Last week I called a friend where I used to live, to see how she was dong. After I hung up the phone, I realized I was missing something…spending time and making new friends here where I live now. So, my question to you is…when was the last time you called someone because you wanted to get together, see how they were doing or were the recipient of a phone call and just listened? It might even have been today. Why is this connection so very, very important?
I don’t see those spiders that persist in making webs on my porch (even after I clear them out) find other spiders to socialize with and connect with each other. They seem very happy, yet isolated, in the grand scheme of things. So, I do believe the desire to make a connection with others is part of what makes us human. It’s part of why we’re here on the planet. Women especially value and thrive on being connected. How much varies with each person, of course. There are benefits from healthy, safe and supportive relationships….. better health, a greater sense of wellbeing and happiness and, of course, the deep heartfelt feeling we get from our connections. (You can absolutely cross off the connection list those people who drain your energy, if you wish.)
Happiness researchers Ed Diener and Robert Biswas-Diener authors of Happiness Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth say “research confirms that happiness leads to better social relationships”. (Didn’t we already know that?!) So how strong is your social support system? Do you feel like you’d like to connect to a few more like-minded people, have a support system you know you can count on and have friends to share in some fun with you? It’s easier to find a social network or expand your current one than you think. Here’s how.
Three easy steps to increasing your happiness and sense of wellbeing AND your social network:
· Review your life and find something to be genuinely happy about each day (this has a cumulative effect and raises your happiness set point). Keep focused on that positive track even when things appear “negative”. You will attract new or more supportive people in your life, because you (your energy) is more attractive.
· Find something fun or interesting activities that involve being with other people. Then go do it! You’ll easily meet people of similar interests.
· Join social networks like Face Book, Linked In, and Twitter. You’ll be amazed at how finding friends from the past, connecting to family not close by, or even meeting new people virtually expands you network.
Here’s to new connections,
Bonnie
P.S. I really am going to go and take those dancing lessons!
P.P.S. Stay connected! Follow me on twitter and facebook!