In June’s blog I talked about the joys and rewards of connecting with people in your industry at business conferences like ATD. Today I want to focus on the priceless rewards of connecting with friends and family.
In this day and age, when so much of our connecting happens over Zoom and other digital platforms, it’s especially important to get together in the real world on a regular basis. That’s because seeing people in person creates genuine human connections that that you simply can’t have online.
It is a tradition in our family to spend time together during the summer in Skaneateles, New York. We are fortunate that my in-laws, the McKees, bought some property on Skaneateles Lake back in 1947. For more than 75 years, our friends and family members have gathered here to celebrate birthdays, prepare meals, take boat rides, and simply enjoy the slower pace of rural upstate New York.
The Benefits of Togetherness
There’s a deeper purpose to our time in Skaneateles than just having a fun vacation. Summer in Skaneateles is a decades-old tradition that we have passed down to our children and grandchildren. It’s like a glue that binds the different generations of our family, strengthening our relationships with each other.
The time-honored ritual of coming to Skaneateles also provides structure to our lives. My wife, Margie—an accomplished photographer—takes pictures and creates a book for each summer. Looking through those books, we can appreciate the passage of time and the family rituals that bring meaning to our lives. When our kids and grandkids look at the books, they not only have fun memories, but they also understand their roots and feel a sense of belonging and continuity.
The Importance of Human Connection
I’m an uber-extravert, so being with others is essential to my mental and spiritual well-being. But even the most intraverted person needs to feel a sense of belonging. That’s because human beings are inherently social creatures. Our need to connect with each other is programmed in our DNA. Gathering with friends and family provides an environment where everyone—no matter what their personality type—can feel seen, heard, and valued.
When we spend time together—taking walks, sharing meals, playing sports, or celebrating milestones—we are making memories that anchor us in a sense of belonging and meaning. When life feels tough, we can tap into the reservoir of positive emotions created by good times we have shared with loved ones.
The Healing Power of Togetherness
In times of crisis or sorrow, the support of friends and family becomes a lifeline. For example, I’ll never forget the outpouring of love Margie and I received after our house burned down in the California wildfires of 2007. We were in Florida at the time of the fire. When we returned to San Diego, people had gathered at the Blanchard headquarters to support us. Just seeing their faces provided tremendous comfort and resassured us that everything was going to be okay. People’s kind words and warm hugs during that difficult time alleviated our despair and made a big difference in our ability to cope.
Make Memories with Your Loved Ones
Finding meaning and purpose through work is important, but nothing compares to the joy and meaning you get from being together with friends and family. Our primary purpose on this earth is to love, which is why it’s so important to cherish and nurture our relationships. In the end, it is our connections with others that make life truly meaningful—so schedule time to make great memories with your friends and loved ones today!