“It amazes me that we are all on Twitter and Facebook. By “we” I mean adults. We’re adults, right? But emotionally we’re a culture of seven-year-olds. Have you ever had that moment when are you updating your status and you realize that every status update is just a variation on a single request: “Would someone please acknowledge me?” ~Marc Mason, Attempting Normal Last week’s tragic events — including several shootings that didn’t get much news coverage — are finally sparking national dialogue about social media abuse and how it’s poisoning our country. This conversation is long overdue. Social media has changed our lives, and not always for the better. Over…

“You cannot see your reflection in running water. Only in rest and stillness can clarity be found.” ~Lao Tzu I’ve been out of town for over a week, returning home yesterday with a suitcase to unpack and the bittersweet sense that fall is in the air. Starting this week, I’m taking a short break from Life Lines while I prepare for a new project. Meanwhile, I hope you find moments of stillness and clarity as we approach a new season. ~CL

“True friendship withstands time, distance, and silence.” ~Isabel Allende In yesterday’s post, I shared a medical doctor’s advice on maintaining healthy social connections. These days, everyone is busy and overbooked, whether we’re talking about work and family obligations, community groups, social commitments, or medical appointments. When we’re overwhelmed or exhausted by the dates on our calendars (or whatever life is throwing at us) we might neglect our friendships. I’m guilty as charged, and I don’t always practice what I preach. As much as I believe in initiating contact with others, there have been times when I’ve needed to repair my spirit and spend time alone. That’s one of the hard…

“Let’s be clear: we’re not talking about Instagram likes, your thousands of connections on LinkedIn, a fat contact list in your phone. Social connection means real relationships — with people who make you laugh, let you be yourself, and show up when it counts.” ~Dr. Frank Lipman Did you know that friendship — and an active social circle — can help you live a longer and healthier life? There’s plenty of science to back it up. As Dr. Frank Lipman points out in his current weekly health and longevity blog, an important study reports that loneliness and “low social integration” put us at risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, dementia,…