Meaningful Connection
Oh, the holidays. It's such a fun time of year, yet always rushed and stressful. If your family is anything like mine, December 1st marks the beginning of an all-out sprint until Christmas. Between work, shopping, events, birthdays, decorating, anniversaries, and spending more time with friends and family, December is likely one of the busiest months of the year for me. It’s also one of the most enjoyable because I spend more quality time with my loved ones than at any other time of year. The dichotomy between these two states of distracted busyness and meaningful connection can be difficult to manage. As someone who tends to put my head down, focus, and get things off my list when busy, it can be hard to remember to see this time of year as more than just a never-ending to-do list. This year I’m determined to see it differently.
I mentioned in the November monthly newsletter (subscribe at the bottom of the page) that entering December I want to focus my attention toward fostering meaningful connection with my loved ones. In years past, I've been so distracted by everything I thought I needed to get done that I haven’t been able to spend as much quality time with my friends and family. Even surrounded by family on Christmas, I find myself easily distracted and focused on the plan instead of being present in the moment. I don’t want that to happen again this year. The older I get, the more I notice that fostering meaningful connections is a chosen action. As a kid, friendships and family relationships were nurtured daily. As an adult, without notable tender love and care, those relationships dwindle. The process may be slow, but it’s still noticeable in the worst way.
This December I want to take the time and energy to connect with those around me. I want to watch Die Hard with my boyfriend (it’s our favorite Christmas movie - yes, it counts). I want to decorate with my mom and her boyfriend while listening to our favorite Christmas music and talking about our holiday plans. I want to schedule times to see each of my close friends and check in on them and their families. I want to slow down and sit in the warmth of the meaningful connections I’ve built. I want to appreciate those around me, and the best way to show that appreciation is to dedicate as much time to them as I can.
December won’t magically become less busy, so it will take effort on my part to bring this vision to life. I don’t expect to be perfect, but I know I can do better than I have in the past, and that’s as good a place to start as any. Do you have any relationships that could use a bit more attention? What can you do to strengthen the meaningful connections in your life?