Meaningful Connection

In an age of instant messaging, FaceTime and social media it can be easy to forget the true meaning of connection. It is apparent that having tons of friends on Facebook and taking the perfect Instagram snap, has taken over our desire for meeting people and forming genuine, meaningful relationships with our friends and family.

It’s time to consider that face to face communication may be more important today than ever before. Having a large circle of friends isn’t necessarily going to bring you happiness, instead, true joy comes from finding a genuine connection with only a handful of people.

But what does this mean?

It’s all about Connection. The creatives over at Mindmaven, have named it “Positive Alacrity” which in short, means finding small, simple memories that leave people feeling genuinely happier.

“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart”
- Winnie The Pooh

How do we do it?
Finding the time to build happy and fulfilling relationships often requires a change in our habits or ways of thinking. By truly getting to know the other person without any agenda, will enable anyone to build more fulfilling relationships every single day.

We’ve compiled a list of ways to help change the way you form a connection:

1. Stop being “busy”
Next time you feel rushed off your feet or overwhelmed at work set aside notions of feeling busy and spend time with those that are closest to you. Nurturing and growing these relationships will leave you feeling uplifted regardless of how crazy your life may feel in that moment. Don’t forget it’s also a two-way street. Both you and the people you have a connection with can share mutual happiness – it’s a win-win situation.

2. Say yes more!
It’s so easy to say “no” when someone invites you to any sort of event but have you ever stopped to think why you are doing it? Saying yes more often will give you that much needed social interaction that you may not realise you are missing out on. Spending time with people whether they’re friends or family instead of your phone or computer can really help you solidify those connections.

3. Show gratitude
Words of affirmation are often a really great way to connect with those around you through a meaningful connection. Mindmaven, refer to the benefits displaying gratitude to those close to you for their help or dedication as an excellent way to show appreciation. This level of connection is more than just “knowing” someone, it’s about expressing thanks, which leads to a more fulfilling relationship.

4. Be authentic
By being yourself, you may find that you will draw people who are similar to you or like you for who you really are. These genuine connections will stand the test of time, forming a solid bond and enabling you to form meaningful relationships. Be yourself, be vulnerable and most importantly, be honest.

5. Listen
Perhaps one of the most under-rated skills we forget to teach is the art of listening. Setting aside our opinions or prejudices and truly listening is a fundamental aspect of forming a meaningful connection. Approach each conversation with the aim of helping the other person. Put their needs before your own and find yourself building genuine relationships built on the foundation of trust.

Ultimately, simple interactions and displays of gratitude can really transform the way you make friends. Whether you’re looking to a make new friend or hoping to solidify those lifelong relationships, finding the key to happiness will perhaps always be in our ability to secure connections that matter.

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