How Do You Participate?

I drive the golf cart at the local hospital as a weekly volunteer. It’s pretty fun! Riders are appreciative and it gets me away from my computer screen. Lots of people say they want my job. To which I say, “plenty of open shifts!”

This activity is one of my efforts to participate in my community, something I've been historically poor at doing. As an introvert, "joining" has never been a strong suit of mine. Still, I see the value in jumping in and crave connection just like any other human.

One source of community for me has been LinkedIn, but lately I've noticeably pulled back from posting. I think about this a lot, and sometimes even vow to return to my more active schedule.

I've received so many compliments over the years on my posts, and I've met some great writers, book coaches, and editors via the platform.

I guess my reticence of late has mostly to do with the topic of AI. So many posts from those in my community are grappling with it, which makes sense. But to me, it's just depressing. I can't seem to find a useful angle or message about AI. It just makes me sad. I don't want to use it or read it or think about it.

I don't like the "writing" it produces. It makes me actively angry in some cases. And I believe it cuts down on deep thinking.

I guess that's my angle: curmudgeon.

But "curmudgeon" doesn't really play nicely online. It's not traditionally been my attitude. Writing a book is hard enough without someone you're thinking about hiring as a partner being all crabby on main.

So, I've gone silent.

Is there a community you've once participated in deeply that you've all but abandoned? Why? Where did you then go to find new generative connections?

I'd like to hear your story.

Love, Laura