words of wisdom

from Seacoast Bark Magazine May/June 2022

by Nancy Dewar

i love my job

words of wisdom Walter’s

WORDS OF WISDOM

By Walter Eugene Davis Senior Helpers – Stratham, NH

TIES…. What Are They Good For?

When we think about a “tie,” several thoughts may jump into your mind first: a connection to someone or something, the fastening with string or a cord, or that fabulous bowtie that your father always wore.

The connections that we make with people serve different purposes: on-line, professional, close friends, and significant others. For the most part, your connections fit neatly in each of these categories. Your on-line connections are with those that you rarely see, like on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You may be old friends or colleagues, and this is a great way to stay connected, usually brief conversations or updates. Or you may never have met but are connected because of a special interest like New England Lab Rescue (NELR), Ocular Cancer Survivors, Houston Cougar Men’s Hoops, or Officially Knotted Bowties.

Our professional ties are there to launch or advance careers. Excellent resources for industry specific information, a way to leverage the opening of doors. You may have a question for this group, “Do you know anyone in the New Hampshire area that I could speak to about in-home care?” (Of course, we have that answer!)

Your close friends represent that group that knows you well, “they get you.” When you are with them, you have a sense of comfort and belonging. (As I like to say, these are my people!) They are the most important people in your life. When it comes to that one special person that you feel closest to, you can share the good, the bad, and the ugly – this is your significant other. This person may be your romantic partner, a friend, or a family member. This person has your back and hopefully you have theirs.

Often you meet new friends through your “ties” or circle of networks. These relationships are forged from existing relationships built on common interests, the sharing of information, and through social gatherings. Some of these relationships are strictly professional, for instance referring someone to the orthopedic surgeon that replaced your husbands’ hip (thanks Dr. McGovern), or to the veterinarian that discovered that your furry son has an allergy to chicken (that’s my Docca Hannah).

Other ties are social, which represent the largest “circle” – your high school or college friends, former co-workers, neighbors, or members of volunteer groups. Our social ties have a distinct purpose too. Some may be in a silo and not cross over, others may cross between 2 or 3 groups. If you think about a high school friend, they may have been a college friend too, and then you worked together. The world is not always as big as we think. If we slow down enough, that theory of 6 degrees of separation is a lot closer!

Coming off 5 months of shortened days and frigid weather, it is time to get out there and create some new ties! Get out of your comfort zone. Take a “Master Class on Zen Gardening,” join the NHSPC Paw’s Walk on June 5th, or support Cross Roads House Benefit by the Sea on May 7th. You may meet folks with similar interests and who knows, they may become “tied” to you! Have fun and I will see you again in the summer! With love…Walter Eugene