What happens on vacation, stays on vacation. Or should it? Here’s a life lesson on the power of connection I picked up at the beach.
Mundane Connections?
Today I wanted to take a moment and recognize the importance of connection, connection with community, family, and even strangers.
It’s a connection that allows us to feel like we’re a part of something much bigger, to make new friends, and to nourish long-lasting relationships. If we keep an open mind, the most mundane experience can show us how these relationships impact our lives in a big way.
For example, I just got back from vacation, where I had to rely on others for housing, food, entertainment, and even protection. The property I booked on Airbnb, the lifeguards on duty at the beach, the restaurants that prepared my food, all of these people knew nothing about me nor my family, yet invited us into their community.
Because of their kindness, we received everything we needed.
Connecting With Others
While on vacation, members of my extended family visited. It was beautiful not to have to worry about the daily grind and spend quality time swimming, fishing, and zipping around on go-karts! Now that we’re back, can I find the same beauty in shuttling kids to swim lessons and football practice? How easy it can be to take everyday moments for granted.
When it comes to strangers, a neighbor who helps to keep an eye on the Airbnb property we rented, ended up Googling my name because he thought I was a jazz musician. (It often happens since my last name is Minguez, sounds like Mingus).
He didn’t find any jazz bass, but he did find my website. Recently, he lost a friend to cancer and was having a difficult time dealing with the loss. He read some posts and asked for guidance on how to deal with lack of sleep and feelings of depression. How wild is that?
Power of Connection
There are connections I need to repair, some I need to foster, and even some connections I need to let go. But all in all last week was a beautiful reminder of the importance and power of connection.
This week, I’ve made it a personal goal to write a letter and send it to a friend. This letter is long overdue. There are family members I need to call too. Finally, there are a few relationships that I need to cut off, connections that I’ve outgrown.
How About You?
What connections are you looking to build? Are there connections you need to cut? How do you know? Let me know in the comments section below.
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A version of this post was previously published on CharlesMinguez and is republished here with permission from the author.
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