How Are You Connecting in the New Year?
Now that we’re well into the new year, it’s natural to think about all the changes we want to make on this fresh, new, blank slate laid out in front of us. Before you get too caught up in resolutions (if you make them), I’d like to challenge you to think about how you’re connecting with others this year.
It’s our connections that help us live a regret-free life, as I’m reminded of in Kelly McGonical’s Ted Talk: A Game That Could Give You 10 Extra Years of Life. If you haven’t watched it, I highly recommend taking the 20 minutes to watch it. Very powerful!
So, how do you want to connect with others this year so you can live a regret-free life?
How about slowing down, making eye contact, really listening?
Just before the holidays, I had an unexpected connection that really changed the trajectory of my day. I had to take my car in for repair and I had a very early morning appointment. It was an unseasonably cold morning and as I waited in my car for the service advisor, I was scrolling through my email, Slack, text messages and the plethora of other ways of communicating with me. I was tired and already fretting about all the things I had to get done that day (without my car).
When my service advisor approached me, he said, “Good morning, how are you?” I replied with my tired, “Hi, I’m good.” to which he replied gently, looking me directly in the eye, “No, really how are you?” He said it in a way that offered me permission to speak my truth and made it ok not to be ok.
I was a bit taken aback, but when I realized this was an opportunity to make a meaningful connection, I relaxed and leaned in. Long story short, I was able to have a heartfelt and meaningful conversation with this stranger, learning a bit more about each other and finding areas of commonality. This slightly deeper connection helped put me at ease, laugh a little, and let down my guard. He appreciated where I was coming from and we both felt acknowledged and heard. It really changed the trajectory of my day. I left feeling optimistic and ready to tackle my day, despite knowing I would likely not have my car back for a day or two and a fat bill to pay.
It was such an unexpected connection on that cold morning, but it was a great reminder that as long as we’re mindful and open, we can all experience connection in even the most mundane moments of our day. And just think the ripple effect of that impact!
I know the impact it had on me and how I was able to take that energy with me into my day. I shared my experience with at least 2 other people that same day and later that week with my Wisdom Circle participants. I hope he was also able to harness that goodness and energy and create a positive impact with others he crossed paths with later that day and week.
So if you find yourself on autopilot going about your days, how can you find opportunities for greater connection? What does that look like for you and how will that help you to live a regret-free life? Post your thoughts in the comments below…I’d love to hear!
Looking to become more conscious of your daily lived experience so that you can show up the way you want both at work and at home? I can help with that!
Sign up for your complimentary Breakthrough Session so we can get you there.
