Power of Social Connection | Pick-Me-Up Pearls

We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity. — Paulo Coelho

Lately this has been my favorite walk and jog. Some days I’m the only one on the trail. It’s a place I can retreat to the serenity of nature with wind whispering in my ears. The stillness is literally a breath of fresh air for my body and mind.

On a recent walk, I thought how life is like a long journey. Sometimes we get stuck with feelings of loss, despair, uncertainty but if we just put one foot in front of the other it allows us to move forward. If we stumble or fall along the way, it’s a time to rest and reassess our perspective. When we’re ready we dust ourselves off (as Mom would say) and continue along our way, sometimes taking a new path.

Life is full of meaningful experiences which teach us lessons, make us stronger, wiser and more resilient. We meet special people who infinitely impact our lives. They’re with us to celebrate good times and to pick us up when we’re down. The most precious step in life is connecting to others and sharing support along our journey together. I’m inspired and grateful for people who shine their light and love in my life.

“Sometimes, reaching out and taking someone’s hand is the beginning of a journey. At other times, it is allowing another to take yours.” – Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration

I’m one of those people who strike up a conversation with strangers in the market, while petting their dog, or dining at a community table. Connections with people can be just for that moment or they can last a life time. Once when attending an event without my spouse, a group asked me to join them seeing I was eating alone. We’ve been good friends ever since.

“Research shows the need to connect socially with others is as basic as our need for food, water and shelter,” says Matthew Lieberman, author of Social: Why Our Brains are Wired to Connect. Studies show social connection improves health, strengthens our immunity system and increases longevity.

It’s heart touching to hear about children who sit next to the kid at lunch who is all alone. The book and movie, Wonder is a powerful example of reaching out to people who are isolated because they’re different.

This is a particularly difficult time for people who are alone or without a family. When we take time to reach out to people, it’s a gift to see their face light up when we connect with them. Spread joy this season – Best wishes for the New year!