The wonder in the everyday
A couple of months ago I attended a friend's engagement party. I knew no one except my husband, and the happy couple. And, truth be told, I was feeling a little nervous about that. It had been ages since we had been to a ‘party’. Quite the contrary, I left elated, feeling so connected and sincerely had the best time I’ve had for a very long time.
On the weekend, I went to my local deli - a weekly pilgrimage. Apart from buying too many deli items (and sampling plenty along the way), I left laughing from the fun banter with the owners and fellow customers. That set my positive attitude for the weekend and week ahead.
This week I went to an industry networking event and saw many old colleagues. In the two hours I was there there were sincere conversations, and a genuine happiness to see each other and connect. No phones, lots of eye contact and surprisingly deep conversations (which is hard at work networking events). I left with a massive smile on my face. My cup was full.
Yesterday I visited with an old client in his new job and met with him and one of his team members. What was supposed to be a 45 minute meeting ended up an hour and a half dynamic conversation covering topics of support for migrants and career learnings, through to economics and small business. The meeting ended with a sincere thanks from him for making the effort to travel and visit (and not on zoom) and a big hug from my new acquaintance with a “I feel like I made a new friend”. I felt the same.
So what’s the common denominator in these micro moments?
Connection. Human connection.
Sincere, moments of paying attention. Looking up, asking questions and just relaxing into the moment.
This week was my 4 year anniversary since delivering my TED Talk on human connection and it's as relevant today as it was then. Before you end your week, I encourage you to stop what you’re doing, make a cuppa and watch it. And, make a commitment on how you are going to find your moments. Those moments are what will be the difference between a fulfilled life and one that is not.
We as a society are moving into a new era of advancement, but one thing is for sure, if we don’t remain truly connected, we will never be truly connected; never be truly fulfilled.
