I am a big believer that people need people.
We are by nature social creatures with biology to support our social natures. I was reading recently about the differences between mammals and reptiles and the fact that mammals build attachment and emotional bonds between parents and their young which is not the case among reptiles (who are known to eat their babies!). The care between a parent and offspring is only the beginning of human connection.
Not only do we rely on the care of our parents for our early survival, but we continue to rely on the connection we experience as we grow: connections with our family, with our friends, with people we met in school and then in work. All of these connections help us to understand the world and our place in it.
I have always been more of a “to myself'' sort of person. But despite this, I have always strived to have at least one good friend to meet that social need for myself. Because of this, I have some deep friendships that I will always treasure!
So… what’s the point of all of this? I guess the point is really: what are we doing to foster friendships? What are we doing to build connection and community? What are we doing to let ourselves be seen and what are we doing to see other people as their true selves?
I don’t have all the answers, but I do know that our connections are so important to who we are as human beings.
I am currently in a state of disconnect… maybe after the last year and a half you are too. So for me, I am reaching back to places where I have found connection in the past. I am trying to open my mind, open my heart, and open my home to new people and new opportunities for connection. I am trying to be more open with my family and friends about who I am and what I want and need. I am trying to find support as a parent and as a homeowner and just as a person.
So in my parting thoughts, I say this, “What are YOU doing to build a connection?” “Where are you reaching out?” “What are you doing to allow your true self to be seen?”
