We attract to us that which we are…
I read that years ago. I was young enough it stuck as a piece of esoteric philosophy… Understood only by the initiated…
Conversation Over Coffee
But as the years have evolved, the truth of that statement has manifested itself. Slowly perhaps, but none the less. Life has initiated me, and I know it’s true.
Our passions, our purpose, drive our thinking.
Our thoughts drive our actions. Even while we carry on as normal, in a job, or raising our families, or tackling the daily-do’s, our thoughts drive us, shape our habits, grow us into who we are becoming.
And we radiate that. Some of us advertise. Others hear and see.
And consciously or unconsciously we attract — in work and personal relationships — others like us.
It may seem coincidental. But is it?
Is it a coincidence that we find such friends? Or is it a process of being so involved in what we do and are becoming, that we recognize others who think as we do, share our values? And they recognize us?
For instance, these business bloggers — Chris Brogan, Darren Rowse, Sonia Simone and Brian Clark — have attracted each other over time because they share mindedness.
Inspired and challenged by one of Seth Godin’s blog posts they have formed a new, private forum they call Third Tribe Marketing. Paying members may sit at table with these folk and more, pick their brains, learn what they know through educational materials and coffee-talk-time, ask questions, brainstorm with them — all things Internet/business/marketing related.
As for me…
As for me, I have long visited and read a blog that inspires and challenges me. One that invites me to join in the conversation. Barbara Swafford asks pertinent questions that I like to explore.
And her other guests offer a plentiful variety of responses.
This week, she brought her Blogging Without a Blog classroom into the coffee shop. She offers you a rich cappuccino with creme, and opens her journal in front of you — a treasure of blogging thoughts that stretch your thinking. If you choose, you may pick up the pen and share your own thoughts.
I feel perfectly at home there. Comfortable. Challenged. Definitely energized.
Have some coffee, have a seat in a comfy chair, and sit a bit. Sit, sip, and share…
And thanks so much for coming by.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Barb .. yes we do tend to friends like us. Certainly here amongst this blogging world we have great buddies, who give us such brilliant ideas and are so helpful ..it’s good to be here.
I’d love to come over and have coffee with everyone .. a coffee tour of the States and Canada .. meeting and chatting – I thought that’d be a great idea ..
Thanks for coming over and following me .. that’s great to see you there .. I’m linked in to your RSS too .. see you around .. though I need a coffee or two .. as I have a few of these pc hassles that seem to crop up at times!
Bye for now – and good to be here .. Hilary
Hilary´s last blog ..Groundhog Day, Candlemas and Jannie the First …
Hi Hilary… we crossed paths today. I was responding to your fabulous post on the history of cotton while you were here. The lovely thing is, I had just made a pot of freshly ground Italian roast coffee once I saw the length and strength of your post. Good reading requires coffee-mug-in-hand.
I hope you refreshed your own mug.
A coffee tour of Northern America to meet and chat with blogging friends — what fun! Let’s do it! (And include wine-time in the evenings.)
Thanks so much for coming by… and you’re most welcome for my following you. That was an easy decision to make…
Barb,
Such a great idea to ponder and reflect upon – and I got an ah ha! My oldest daughter was once told that she was an old soul and she needed to not be so 65 at age 18….we all laughed. Now, at 30 she would like to have a relationship and she is attracting all the 60+ men who are about to retire….they do not ask her out, but just keep telling her to get her Doctorate and are so encouraging of her….This attraction idea just made me laugh out loud…
And what a nice shout out to Barbara Swafford’s great blogging journal and coffee shop….it is such a favorite conversation place.
It takes one to know one! is another good idea
Hi Patricia. That’s a great story about your daughter. She would make a fascinating lead character in a book — the kind I would pick up in a minute. Tell her I wish her well as she enters her doctoral program. (Yep — that part goes into the story as well.)
See? I just can’t help myself — I’m always looking for story. Only I mostly paint them.
Thanks so much, Patricia. (And I agree about Barbara’s blog — it’s a great place to hang out when I’m not hosting my own guests.
)
Hi Barb,
You sweet words of praise brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for your kindness and the link love.
I also think we attract like minds. When I started blogging I envisioned blogging for a group of bloggers much like me; people who want to learn, love to be challenged and are kind souls. All in all, that’s what I find on my blog and as I visit other blogs online. For me, blogging is truly a joyous “hobby”, although I see it as being even more than that.
I love how the new tagline fits your blog so well. It sounds so welcoming.
I also like your line, “pick up the pen and share your own thoughts.” Would you mind if I “borrow” that?
Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..Unveiling The Results Of My Facelift
Hi Barbara.
I don’t mind a bit if you want the line, “pick up the pen and share your own thoughts.” I feel I could pick it up — and I know just how that pen would feel in my hand. I used one so similar to it for so many years I began to wonder if the ink that seeped from it would permanently stain my finger. Hahaha.
We travel similar paths. I too love to learn, and am attracted to others who look for and pursue opportunities. Possibilities. Those who simply love the process of living fully.
Thanks for stepping in…
Thank you Barb,
I’m going to add that line just above the comment box on my blog. It seems so fitting.
Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..Unveiling The Results Of My Facelift
Oh I like that! And the pen you put with it! Very cool!
What a lovely link post. I love what you’ve said about Barbara’s blog. That phrase “Pick up the pen and share your own thoughts.” is absolutely perfect.
Davina´s last blog ..Book Review for “The Narcissist: A User’s Guide”
Hi Davina. Yes, Barbara thoguht so too, and put it in just above the comment section. Perfect.
Thank you.
This was very pleasant to read (as I take a sip of my second cup of coffee). I think you describe the law of attraction in a way that makes a lot of intuitive sense to others: our thoughts -> actions and our actions->certain outcomes in our life and relationships. I think this is very true, and it is something we should all consider. Buddha calls this karma, it is the consequences that arise from our thoughts and actions.
Good post!
Steven | The Emotion Machine´s last blog ..Mindful Risk-Taking: In Life And In Business
Hi Steven. I agree. You said it well. In Biblical terms, it’s reaping what you sew. Zig Ziglar says you become like the people you associate with and the books you read. In other words, whatever you feed your mind is what grows in your mind. And your actions result.
There’s a lot of thought and conversation about that. And I think that’s because truth is truth, no matter who says it.
Thank you so much for visiting! I’ll take another trip over to the Emotion Machine…
What you said is true for blogging AND for real life.
Barbara is absolutely wonderful.
vered – blogger for hire´s last blog ..Post Baby Body: Stop it Already!
Thanks, Vered. I agree — truth manifests itself in all areas of our lives.
I love your name, by the way. It seems to imply truth… or am I misreading it? It’s what I think every time I see it. A derivation of sorts from the Latin Veritas… I could be way off, but it’s a nice thought.
I agree that we tend to gravitate to those we relate to. I’m currently watching the new Survivor series, Villians vs. Heros. It’s funny but I relate to the Heros more so everytime they talk I tune in, but when the Villians are talking I get irratated and annoyed. I just don’t relate to them. I realized this is going to be a tuff season to watch. I’ve often stopped by a blog never to revisit because I didn’t feel that connection. But I’m with you about Barbara. She is wonderful and I have been following her blog almost from the beginning. I have learned so much from her and always feel comfortable and welcome when I drop by. She remains in my reader even though I have had to drop many blogs simply because I don’t have time to read them all. I always have to make time for Barbara and Blogging Without a Blog.
Debbie Yost´s last blog ..Hi, May I Help You?
Hi Debbie.
What you say about Villains vs Heroes is true in stories as well. Books, movies, photos. And blogs too!
I agree with you about Barbara’s blog. So I will see you there often — pouring over her journal entries and joining others in conversation. (I’m the one with fresh, hot coffee in my cup.
)
Thanks so much for stopping by.