Ah, it feels nice to sit here at my computer and write a blog post again. I took time off of social media during the holidays. The past few weeks have been filled with family, friends, food (too much, of course), and special moments.
I spent time with family I usually see just once a year because we’re scattered throughout the world. I met my 10-month-old great nephew for the first time and couldn’t get enough of him. My husband Alex and I spent lots of time with our daughters, who live away from home. It was awesome to re-connect.
But the holidays weren’t all magic and sparkle. There was anxiety too, which has a way of creeping in between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. I couldn’t keep track of the times I told myself to take a deep breath and relax.
To add to the stress, we started a major remodel on our business the week after Thanksgiving. I know… not great timing.
Life is calming down a bit now — sort of. It felt good to box up our holiday decorations and declutter. The house looks a little bare, but fresh.
January is a clean slate.
Yesterday Alex asked what my New Year’s resolutions are. I don’t like to make them, it’s too much pressure. I prefer to set goals throughout the year, instead of a long list in early January. But his question got me thinking: is there anything I’d really like to change? Some area in my life I want to improve?
Like many people, I want to eat healthy, exercise, and lose five pounds. I want to read more and carve out time to meditate, do yoga, and work on the puzzles and mindfulness coloring book my mom and dad gave me for my birthday last fall.
But there’s something else I want to work on, a different type of resolution for me.
Connections.
A few months ago, I had coffee with a friend (I’ll call her Teresa). She talked about the importance of finding and maintaining connections. I was intrigued because this is one area in my life I’d like to improve.
Life is all about connecting with others and being vulnerable enough to let them into our lives. Friends to laugh with, cry with, learn from, share experiences with, to support, to love.
I have a close group of friends and wonderful family relationships. But I’ll be the first to admit I’m not great at taking the initiative to keep in contact or arrange time to get together. Building and nurturing friendships takes effort, for both sides.
Teresa told me about author and motivational speaker, Brene Brown, Ph.D., and suggested I read Brene’s book, “The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are.” Alex bought it for me for Christmas and so far I’ve read the first couple of chapters.
I relate to much of what Brene talks about, and I love this quote:
“I define connections as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
It’s giving and receiving with an open heart. And despite the fear of rejection, putting yourself out there to connect on a personal or professional level. Maybe it’s asking a friend to go to lunch, joining a club, taking a class, or calling a business contact to further your career.
Connect.
So that’s my resolution: to nourish the relationships I have and create new ones, even if it means stepping out of my comfort zone.
I’m excited to see what bonds will forge this next year.
Wishing you all a healthy and happy 2018!
Second image courtesy of here
Third image courtesy of here
Fourth image courtesy of here
Such an excellent resolution! I find it harder to connect with people now that I’m in my 30s. I feel like so many people are so busy and also more connected to their phones than actual people. Being more present will help us make better connections. Great thoughts! I enjoyed reading this post today.
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Thank you so much! Great point about technology. People can have hundreds of Facebook friends, thousands of Instagram followers, but this type of connection is different. Real relationships, that take effort to build. And you’re so right, being more present and mindful will help make better connections. Thanks for visiting here!
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My problem is, I try my best, but people just don’t have time for me. I don’t have a job, everyone else does, and children – mine are all grown up. And we all have parents who are needing us more and more. Sometimes the only way to keep is connected is electronically, sadly.
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I completely get it. And that’s where I think technology is wonderful. I have friends and family that are either too busy, our schedules conflict, or they’re too far away. So I’m thankful for texting, calling, and social media. It’s not face-to-face, but it’s a way of maintaining the connection. And sometimes that’s the best we can do, and that’s ok! I’m always excited to get Snapchats of my great nephew who lives in another country 🙂
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Yes, my brother and his two children’s families live in the US (I’m in the UK) and I have friends in Australia, it is amazing to be able to chat and see their homes and surroundings. I remember when a letter from Oz would take 3 months and a three-minute phonecall was all we could manage once a year at Christmas cos it was so expensive!
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Wow, we’ve made big advances since then! It’s amazing to be able to skype or FaceTime someone across the world. That’s the good part of technology!
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a lovely read and lots to take with me into the new year. I so love Victoria Erickson quotes. this one is very special
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Thank you, I’m so glad you could relate! I loved this quote, I’ll have to look up more by her. Take care!
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I love Brene Brown! She has so much wisdom and such a good way of putting things.
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Yes, she does! Such a smart and inspirational woman. I’d love to hear her speak, bet she’s wonderful.
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I love your resolution for the coming year….it is one of the best and I think I am going to borrow it! I also love that quote at the end.
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Aw, thank you, I’m so flattered! I love that quote too… I need to remind myself of this throughout the year 🙂
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Happy 2018 Jenny. I wish you and your family all the very best and more.
I don’t do the resolution thing either. I always fail. 🙂
This year I decided to pick one word to help me for 2018. My word is perseverance. Perseverance in all I do and plan to do throughout the year. 🙂 x
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Oh, perseverance is a great one! That’s something I constantly remind myself of, I need more of it. Thanks so much Lynne, and Happy 2018 to you too!💜
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Happy New year glad you had a good break. Good luck with your resolutions and i am sure it will work out. I read all the previous comments, it is true people are so busy it is hard to connect.. all the best for 2018
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Thank you so much, and wishing you the best for the new year, too! xx
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It requires courage to identify and accept what you want to work upon to improve yourself. It’s a great step to go ahead and build relationships. So Good luck and Happy 2018!
You might want to have a look what I feel about New Year resolution – https://aarzoorose.wordpress.com/2018/01/10/is-it-really-about-new-year-resolution/
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Thank you so much! Wishing you a wonderful 2018! And thanks for the link, I’ll take a look 🙂
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Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often.
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Thanks Danny!🙂
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Most welcome!
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Hello, like you I am glad to be headed into a new year, not a clean slate for me by any thought, but it does feel like a new beginning…..another year older,…another chance to put it all right, well at least some of it…LOL Happy New Year……let the party begin…..xxkat
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Haha, and yes, I guess it’s not completely a blank slate. But a fresh start😊 Happy New Year to you too, Kat! Hope it’s filled with good health and fun travels💜
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thanks
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Connecting is something I’m struggling with too. Our lives are so busy these days that it’s hard to find the time. I really enjoyed your post. It made me smile 👍🏻
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Thank you! Glad you can relate! Thanks for your nice comment, it made ME smile!😊
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What a great resolution. I have yet to read one of Brene Brownes books but I shall put it on my list. 🌼
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Thank you! And yes, she’s inspiring!
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Great read. I truly believe you can never have too many connections. Good luck with your resolution this year!
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Thanks so much! I believe that too. And so far, so good! 🙂
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I struggle with keeping in contact too. Good friendships nourish us though. It’s important to grow them.
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I like how you say that friendships nourish us, so true! Thank you🌸
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I am not sure the place you are getting your info, but great topic. I must spend some time finding out much more or working out more. Thank you for excellent information I was on the lookout for this information for my mission.
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Thank you, and all the best on your mission!
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A clean slate is wonderful isn’t it. And I love your resolution Jenny, after all connection is at the heart of everything we do. Wishing you a happy and healthy year ahead my friend. Here’s to deeper and fulfilling connections with all we meet. xo 💖
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Oh yes, here’s to that!! Thank you Miriam, wishing you the very best 2018! Thanks for visiting here and for your lovely comments! xo
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You’re very welcome. xo
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