Hi {{first_name | friend}}!
It’s time to make this social club more social, so I am hosting a picnic and you are invited.
It will be on July 4th from 11 am to 1 pm in Beacon Hill Park (exact location TBD but I will pick a landmark and make it clear in advance).
This will be a casual hang. Just an opportunity to meet some new people and chat. No need to dress up. No need to spend money.
I will plan some light ice breaker activities/games for us, but I really want this to be a casual, low-pressure, easy-yes event.
Feel free to bring your bestie/partner/parent or pet, if you want!
I hope to see you there!!
No other deep musings this week because ya girl has exams 😬.
Until next week,
Janine 💛
IN THIS ISSUE:
FRIENDSHIP ASSIGNMENT
Three ideas for connection
Plan a goal setting night
Goals don’t have to be set on January 1st. We can set them any time we want. We’re rebels. Get together with your friends and talk through your goals together. I’ve done this before and I found that it was super helpful to have accountability. When you’re all looped in on what each of you is working toward it’s easier to support one another and it will help you stay on track.
You can help one another set realistic targets (I don’t know about you but I’m always a little TOO ambitious when I set goals), and you can plan strategies to help support one another along the way!
Join your friend at their kid’s events
If any of your friends have children, there’s a good chance their weekends are packed with various child-related sporting/ structured activity endeavors. Instead of writing weekends off as time to see those friends, offer to go to their kid’s soccer game (or any event) with them! There’s a good chance they’ll be glad to have the adult company!
And if you’re the parent in this scenario, why not invite your friends to tag along to your child’s activities? It may not feel like the most glamorous/compelling invite, but it’s the quality time that matters, not the setting!
Bring back talking on the phone
When was the last time you called a friend just to chat? Sometimes schedules don’t align, or we’re just too tired to make the trip across town to hang out in person, so why not just have a phone call?
You can talk while you’re folding laundry, out walking the dog, or commuting home from work! It’s such a simple and easy way to connect, even if only briefly! I, for one, am always thrilled to get a call that isn’t a scam 🙂
“Which of all my important nothings shall I tell you first?”
WHERE TO BE A REGULAR
Add this third space to your rotation
Your local library
Libraries are absolutely incredible to me. Have I ever returned a book on time? No. But that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate the service. They have everything. Books, movies, music, video games, and all kinds of great programs to support the community.
The GVPL offers family and baby stay and play programs, and workshops and English language learning classes for adults!
You can also book private meeting/study rooms, use public computers, or just hang out and read or work.
Micro-actions for making new connections
Ask for someone’s input on something. This is such an easy and low-stakes way to strike up a conversation. Asking someone for their thoughts makes them feel valued, in even the tiniest way and it will surely lead to a genuine interaction.
Here are some ideas:
“What’s good on the menu here?”
“What are you reading?”
“What do you think of this [color/purse/dress/item you’re shopping for]”
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!
This week’s events round up is slightly truncated due to my time constraints. Follow my Instagram stories (and events highlight) for more! 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 18
Lunch Time Summer Concert Series | Head to the Fort Commons to enjoy live music every Thursday from June through August. Different performers each week! | Fort Commons (behind Be Love) | 12 - 1 PM | Details
Summer of Soccer | Wanna watch the World Cup with fellow soccer fans? Head to Market Square to catch the games on the big screen and enjoy food and local beer! Check out the full viewing schedule, as there are tons of games. | Market Square | 12 PM & on |
Drop in Yoga at Ship Point | Head to Ship Point for an all-level drop-in flow yoga class with One Yoga every Thursday until Sept 3. There will be a limited supply of mats available so bring your own if possible. | Ship Point | 12-12:45 PM | Free | Details
Friday, June 19
Victoria Dragon Boat Festival | Enjoy iconic dragon boat races in the Inner Harbour, exciting music and cultural shows on the Main and Patio Stages, marketplace vendors and bars, Chinatown booths, and more in the heart of Victoria. Goes all weekend. | Ship Point | All day | Free | Details
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
Neighborhood Mending Social | Show your wardrobe some love! Mending is a simple skill that can extend the lifespan of a beloved garment, allowing you to continue wearing it for years to come while keeping textile waste out of landfill. Join Beehive Wool Shop for this beginner-friendly session and learn about mending in a supportive group environment. | Beehive Wool Shop | 6 - 8 PM | Free | Details
Unwind & Create: Art Journaling Workshop | Guided by art therapist Hanna Kaye, you’ll learn to get in touch with your emotions through the creative expression of art journalling. All materials provided. | Hanna Kaye Art Therapy & Counselling | 561 Johnson St. | 6:30 - 8 PM | $55 | Tickets
Saturday, June 20
Let’s Talk Live | Every Saturday, this open conversation group meets at Murchie’s to foster new connections within Victoria. All you have to do is show up and chat. | Murchie’s - Downtown | 1110 Government St. | 10 AM - 12 pm | Free | Details
FREE Jazz Fest Concerts | TD International Jazz Fest kicks off on June 20th. Even if you don’t have tickets to the festival, you can still enjoy free jazz performances in the Cameron Bandshell at Beacon Hill Park! Also on Sunday! | Cameron Bandshell, Beacon Hill Park | 1 - 4:30 PM | Details
Sunday, June 21
PKOLS Market | Your Sunday market for local food, artisans, and good vibes. Every Sunday until Sept 13th. | 4139 Torquay Rd | 10 AM - 1 PM | Details
FREE Jazz Fest Concerts | Free jazz performances continue on Sunday in the Cameron Bandshell at Beacon Hill Park! | Cameron Bandshell, Beacon Hill Park | 1 - 4:30 PM | Details
Monday, June 22
Trail Days | Fernwood Social Run Club hosts trail runs every Monday evening in June. This week they’re headed to PKOLS. No experience necessary. | 6:30 PM | FREE | Details
Latin Dance - Kizomba | Everyone welcome, no partner or dance experience is necessary. One 1.5-hour lesson, followed by a 30-min social dance. Taught by Victoria Latin Dance Association. | Ship Point | 6 - 8 PM | Free | Details
Tuesday, June 23
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
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