Maine libraries unite in Big Conversations to combat winter loneliness

The Scarborough Public Library is one of several Maine libraries collaborating to present “Big Conversations in 10 Short Minutes.”  The program, designed to combat winter loneliness and social isolation, was launched Jan. 18, with librarians from Curtis Memorial, Prince Memorial, Scarborough Public, and Windham Public libraries joining forces. The program initiated by Andy Ryer, Community Engagement manager of Thomas Memorial Library, will extend through March.: Maine libraries unite in Big Conversations to combat winter loneliness

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Will AI help fix my loneliness?

Nicole Sparling writes “As yet another 24-year-old afflicted by the loneliness epidemic that arose from a digital-heavy, interaction-light, post-pandemic world, I suffered the all too common plight of too-few friends. I missed the days before life got busier and people realized that keeping up a friendship online was a time saver. In the span of a year, hangouts with friends became less frequent and texting began to replace face-to-face conversations. When plans were made, the other person frequently showed up late, cancelled or lamely asked to reschedule for a date never to be mentioned again. I routinely received texts from friends who lived 15 minutes from me saying they missed talking to me, asking whether I was free for a phone call. If I was witnessing my friendships becoming exclusively digital, did I need to accept AI friendships as an inevitability?” Source: Will AI help fix my loneliness?

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Lies (Pretty Much) Everyone Tells On Valentine’s Day

“The more we feed into the socially reinforced, overly-romantic messages about love as a promise to be together forever, only have romantic feelings for one other human, and guarantees about how you will feel, act, and think in the future, the more we perpetuate unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships.”

“A quick perusal of the cards at your local store displays the unrealistic, fantasy versions of romance perpetuated on this holiday with sentiments like:

  • You’re my one and only true love, forever.
  • You’re my everything.
  • You always take my breath away.
  • My heart is all yours, always.
  • You’re my forever love.
  • My heart belongs to you, now and always.
  • You complete me.

Truth be told, most of us love hearing these sweet sentiments from our current flame. They make us feel special, wanted, and adored.

But should we? None of these statements actually reflects what a person can honestly promise or say.

You can’t know the future. You can’t own another person or their heart. In fact, the only guarantee we have in life is that things will change over time.” Source: Lies (Pretty Much) Everyone Tells On Valentine’s Day

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Why Random Memories Flash Into Our Heads

New insights into how our involuntary autobiographical memories work. Source: Why Random Memories Flash Into Our Heads

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How to Forgive Your Parents

Taking responsibility, overcoming the past, and moving forward. Source: How to Forgive Your Parents

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Study Finds Less Loneliness Among Those With A Sense Of Purpose

A survey of 2,312 Swiss adults found that those who reported having a sense of purpose in life were less likely to report feeling lonely. Source: Study Finds Less Loneliness Among Those With A Sense Of Purpose

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Unpacking Emotional Baggage: Adverse Childhood Experiences

How do you know how much to unpack and when? Source: Unpacking Emotional Baggage: Adverse Childhood Experiences

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Whatever it is you’re seeking

Sunday Quote: Veiled
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10 Reasons Marriage Has Grown Tougher Over the Past 10 Years

Modern love poses challenges other generations didn’t experience. Source: 10 Reasons Marriage Has Grown Tougher Over the Past 10 Years

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What Is a Happy Life?

And who is the happiest living human? Source: What Is a Happy Life?

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Banish Feeling Blue with Hygge and a Gratitude Mini-Memoir

Coziness and journal writing can relieve sadness in seasonal affective disorder. Source: Banish Feeling Blue with Hygge and a Gratitude Mini-Memoir

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History of Memento Mori Art

Memento Mori is a Latin term that translates to “remember that you will die,” and has been illustrated in numerous works of art. While the expression may sound somber, the point of Memento Mori is to serve as a reminder of our mortality so as to make best use of the time we have now. As the tradition of remembering death carries on, we’ve compiled some of the greatest pieces of art depicting Memento Mori throughout history. Source: History of Memento Mori Art

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Think Twice Before Taking the Top Job

It can be lonely in the corner office. So it’s worth knowing that you could be sacrificing a little happiness. Source: Think Twice Before Taking the Top Job

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Time to Upgrade? 7 Questions to Assess the State of You

Like updating software on your computer, maybe it’s time to upgrade your life. Source: Time to Upgrade? 7 Questions to Assess the State of You

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Death Comes to the Banquet Table by Giovanni Martinelli

I visited the Raclin Murphy Museum at the University of Notre Dame yesterday and had the opportunity to learn from an intern about observing art. “Death Comes to the Banquet Table” was one of the two artworks we observed and discussed.

Llyleila Richardson writes “While their story-telling symbolism is as old as Christianity itself, “memento mori” paintings saw a particular popularity in seventeenth-century Europe. It was a time of tumultuous politics and religious instability even as wealth flooded in from overseas. The Baroque art that bloomed during this period reflects the contrast between these two realities, as tensely captured here by Florentine painter Giovanni Martinelli in NOMA’s Death Comes to the Banquet Table.

Continue reading “Death Comes to the Banquet Table by Giovanni Martinelli” →
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If You Aren’t Happy with Yourself and Your Life Right Now…

“For the person that needs to see this today: Your heart will heal, your tears will dry, your season will change. Rest tonight knowing the storm will end.” Source: If You Aren’t Happy with Yourself and Your Life Right Now… – Tiny Buddha

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How to Slow Down and Take Care of Yourself

If you, too, need to learn how to slow down and take care of yourself, I hope these lessons can help you on your journey. Source: How to Slow Down and Take Care of Yourself – Tiny Buddha

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3 Steps to Master Your Emotions and Be Your Best Self

Managing emotions can improve psychological health, career, and relationships. Source: 3 Steps to Master Your Emotions and Be Your Best Self

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On Solitude: Why We Need It

Solitude is a choice — for prayer, hobbies, solo sport, or creative work. Source: On Solitude: Why We Need It

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10 Sex, Dating & Relationship Stats That Might Surprise You

These research findings are pretty eye-opening. Source: 10 Sex, Dating & Relationship Stats That Might Surprise You

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