I started off the New Year the right way, a breakfast date with my girlfriend.
As I sat in my local coffee shop, I looked around and found it so refreshing to see that every single person around me was engaged in a conversation. With the technology era booming, it's almost impossible to go out with your friends or family and not be tied to your phone.
The attachment is incredible, a craving sensation. Being phone-less for hours while I'm at work leaves me feeling unsettled. "I wonder if I have any texts," "Did Jeremey like my Instagram post?", "I wonder if Danielle wants to hang out tonight". But the true question is, why do we care so much?
Why do we consider Facebook comments or Instagram likes "connections"?
As we spring into the New Year, I want you to ask yourself these simple questions: how connected are you to your life? How well do you know yourself? And how well do you know the people around you?
Think about it, when was the last time you had a real conversation with someone? When was the last time you spoke with someone and actually made eye contact while doing so? We've become so accustomed to just going floating through the motions of life that we don't even know how to be present anymore.
Being present is the most effective way to live a full and happy life. It allows you to move into different directions all while experiencing new things, growing as a person, meeting new people, and so much more.
I've met and interacted with so many people who are, what I like to call, shit-sitters. A shit-sitter is someone who is so unhappy with their life and with themselves, but does absolutely nothing to change this. They're numb to their emotions, the people around them, and most importantly their lives.
Time moves more quickly than you think. You wake up and it's a new day, you go to bed and you start the cycle all over. When you're present and connected, you go to bed every night feeling fulfilled. Knowing that your day was well spent eases the stress and worries daily life can bring. But, when you're disconnected, you feel differently. You're unaware of life, and how quickly it's moving. You go to bed with your thoughts running frantic around your brain because you can't seem to understand why you wake up every day feeling so empty.
This year, I challenge you to be present. It's cliché, but live every day as if it were your last. Make real, authentic connections with not only yourself but with others. Talk to your friends, and make some new ones.
Nourish your existing connections. Engage with people. Find out their interests, be attentive and be a good listener. Be a support system. Learn more about your friends, their goals and aspirations and help them get there. Make it a point everyday to send your love and gratitude to your loved ones. Remind them that you're appreciative for all that they do.
Go out to dinner with someone you haven't spoken to in some time, and leave your cellphone in your bag. Create that space and opportunity for a real conversation. Being on your phone consumes not only your attention but your energy as well; and what better way to spend your energy than laughing and talking to someone who's actually in front of you?
It's okay to open up, and it's okay to let people in. Don't be afraid of conversations or connections. Now... think, who do you have to take out for coffee?
