Page 29 - September 2020 Voices

the Pandemic! The best anti-networking event to for me to realize that I don’t detest networking. I
happen (to me) in the last several years! Suddenly, detest the kind of networking I thought I “had”
I am in my element: I have to stay home, no one to do: small meaningless conversations, hugs

can touch me, and networking is fundamentally or overly friendly pats on the back, stuffy little
changed. . .for the better. rooms with the chairs too close together, etc.
Now, all of a sudden, I am a networking fiend. I I like the new networking: distant yet

am attending Zoom meetings with Toastmasters connected, focused on problem solving, in my
clubs all around Oregon. I’ve even visited own room and chair, and with my cat nearby. I
international clubs in the United Kingdom and love helping people. I truly enjoy visiting new
Thailand. This is networking I can do! clubs or talking one-on-one to help someone
Pathways has been here for three years (happy figure out Pathways. I enjoy connecting people

birthday to Pathways in District 7. It rolled I know with others that can assist them. I like
out on 9-17-2017 for us). I’ve had the Strategic connections, and isn’t networking really about
Relationship Path active for 2.5 of those 3 years. connections?
I just finished Level 5. . .and it was only because Now that my discomfort with traditional

of the pandemic that I got this far! Now, the networking is mitigated by not meeting in person
final project to finish is “Reflect on your Path”. (and since I no longer date—being married
Oh, I am most definitely reflecting. The world is a good out), I find that I enjoy visiting new
has fundamentally shifted in the 2.5 years I’ve clubs and meeting new people. The world had

been trying to convince myself that my hatred to change for me to like networking and finish
of networking is all in my head (much like my Strategic Relationships. . .and it did!
hatred of vegetables). It has taken that world shift

VOICES! | SEPTEMBER 2020 29