Imperfect

perpetual commotion machine

Inspired by Vlad's one-way meetings.

If connection is a catalyst, I imagine becoming a perpetual initiator as a superpower. What better way to strengthen your social graph than instilling regular contact with mutually beneficial people? Build a strong, serious network so meaningful thoughts and experiences are not only shared, but reciprocated.

Even if you're one of the only initiators, persevere when it's sustainable. Surviving even by a thread beats splintering in many cases. If your love of connecting people overrides exhaustion and loss of meaning, be empowered to continue. If not, a sustainable group has ways of balancing the load.

You can diffuse the initiation as a preservative or when you struggle. Ask for help whether from others or within yourself. How can you encourage others to follow in your footsteps? How can you find drop-in replacements or additions? If the worst case scenario of absolutely no help arrives, pass the torch if it's feasible, then save yourself.

The regular members of any group also have an important responsibility. First, acknowledge how much work goes into organizing connections and events. Then, if you see stress cracks form, how can you help without overstepping? Like initiators often are, you too can be the rising tide that lifts all ships at times.

Connections change like the Earth turns. The possibility of changing relationship dynamics make regular practice and backup plans valuable. Inhabit optimism by opportunity: always be talking. Building and maintaining bridges keeps you fresh, no matter how young, old, novice, or expert you are.

Subversion can be a powerful mechanism to apply. Think about how conversations creating illusory friendships can cultivate or strengthen true ones instead. You can even subvert means like slop and memes to advertise cherished substance. Philosophical talks, in-person moments, or other sentimental experiences can be tastefully disseminated this way.

Reaching out first solves the chicken and egg problem of waiting when others might never bother. The bystander effect is more reason to persist with contact. Even better, you could save others guesswork and rumination. They may even share their heartfelt appreciation of your efforts. That may mean more than you know.

How can perpetual initiation be exhilarating and often meaningful?

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