Like most Canadians, I’m not really sure what to make of this week and it’s only Wednesday. Earth quakes, tornadoes and the death of an inspiring political figure  make me feel like my none-too-pleased little sister on the spinning swings at Marine Land: “Stop the world! I want to get off!”

Like most Canadians again, I wish I had more time to read. So, I know I’ve only got about five pages into Connected by Drs. Christakis and Fowler, but in that short minute it took me to get that far before I fell asleep it offered  a concept that made me want to “hold on for one more day.”

So in this book, these cool docs are suggesting that our humanistic tendencies propel the formation of social networks. Yes, yes, we’ve heard of “Pay it Forward,” but this is a little different. Here’s an example, however unrelated: If our friends, friends, friends are gaining weight, you’re more likely to get fat too. Chapter One:  “The Butterscotch Ripple Effect.” I joke, I jest. That’s not the name of chapter one.

But this notion can be applied elsewhere to other “good” activities we share with our networks. For example, I was never much of a political person, but during the last election my social networks began exposing me to all kinds of ways that my vote truly counts.So I became more educated on political parties, and I think I made my first vote that wasn’t heavily influenced by looks alone this time around. Oh, admit it. You did too! *see “Left”, literally.

Another great example of this “butterscotch ripple effect” is Stuart Thursby’s, Art Director at Proximity Canada, timely tribute to the late Jack Layton (see image at top of post). Almost instantly after the release of Jack’s message to Canadians, Stuart created and shared these posters, turning a hopeful legacy for a nation into visual beauty.

Like many of us, I too am now inspired to be a better Canadian. Maybe we could all influence one another so we don’t forget how we feel right now by sharing on our social networks. Maybe this sounds like the study of twitter communities through rose coloured glasses, but lets give it a spin!

Be loving, hopeful, and optimistic… and then don’t forget to share it.

About the Author: megan
It's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood for this young creative professional who blogs about her adventures in downtown Hamilton, cultural treasure hunting, phenomenon analysis, and timbit experiments.

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