Slow down, it goes so fast
Growing up, on Saturday mornings my dad would occasionally ask if I wanted to go with him to visit a neighbor. Sure, their daughters were some of my friends, so I usually tagged along. We just showed up, and we were always welcomed in. A couple of cups of coffee, some lively conversation, laughter, and we’d head back home. Just a normal thing to do.
Years later, I got friendly with a guy at the gym where I work out. Before our workouts, we would chat about family, golf, football… just stuff. I would even bump into him around town, and we would chat. Over time, we started working out at different times, and I rarely get the chance to see him now. Recently, he showed up as our class was ending and he waited for me. He met me as I walked out and gave me a hard time about how hard I worked out (or not). My first instinct was to leave and get on with the day. I got my keys to leave, but I slowed down and decided to spend more time catching up with him. Some lively conversation, laughter, and we parted ways. Just a normal thing to do.
We live in an age of amazing connectivity, but we are also rushing to the next thing. I wouldn’t suggest that we are losing touch with each other, but we may be taking our connectivity for granted. While it’s easier to drop a quick text, IM, or email, I wonder if we are taking for granted the deeper connection that goes along with slowing down and talking.
Last year, I’d shared a note on mental health. Through the year, as I reconnected with people, they would ask me about family, and I would generally share some of the challenges that we continue to work through. Not surprisingly, sharing my experience led to rich conversations because, hey, we aren’t the only ones managing our way through those challenges.
As you contemplate your resolutions for the new year, maybe, one of them could be to pick a few friends and just slow down with them. Share some lively conversation, some laughter, and some of the stuff that weighs us all down. Just the normal things!
I love this! Deceptively simple, and we don't do it enough. Thanks for posting.
Director, Internal Communications at Strada
11moThanks for sharing this! I take a 50 Over 50 class two days a week before work - most of the participants are retireed and have coffee after class. They’s invited me several times, but I always decline because I need to get to work. I need to say yes a few times a month. 🙋🏼♀️
Juno | Thought Leader - Health and Financial Wellness | Revenue Generation | Board Member | Public Speaker | Investor
11moLove that we got to have lunch last year when I was in town. You always make time for me when you can and we get real, real fast. Love that about our friendship. Look forward to the next. Happy and healthy new year to you and yours!
Business Finance Leader @ Marlabs
11moI always enjoy our conversations! life does go fast. talk soon! :)
Retail, Wholesale & Consumer Market Transformation Partner
11moYour example of sharing challenges is exactly what I have experienced. When I first started sharing my family mental health difficulties, it was somewhat of a selfish objective - explaining reasons for being withdrawn or absent from a relationship. When I shared, I heard from others how they had been going thru something similar. We traded knowledge. We offered suggestions. Sometimes we just listened. Often, there were private, sometimes even public tears. Always there was connection. And a little regret for being less “out there” or available. I could have been getting ideas, suggestions and at least comfort during my challenging times. Now when I catch up with someone, I make a concerted effort to ask about their family. Even if it is a pure business relationship, I try to engage on a more personal level. It is definitely challenging for this “Old Dog” evolving to the electronic and remote business model. I began my consulting career when the model was client-facing 40-60 hours per week. Now I can work for a client for years before meeting them in person. It is too easy in today’s elextronic/remote model to be superficially connected. It takes effort to make it a rich connection. Thanks for the reminder Greg!