Peloton groups I’m in about what workout to try next. Instagram frustrates me with it’s algorithm, so I only dip in for a few minutes here and there.
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I have curated my FB feed so that I mostly get posts from running groups. Many of my real-life friends from HS posted really nasty stuff before (and after) the election. I got rid of those negative posts from my feed.
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The social dilemma was kind of freaky and so much of it was true. I think SM is here to stay. That is great that you continue the yoga after your challenge. I enjoyed my yoga challenge a few months back. Now, I do either a stretch or yoga class daily and really enjoy them. Thanks for linking up today
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It’s scary how we are unknowingly manipulated on SM! Several years ago I did the Baptiste 40 Days of yoga, complete with a fruit cleanse. That was intense!!! The one I did this year was much more gentle and enjoyable. Thanks for hosting!
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My mom always says she could never run — I don’t think she has to, but I tell her if she wanted to, she could. Thank you so much for sharing Julia Hawkins’ story! Watching my parents age — in some ways well, in other ways not — I do think a lot about that.
I love that you’re still doing Yoga! I will be honest — there are plenty of mornings I don’t want to do it (it’s one of the first things I do in the morning). But like running, I know I will feel better afterwards. I’ve been doing daily Yoga since mid October.
I stopped using Instagram when the Pandemic hit. I don’t know if or when I might go back to it. I never look at my Twitter account — well, only once in a blue moon, anyway!
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My mom always said the same thing. She had a bad knee from an old basketball injury. When we used to ask her to play with us when we were kids, she would, but she didn’t run. I think about how our mental outlook influences our physical body a lot as I get older too.
Good for you for yoga-streaking! 🙂
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My mom was a tomboy; I didn’t inherit that. She golfed, bowled, skied & played tennis. The only one of those I did was bowling. She was also pretty overweight most of her life, although not now.
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We watched part of the the Social Dilemma and I wasn’t sure what to think. Honestly, I kind of knew what it would say, but I don’t know how to apply it in a realistic way. What parts do I need to take with me and which ones can I leave? Does that make sense?
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That makes perfect sense to me, Rebecca. I am still trying to figure it out too.
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Yoga is good for you I guess but I’ve never been drawn to it. Definitely would not want the poresure to do it EVERYDAY!!!!
Hooray for Julia! What an inspiration.
FB has kept me in contact wiht high school and college friends and during the pandemic those I could not see on a regular basis I pretty much ignore the garbage on it.
I actually prefer IG because it’s just beautiful pix without all the annoying texts and opinions.
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Actually most of my FB friends from HS post some pretty hateful political stuff, which I really don’t want to see. I do have runner friends on FB, but I see them at running club. Or I will, once I get the vaccine. Many people have told me I should get on IG, but I am not a good photographer. Maybe I should join. It would force me to up my photography game!
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IG is fun. I post happy nature pics. Luckily my friends agree with my political views. At least most do.
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I am definitely in the minority politically speaking! 🙂
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That’s sad.
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I love that article about Julia Hawkins! I want to be like her (I have to start thinking of my own nickname for when I’m in my 100s and running races.)
That’s funny about you being relieved at the end of your yoga challenge, and then voluntarily continuing it- it’s obviously doing something good to your body and/or mind.
Thanks for the film recommendation- I hadn’t heard of it before but i’ll look into it.
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Ha! That’s a good point. If we are going to run well into our 100s, we will need a catchy nickname! 🙂
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I want to love yoga, but I just can’t get started. Maybe I don’t want to love it? I’m about as flexible as a steel rod too.
I am officially in love with Julia. And I often see and feel those magic moments and then try to share them with others who look at me as if I’m just … odd. “Do you SEE that sunset?” with a bit of mist in my eyes and a smile from ear to ear “Yeah. It’s a sunset”. Do you think there are two camps on this? One who sees the magic and one who doesn’t?
I’ve seen the Social Dilema and I do get the concern. It’s become something that it wasn’t intended to be.
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I think that to be 105 and have the attitude Mrs. Hawkins has is just amazing! She is my hero!
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That’s awesome that you’re able to do yoga every day! I keep meaning to but…still haven’t. :[
I’ve always been kinda ambivalent about social media since I’m generally a pretty private person + only had it because of my blog. I’ve been meaning to watch The Social Dielmma — the countermeasures would definitely be helpful!
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You have a lot more going on than I do. I am retired! 🙂
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Isn’t that funny that now that you don’t ‘have’ to do yoga every day you ARE…I’d be curious if you know your tendency. (Have you done the Gretchen Rubin quiz? I have a guess as to yours…could be fun to take it if you haven’t already! And Bill, too. ‘Cuz it’s always fun to play armchair psych the those we love + live with, right?!)
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I have not done the Gretchen Rubin quiz, but now I want to. I will look it up and let you know what I find out.
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Ha! I took the quiz. I actually think I took it before. I am a Rebel, which kind of surprises me.
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Sounds like I need to watch The Social Dilemma – thanks for the suggestion.
That story of Julia Hawkins will have me smiling the rest of the day! How awesome is she?!
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She is definitely awesome!!!
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I actually just found you on Twitter (this week?). I have yet to “bond” with Twitter, unfortunately, so I have not invested much effort in that arena. Insta is still my preferred outlet at the moment. Mrs. Hawkins….wow!
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I saw that and followed you. Twitter is so fast. That’s what I like about it. If you interact with runners and post running-related posts (or other fitness posts), you will get a lot of immediate feedback. I am not a good picture-taker like you. Maybe that would be a good reason to join Insta. It would force me to up my photography game.
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I have been wanting to watch that movie. I heard it’s very eye opening.
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It definitely is. I recommend watching it.
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I’m they to watch the Social Dilemma – which means I probably need to. I ducked out of Twitter and am ambivalent about Facebook. I do, however, love Instagram – I follow foodies, writers, and other interests and quirks that come and go. Oh, and lol re the yoga.
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A bunch of bloggers told me I need to get on Instagram, but I am not a great picture-taker. Maybe if I joined, it would make me take more pictures.
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i have been meaning to watch The Social Dilemma but I’m afraid I will never want to use social media again after viewing it!
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It does have that effect!
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Laurie, Congrats on completing your 30-day yoga program and doing more of it on your own. I think yoga is an excellent addition to your running. Wonderful to read about Julia Hawkins and her achievements. Aside from blogging, I don’t use FaceBook, Twitter, IG or Pinterest. I don’t watch TV either. Thank you for linking with #WeekendCoffeeShare.
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Thank you, Natalie. I agree – I think yoga and running complement each other very well too. You are too busy for social media or TV – good for you!
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Julia Hawkins is an inspiration, Laurie! It’s all about attitude isn’t it, no matter what age we are…
The only media platform I have is my blog & Pinterest (because so many pretty things are there, lol). Otherwise I steer away from it totally.
Blessings,
Jennifer
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I am on Pinterest too, but I haven’t really figured it out yet and I never post there. Blessings!
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I’m definitely going to take a look at Social Dilemma. I’m not much of a movie watcher but this sounds important. I’ve seen Mrs. Hawkins run before and I’m a fan! I’m happy to hear that she’s still going strong at 105!
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I am a huge fan of Mrs. Hawkins too. What an amazing woman!
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I haven’t watched the Social Dilemma but I want to! I have a twitter account but don’t use it much except to share my blog posts automatically.
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I am slipping back in that direction too. I don’t usually run with a phone, so I don’t take pictures. A Tweet with no pics is not read very much.
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I’ve been very purposefully unfollowing anyone on Twitter who posts negative political junk. It drains me. I’m going to check out The Social Dilemma. Isn’t that hurricane something? Awesome!
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I do the same thing on FB – unfollow anyone who posts negative political junk. Even if I agree with the person!
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I occasionally do yoga with the children at work (5 year olds,) if they get to choose, they usually choose gymnastic or dance. I believe yoga is great for all ages. I do some myself at home, but I am far from a pro. I have only taken a few classes years ago, I do really enjoy yoga. Thank you for the coffee and I hope you are enjoying a great weekend.
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That is so cool that you do yoga with 5-year-olds. I have done it with my grandsons too. So much fun! Hope your weekend was good too.
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I read about that woman a few years back, she’s amazing!
I’ve been on the verge of deleting FB because of all the BS but I love the funny videos and memes. I’ll check out that movie though. Thanks Laurie!
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She definitely is amazing!
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I want to be like Julia when I grow up!
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Me too!
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Hey Laurie, I”m sure I commented here, did it go to spam? Either that or I’m losing my mind!
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Sorry! It just took me a while to approve and reply.
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Ugh, I really cannot get into Twitter. I check and post here and there but it isn’t my favorite. I am going to check out that movie. I don’t think I’ve ever head of Julia Hawkins! Amazing woman!
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I only post and follow runners on Twitter. Never politics. I am not interested in all that negativity. Mrs. Hawkins is amazing! What a great role model.
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I used to be able to get my nose to my knee! Dang it!
I watched The Social Dilemma. It was ok… As with all things, there are so many sides and layers. I read on Twitter but I don’t participate often – things spiral quickly there. Instagram is my favorite, because I like looking at and sharing photos. That’s where I spend a lot of my time.
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Wow! I never could get my nose to my knee. You are right about the movie. I only participate in fitness threads on Twitter. Never politics. Maybe I should get on IG. I am not a good photographer.
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I have a like-not a big fan of yoga relationship with yoga. I wish I liked it more but can’t seem to embrace it. Thanks for the coffee. Have a great week.
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My love for yoga has cooled a little bit by now! Hope you have a great week too.
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Hi Laurie,
I recently viewed the Social Dilemma too and was glad that I never really saw the point of twitter and had already begun backing away from facebook. I work in tech so have some idea of the mindset of the companies involved. It is scary how much power we have given to this group and how addicting their services are. I hope soon to back fully out of facebook but I too get lots of my readers from some groups there, which leaves me arguing with myself about staying there. You’ve seen some of my stories and I really do value each reader, but growing the list without at least one strong group to share with would be tough, but perhaps that shouldn’t matter. Thus starts the internal argument.
Thanks for your visit today. I am enjoying making some new friends from Natalie’s hosting of the coffee share and am glad that you’re a part of us now.
Have a great week.
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Hi Gary,
My son works in tech. He told me about some of the algorithms social media companies use to keep you scrolling (he used to work for a big social media company) but it never really sunk in before I watched this movie. I have the same internal argument as you.
I thoroughly enjoy Natalie’s coffee share. The community there is very welcoming and friendly. You have a great week too!
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How inspiring to read about Julia Hawkins!! I want to have that kind of mindset when/if I get old.
I’ve meant to see the Social dilemma but haven’t yet, however I’ve seen other documentaries and read articles about the manipulation of social media. I use social media very little myself. I’ve thought many many times of quitting Facebook but I still have my account. I use it very little, mostly for some guitar and photography related groups. I closed my Pinterest and personal Instagram accounts recently. I really dislike what Instagram has become. It used to be nicer than Facebook, now they have destroyed it with weird algorithms and millions of ads – every other post is an ad and I find no enjoyment in it anymore.
Twitter is my go-to social media site but it’s only because I stay within my clique/topic, only follow accounts within that topic and do all I can to keep politics out of my feed.
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I want that kind of mindset too! I have a Pinterest account that I have never used. I can’t quite figure it out. Never joined Instagram either. I do the same as you on Twitter. I follow only runners and my rule is – no politics!
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Laurie, I love this, your thoughts and insights are amazing really thought provoking. Blessings to you.
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Good on you with sticking to the Yoga. It sounds like it is going well.
Julia Hawkins sounds like an amazing woman! What an inspiration. x
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Julia Hawkins is definitely an inspiration. What an amazing woman!
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Wow, how inspiring Julia Hawkins is! I so agree with her about enjoying the magic moments of everyday life. I don’t know if I was aware of The Social Dilemma before, so thank you for telling us about it. Sounds like a must-see. I’ve read some warnings about social media. Facebook used to be a fun place to keep up with people, but now it’s become a place to vent or rant about what people think is wrong with the world. I avoid politics on FB and Twitter like the plague. It’s hard to have meaningful discussions about it because people are so quick to argue without taking time to really take in another’s view. Since I hope to be traditionally published some day, social media is a must–publishers require writers to have a “platform.” So I use Twitter mainly for that purpose, to promote and connect with people in the writing community. That’sa pretty encouraging group, too. But every now and then I’ll see glimpses of really scary things going on there.
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My son worked in Artificial Intelligence for a tech company. He told me about the algorithms social media companies use to keep you scrolling but the Social Dilemma made it plain to me. I avoid politics too. Too much negativity! I might have to try to follow some writers on Twitter. I like interacting with runners, but writers are an interesting (and usually welcoming) bunch too.
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