Hi {{first_name | friend}}!
There's a line in Taylor Swift's Invisible String that I’ve been thinking about lately.
In case you’re unfamiliar, the song is about how we're connected to people in ways we don't always realize; through chance encounters, shared experiences, and seemingly random moments that end up mattering.
Whether or not you believe in fate, the idea that we're all connected by invisible strings is kinda nice, isn’t it?
So, I wonder what would happen if we pulled on a few of them?
Not in some grand, life-changing way. Just micro-actions.
Saying hi to the person you always see at your local coffee shop. Acknowledging the familiar faces at community events. The neighbour whose dog you recognize even though you've never learned their name.
Maybe, instead of looking down at our phones during every idle moment, we looked up and pulled one of those threads?
You never know who you might find attached!
I think about this often because, if I'm being honest, I'm a little shy. More often than not, when there's a lull before an event starts or I'm waiting in line somewhere, I'll default to checking my phone instead of striking up a conversation.
But I've started to notice how many familiar strangers pop up in the spaces I frequent. And on the days I’m brave enough to put my phone away and open myself up a little, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how many people I’ve exchanged little chats with.
It’s easy to think about community as though it's something we have to go out and find. But in reality, it’s something we each have to build.
It's woven together slowly through hundreds of micro interactions repeated over time.
Tiny threads connecting us to the people and places around us.
So this week, if you find yourself waiting for a coffee, arriving early to an event, or standing in line somewhere, maybe look up instead of down!
Pull on a thread.
You never know what you might find attached.
Until next week,
Janine 💛
IN THIS ISSUE:
FRIENDSHIP ASSIGNMENT
Three ideas for connection: tiny threads edition
Ask a better question
Next time you chat with a pal, whether in person, on the phone, or via text, try to go a little deeper than you might ordinarily.
Instead of “how’s your week?” try one of these questions:
What’s something you’re looking forward to right now?
What’s been taking up your mental bandwidth lately?
What was your favorite moment from the day so far?
There’s a chance this questions might catch your pal off guard, in a good way! A prompt they aren’t necessarily expecting might force them to put a little more thought into their response, prompting them to reflect on their feelings. With a little luck, this will lead to a deeper conversation between the two of you!
Bring a friend to somewhere new
Shared experiences with friends are one of the best ways to bond, so why not try something new together. You don’t have to overthink this— start small. Pick an event from the round up this week and attend it together. Who knows what you might learn about one another!
Create a mini tradition
As I get older and am faced with more and more responsibilities, the more I appreciated having social rituals baked into my schedule. It doesn’t require much planning (beyond coordinating schedules), and it’s something you and your besties can count on.
It can be anything.
Talking on the phone while you walk your dogs
Going to a yoga class together
A monthly dinner date
An annual holiday tradition (example: I get together with one of my friends and watch the Chrismukkah episodes of The OC every December)
Reporting on your protein intake in the group chat every day
I find these consistent touch points make it easier to keep up with your friends even when life gets really, really busy.
If you already have little friendship traditions I’d love to hear what they are!
“Isn’t it just so pretty to think all along there was some invisible string tying you to me.”
WHERE TO BE A REGULAR
KWENCH Co-Working and Culture Club
The vibes at KWENCH are immaculate. The space is beautiful, bright, and peaceful, it’s packed with every amenity you could ever need for your work day, and the folks running it are delightful.
If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to get some work done, skip the coffee shop and head here because it won’t cost you that much more than a latte and a sandwich and you won’t have to fight over outlets. Plus, you’ll probably meet some cool people!
Let’s try to open ourself up this week by putting our phones down and staying present in the space around us. You don’t have to go a full day (but kudos to you if you do!), aim for 10 or 15 minutes to start. Be intentional. Keep your eyes up, look around, stay open. Chat with a stranger!
If you give this a shot this week, reply to this email and let me know how it goes!
WORTH LEAVING THE HOUSE FOR
This week’s picks to connect and get out there!
There are so many events right now that this section of the newsletter could spin wildly out of control. As always, I’ve picked happenings that I think offer the opportunity for social interaction and community involvement!
Feedback? Reply and let me know what types of events you want more of!
Thursday, June 11
Junction Yoga | Sara Leslie leads this evening yoga class at Junction Orchard & Cidery. Accessible for all levels and as challenging as you want it to be. | Junction Orchard & Cidery | 273 Prospect Lake Rd | 7 - 8 PM | sliding scale from $10 | Details
Sidney Street Market Garden Party | During the street market, Small Gods is opening their beer garden. Enjoy special prices and a casual environment to enjoy the evening. | Small Gods Beer Garden | 9835 Third St. | 5 - 9 PM | Details
Friday, June 12
Let’s Talk Live | Every Friday, this open conversation group meets to help foster new connections within Victoria. All you have to do is show up and chat. | Caffe Fantastico | 965 Kings Rd, Victoria | 4 - 6 pm | Free | Details
Gnome + Fairy Terrarium Workshop | Head to VI plant shop and have them guide you through planting your very own Gnome and Fairy terrarium! | VI Plant Shop | 515 Chatham St. | 5:30 - 6:30 PM | $57 | Tickets
Couplets & Crafts | An open mic for busy hands. Bring a poem wrote or just one you like and/or a craft to work on while others read. | NeighborSpace | 708 Douglas St. | 6:30 - 8:30 PM | Details
Sober Pride at Sea Cider | Sober during Pride? We see you — and we made this night just for you. In collaboration with @fetesbylinda, we're inviting you to Sober Pride: A Drag Show — a fun, alcohol-free evening of drag excellence celebrating local artists in a safe, welcoming space. | Sea Cider | 7 - 10 PM | $49 | Details
Saturday, June 13
Come Try Rowing | The Victoria City Rowing Club is hosting introductory rowing classes on Sunday morning, perfect for anyone curious to try this sport for the first time. No registration required. Classes start on the hour between 10 AM & 1 PM. | Victoria City Rowing Club | 5100 Pat Bay Highway | Details
FernFest | This community-led celebration of arts, food, music, neighborhood connection has something for everyone. Live music, food trucks, market vendors, and so much more. | Fernwood Square | 12 - 7 PM | Poster
Bag Charm Workshop | Head to the Charmed booth during FernFest to learn how to make your own custom bag charm! | 1240 Gladstone Ave. | 12 - 7 PM | $15 | Details
YYJ Photo Meetup | Join this social photography meetup to test your skills and connect with other local photographers. All skill levels are welcome. You’ll meet up, then head out into the neighborhood to take photos of anything that inspires you. | Emily Carr House | 207 Government St. | 4 PM | Free | Details
The Giving Ocean | The Giving Ocean will bring together art, food, conversation, and community in support of ocean conservation, awareness, and protection. An oyster bar, grazing table, and door prizes also await! | The Lab | 1088 Fort St | 4 - 9 PM | From $23 | Tickets
Sunday, June 14
Bird Walk | The Van Isle Queer Bird Club is leading a bird walk at Swan Lake for queer folkx and allies! It’s a social walk, no knowledge of birding is necessary. | Swan Lake Nature Park | 9 AM | Free | Details
PKOLS Market | Your Sunday market for local food, artisans, and good vibes. | 4139 Torquay Rd | 10 AM - 1 PM | Details
Poles & Pals | Gatherly and Pole Trix are teaming up to bring you this beginner-friendly pole dance class. Designed to help you feel confident and empowered in a supportive, low-pressure space. Come meet new friends and try out pole dancing, then head to happy hour after! | Pole Trix Dance & Fitness | 3218 Jacklin Rd. | 1 - 2 PM | $28 | Tickets
Monday, June 15
Trail Days | Fernwood Social Run Club hosts trail runs every Monday evening in June. This week they’re headed to Thetis lake. Expect 5-7km of rolling hills. No experience necessary. | 6:30 PM | FREE | Details
Tuesday, June 16
Step Together | Join this community walking group every Tuesday afternoon for peer-guided social walks through James Bay, visiting Dallas Road and Beacon Hill Park. It’s low pressure, social, and supportive. Open to all abilities. | Meet in James Bay | 2 - 3 PM | FREE | Details
Paddle and Pints | Every Tuesday night, head to the Ocean River downtown docks for our Paddle & Pint in partnership with @swiftbeer. You get an hour and a half on the water in a kayak, tandem kayak, or paddleboard, and a post-paddle pint at Swift. | Ocean River Sports | 450 Swift St. | 6 pm | $35 | Details
Happy Mail | Join us for a night of creativity, connection, and letter writing in the garden. Inspired by The Correspondent. | Nourish Kitchen & Cafe | 225 Quebec St | 7 - 9 PM | $23 | Tickets
Have an event you want to share? Send me an email ([email protected])
ONE MORE THING
I’d love to know:
What’s your favorite hobby at the moment?
Mine is writing this newsletter, and also collecting bookmarks in the Goodreads Reading Challenge (IYKYK). 📚
Hit reply and tell me yours!
That’s all for this week!
SOCIAL HOMEWORK