How to Cultivate More Connection In Your Life

We’re on week #6 as we countdown to the mid-year point and WOW time is flying! This week, I’m covering off on my tried and true ways to cultivate more connection in my life and how you can do the same.

CONNECTION - Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines connection as “a relationship in which a person, thing, or idea is linked or associated with something else.” While this is a factual definition by dictionary standards, I believe connection to be and represent so much more. It may be the extrovert in me, but connection gives me energy, it makes me feel like I belong and it always realigns me to my purpose {of leading and teaching others on their path of self-discovery}, when I feel like I’ve gotten off-track. But it also takes effort and discipline to maintain. That’s why I’m sharing my tried and true tips of first building connections and then cultivating that connection regularly.

“In a world of algorithms, hashtags and followers, know the true importance of human connection.”

Whether you are looking to cultivate connection professionally{within your industry and co-workers}, or if you are simply seeking better connection with your friends and family, these tips will apply to you.

Be Friendly.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the busyness of our lives and move from task-to-task, moment-to-moment with our heads down and focused on what we have to do. It’s also common to be nose-deep in our cell phones at all times, including those times like standing in line at Starbucks, sitting at dinner or just hanging out. The problem with all of these above actions is that it blocks us from moments where we have the opportunity to cultivate connection. Although sometimes we don’t feel like we do, we DO have the time to stay a few minutes to chat with our co-workers even when we are swapped with work. We also can push through the uncomfortable feeling of smiling and talking to a stranger at jury duty who just might become a new friend (this is a true story — I met my new friend Julie this way!). We also can soak up time with our friends and family when we put our phones down when hanging out with them, instead of being sucked into the internet. This is a no brainer but we all need this reminder. It takes two seconds to be friendly and if the outcome is more connection and joy, then why not?!

A Quick Note Goes A Long Way.

We don’t always have the time for lengthy phone calls or a drawn out text chain, but we DO have the time for a quick note, even if it’s short and sweet (really these are the best kind) to let the people in our life know we are thinking of them. My friend Rachel is AMAZING at this and is always inspiring me to send quick notes of my own. Just yesterday she sent me a text that said “ So much T-Swift goodness today!” It made my heart soar to hear from my friend and to bond over our love for Taylor Swift and it didn’t take a long text message to convey all those things. What quick messages can you send that will let your friends/family know that you care and that they are in your heart/mind regularly?

Lend A Helping Hand.

I’ve found that one of the best ways to form a true connection with others is by experiencing things together! Especially when that thing you’re experiencing together is challenging, hard and something completely new for the both of you. The feeling of camaraderie and teamwork will take your connection to new levels. So how do you do this? You lend a helping hand. Yes, I know you have a million things on your plate, but if connection is a priority to you, then helping someone else out will feel like a reward.

Remember The Important Things.

Thoughtfulness is a cornerstone of connection and there’s nothing that feels more thoughtful IMO than when someone remembers or acknowledges the important things in your life. Does your best friend have a big job interview coming up? Wish her good luck the morning of. Does your co-worker have a huge presentation that they’ve been prepping for, for weeks? Surprise him with his favorite latte and a few words of encouragement. Did your Mom’s Canfield Fair photo submission get awarded Honorable Mention? Get a copy framed for her to remember always. The big things are the big things and remembering to celebrate the big things with/for others goes a long way.

Be Understanding.

To me, this is the MOST important out of all my tips & tricks. BE UNDERSTANDING. The people you care about or want to build a connection with have a life just like you do. They aren’t going to always show up in the ways that you want them too, they are going to let you down sometimes and they are going to on occasion take forever to respond to your text(I know that I’m the culprit of this most times). But that’s okay, because true connection is when you can feel just as close to those around you, even if you aren’t speaking every day, every week or every month.

What are your favorite ways to cultivate connection in your life?

-Brittany