The Importance of Connecting With Others

What are connections? A connection is when things are tied or linked together like wires, pipes, and roads. Connections can also be applied to people who are tied or linked together in various ways like social connections through sports clubs and church or family connections through kin and relations. Often people have connections at school or work, at service organizations and social clubs. Connections can be made at parties and other events in our lives.

I spent much of my weekend connecting, as I co-chaired a Friends-Of-the-Library charity event at the Poquoson Seafood Festival. I enjoyed interacting with other volunteers and with customers who browsed and/or bought items from our annual used paperback book sale. There was a great turnout at the Poquoson Seafood festival as we had great weather. The whole event was so much fun. And, I was delighted to see old friends and make new ones over the weekends. We exchanged hugs, encouragement and had an opportunity to catch up and/or learn about each other.

I even got to exchange a few words with one of candidates running for Senator representing Virginia in Congress. If he had an opportunity to spend more time with me, he might have swayed my vote his way; but, alas, he did not. It was interesting to see how he worked the crowd and how easily any candidate could feel a sense of support. Admirers gravitated to him, yearning for a handshake, an exchange of words and maybe a photograph.

Connections allow people to exchange positive energy with each other through love, compassion, kindness and support.  As we progress through the 21st century, connections have become easier and easier to make. (There is some thought among a few is that we may even be over-connected, but that is fodder for another blog.) Looking at the positive side of connections, it is exciting to see how many ways one can connect with others, especially with other like-minded individuals.

There are so many social networking sites from the popular Facebook, Twitter and MySpace, as well as, professional networking sites like LinkedIn, ZoomInfo and Bright Fuse.  And websites like Ning allow anyone to create very specific social networking sites designed for whatever the host would like, for example: artists, writers, educators, and so on.

Do you remember connecting the dots in dot-to-dot puzzle as a youngster? You would start with the first dot and create a picture by following a sequence of numbered dots. Connections among people can also be seen this way.  Let us create beautiful pictures with our connections. And, let us remember why it is so important to speak and act with compassion and love when we connect with others.

The far-reaching connections are boundless. It is amazing who knows who because of you-know-who. Some may call it karma, but it truly is because we are all interconnected. How would you like to be connected to others? May it always be in a be in a positive way. (This is an edited re-post from February 6, 2012)

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Transitions

Transitions are those times in people’s lives when change occurs. A person moves from one time or event in his or her life to another. It can be a physical or spiritual change. Smooth and gradual transitions are easiest to a person’s being. Transitions are neutral in the sense that one can transition from a joyful existence to a negative one just as easily as one can transition from an existence of negative energy to one that is positive and joyful. In a sense, each person is in a form of transition as each person is physically aging from one moment to the next.

Besides aging, many also have emotional, spiritual and/or career transitions. How one chooses to feel during this transition is entirely up to that person. Transitions can be difficult if a person holds onto the past, whether it is regret or a longing to be who he or she once was. Letting go of the past is will ease the transition. Another harmonious way to handle a transition is to be completely present in the moment. What are you experiencing or feeling, right now? You can choose to see each present moment as a blessing and a gift.

Consider all those things that bring you joy or activities you would like to try. Do not hold back, indulge in those activities that you bring you joy or you believe you will bring you delight. These events in your life will ease all the hard transitions you are making in your life. Remember, each of us are in some form of transition. Everyone is in the flow of experiences. Embrace your transitions and let go of any negative feelings that seem attached to it.

The unknown factor, when one is in transition is the scariest. Fear arises when a person does not know who he or she will become or how he or she will end up. Consider this, you are in control of your feelings and you get to choose how to react or respond to each and every thing that is presented to you. How do you feel at this very moment?

What would you like your future to look like? It is good for a person to have a vision of what he or she would like to become. This will help a person create goals and strategies to get there; however, it is best to be open to all experiences as often life may give a person shortcut or an opportunity. So, let go of any limiting beliefs and keep your sights wide.

Another idea, is to be the person you want to become (mentally). If that person is a successful writer or artist, then take on that persona. There are many ways to get from here to there. There is no one correct path when a person is in transition. 

Also, consider your community, with whom do you spend time? Is the influence of your community aligned with your beliefs and values? What kind of connections have you made with others? How can they help you during your transition? What is your level of enthusiasm and zest for life? Are you in balance? What do you have right now that you are most grateful? Consider every aspect of your life and visualize everything in it that has been a blessing. Is there a way to build upon the blessings in your life to ease the transition in you are experiencing? Most of all, embrace your transitions. Transitions are a part of everyone’s life.

Connections

What are connections? A connection is when things are tied or linked together like wires, pipes, and roads. Connections can also be applied to people who are tied or linked together in various ways like social connections through sports clubs and church or family connections through kin and relations. Often people have connections at school or work, at service organizations and social clubs. Connections can be made at parties and other events in our lives.

Connections allow people to exchange positive energy with each other through love, compassion, kindness and support.  As we progress through the 21st century, connections have become easier and easier to make. (Some thought among a few is that we may even be over-connected, but that is fodder for another blog.) Looking at the positive side of connections, it is exciting to see how many ways one can connect with others, especially with other like-minded individuals. There are so many social networking sites from the popular Facebook, Twitter and MySpace, as well as, professional networking sites like LinkedIn, ZoomInfo and Bright Fuse.  And websites like Ning allow anyone to create very specific social networking sites designed for whatever the host would like, for example: artists, writers, educators, and so on.  

Do you remember connecting the dots in dot-to-dot puzzle as a youngster? You would start with the first dot and create a picture by following a sequence of numbered dots. Connections among people can also be seen this way. Wouldn’t it be nice to create beautiful pictures with our connections?

That is why it is so important to speak and act with compassion and love when we connect with others. The far-reaching connections are boundless. It is amazing who knows who because of you-know-who. Some may call it karma, but it truly is because we are all interconnected. How would you like to be connected to others? May it always be in a be in a positive way. 

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