Connection.
It’s been a topic that has been on my mind often, as of late – although my curiosity first was peaked back in 2015 during my Happiness Project, where I researched and implemented 12 life hacks to increase positivity and balance after some especially difficult personal setbacks.
During the project, I tried gratitude journaling, meditating, exercising, creating uplifting playlists, disconnecting from technology, prioritizing sleep, auditing my life, making time for passions, giving back, saying no (setting boundaries), as well as investing in meaningful connection.
Invest in 5 intentional relationships – a sense of connection with others has been shown to increase happiness. Take time to really consider the people in your life – your friends and family – and determine 5 key relationships. If you can’t think of 5, it’s time to get out there and meet them! Find ways to invest in these people often: carve time out of your day to ask and listen to them, organize dinner parties, arrange coffee dates, go on nature walks, tell them how much you appreciate sharing moments with them.
I’m surprised at how many of the happiness tactics are still meaningful to me now. Cultivating intentional relationships certainly is one of them – however as I have invested greater time and effort into relationships, it has become more and more obvious that perhaps there are more roadblocks to connection than simply my lack of effort.
This year: I plan to tear down the barriers to understanding connection – in all areas of my life (personal and professional) – and hope you join me for the journey!
What does connection mean for you? What images does it evoke? Are there barriers you feel in your own life as it relates to connection that we could explore together? Do you feel like you have people you can truly rely on? Does technology help or hinder connection for you? In what ways? Would love to hear your thoughts below!
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~ L to the Aura ~ 
This is magnificent, Laura. I acknowledge you for first, doing your own happiness project and second, for opening to greater connection in your relationships. That takes willingness and courage!
I’m a Forgiveness Coach and blogger, and my site is called “Forgiving Connects”. I experience great connection to my heart through using self-forgiveness – and I think it connects us to one another in our empathy and kindness. 🙂 Anyway thanks for asking. And so glad you found my blog!
Blessings, Debbie
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Debbie – Thank you very much – your note was so touching. Willingness and courage indeed. I can’t wait to read more of your posts as well, and look forward to hearing your insights! Im sure you have such a wealth of knowledge on this subject!
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Firstly excellent blog post, a connection can mean a multiple of things and situations in life. From time with friends and family to work and careerwise. I do like the connection with friends and family the must as it is always important to stay connected to your loved ones.
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Thank you so much! So true that connection can mean so many things to each person. Im hoping to explore it all – would really love to hear more of your insights!
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I live in a major city near the town where I grew up, so there is both plentiful opportunity to connect and high turnover in the population. Stability over time usually requires tech for me when ppl leave, but the importance of touch should not be underestimated – the physical act of hugging or tapping someone’s shoulder or touch for a number of other gestures. Tech can’t do that. If national identity were used as an analog, it can’t survive for long without migrations to a common metropol (see Benedict Anderson), and tech can only sustain most friendships outside of the oxygen of shared bodies for so long before the oxytocin levels need to be replenished by a prolonged visit.
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Such an interesting perspective – that in this highly mobile world tech allows us to facilitate longer (and likely deeper) relationships – but that physical connection is still vital. Will definitely check out Benedict Anderson! Very insightful.
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He’s excellent – the book is _Imagined Communities_
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Brilliant – its added to my reading list! Thanks!
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Beautiful writing
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Thank you so much – glad you enjoyed! ❤
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For me, I feel that connection is consistency. They go hand-in-hand. I feel we create connections everyday due to circumstances in our lives. You could be at a bus stop, waiting for a bus and this person shows up. Everyday as well. Your mind automatically creates this idea in your head due to something similar we see or look forward to. A connection is born. However, true connection is created when consistency is shown. Small-talk becomes coffee dates, diners, trips, bond ect… I’ve maybe gone over my head lol but those are my feelings towards “connection.”
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I love that – consistency is so key to interweaving and building upon all those small interactions. From small talk, to sharing ideas, to being vulnerable about how we feel or what we need. Building trust doesn’t happen overnight. Love your insights – thanks for sharing!
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A friendship where I feel seen, supported, appreciated for who I am, what I stand for, a friendship that honors feelings, authenticity , that can transverse the waters of conflict, challenges, each other’s ups and downs and still be standing on the other side of that.
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This is beautiful stuff. ❤ I think we all hope and dream of friendships as deep as the one you talk about. Thank you so much for sharing.
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Almost all of the friendships o can rely on are with people in other cities , states, and countries, so technology is very important for those connections.
It is my goal to create more community though, in person and via technology. Connection had always been important to me, I’m a people person.
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That’s so interesting Katelon! Your deepest friendships who are living apart from you – how do you stay connected? Are there tools you use? Do you get together in person often?
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I’ve been on the road for 6 years now, and have moved often before that. So my closet friends in the Seattle area I left behind when I leaped. We email, text, talk on the phone. I met my spiritual work partner online, he is in Canada and we’ve never met physically. We skype, message via FB, text, and he donated to me often on this journey of faith, has helped me heal numerous times from energetic attacks I’ve withstood and we do energy level work together often, sometimes daily, for ourselves and the Shift into the light.
I have several deeper friendships with people I’ve met on FB, through online forums, and one I met via the phone when I mutual friend got injured. We stayed in touch with each other but not the mutual friend.
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That’s incredible Katelon – its beautiful that you are still able to exchange ideas and support to each other virtually.
What makes a friendship feel deep to you?
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