Who isn’t eager to improve her life, even in a small way, when she has the opportunity? Most of us love to find simple ways to make our lives richer, ways that are within the reach of all. After all, we want to enjoy our time here on earth to the fullest, don’t we?
One simple way to improve our lives is through connecting—both with people and with things. Every time we connect we’re taking a step outside of ourselves, and that’s a great step to take. Too much self-focus and/or living in a too-small world we’ve built for ourselves will drain us of joy and zap our energy levels.
So who or what can we connect with that will bring positive changes or vibes to our lives? Here are nine connections that can make a difference. Why not try them all?
1. Connect with God. No better connection in the world, right? When we connect with God through worship, prayer, or reading his Word, he infuses our lives with what we need on any given day—peace, joy, comfort, inspiration, perseverance. The list goes on.
2. Connect with loved ones and friends. Whether it’s a family member, a dearly loved friend, or a more casual friend, we receive an immediate boost from a conversation, a look, a smile, a hug, a note of encouragement, an interaction through social media, or another gesture from a fellow sojourner in life. It’s a good reminder to keep our interactions positive so we can provide that same loving boost to those we care about.
3. Connect with nature. Stepping out into the great outdoors and connecting with the creative wonders of our mighty God can soothe our spirits and energize us at the same time. After all, when we connect with nature, it’s just another way to connect with God, right?
4. Connect with strangers. Yes, we can even improve our lives when we connect with strangers. As we extend a smile and kind word to those we come in contact with, we’ll feel positive energy and be a blessing to them as well. We might even open the door to a new friendship!
5. Connect with the written word. As we read (or write!) books, articles, poetry, and other material, we enlarge our worlds and/or make it possible to see things in new and different ways. We gain information, inspiration, comfort, and encouragement. And of course, the most important written word—God’s Word—will make all the difference in our lives.
6. Connect with music. Whether listening, singing, playing, or composing, interacting with music moves us. Like nature, it can soothe or energize. Like the written word, it can inspire, comfort, and encourage. Our lives are simply better with music. Music gives joy.
7. Connect with art. Enjoying the beauty of stories told through drawings, paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other creative endeavors adds yet another layer of wonder and inspiration to our lives. Both observing and participating enrich us.
8. Connect with good food. Oh yes, good food—whether good-for-us food, new-to-us food, comfort food, or special-treat foods, food improves our lives. Of course, we need food to live, but it also adds joy, refreshment, and adventure to our days.
9. Connect with knowledge. I touched on this when mentioning the written word, but we can connect with knowledge in a variety of ways. Just think of all the ways we learn and gather information. Hopefully, when we connect with knowledge, we grow. And along the way, a special bonus comes when wisdom is acquired.
So friends, let’s take time to connect—today and every day!
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17
*Which of these connections do you enjoy the most? What else can you add to the list?
*The latest issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out earlier this month. Sign-up is free and to the right!
*Flickr photo by elaine faith, Creative Commons License
Very nicely written. I enjoy gardening and thus is my favorite way of “connecting”. A favorite verse of mine is “The kiss of the sun for pardon, The song of a bird for mirth. One is nearer God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth.” I look at that hyacinth bud developing and wonder “how can anyone not believe in God as they watch that wonder unfold. No man can create such as this. ” Norma
Norma, so glad you enjoyed this piece and how wonderful that you get such joy from gardening. Love the quote and thoughts you shared, too. One of my grandmothers had a huge flower garden so I bet she felt the very same way. Thanks for sharing!
I have some of this going on.
Pat, enjoy the connections you’re making!
Connecting with friends is a special joy for me, especially since I don’t get to do it nearly often enough! Thanks for the list!
You’re welcome, Vonda! Sometimes chances to connect with friends can come few and far between with all the things we’re trying to juggle family and work-wise, huh? May God bless you with more and more opportunities to connect with your friends!
Hi Cheryl,
Time outdoors (when it’s not too cold!), time breathing in art or music, conversations with friends or strangers, and delicious food are all ways that bring me renewal too.
How are you? How are your grandbabies? Have you been doing any more mother of the bride resources? How is your writing?
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Hi Jennifer! I think we are all ready for warmer weather to enjoy connecting more with the great outdoors, but you all up north have to be more than ready. Hope you enjoy some warm days soon!
I just returned from a visit with my grandbabies. They are beyond adorable :) I posted a few pics the past few days over on Facebook so check out my page for their latest photos :)
I’ve just begun work on another MOB resource, but right now I’m spending lots of time on marketing ideas and plans for my book’s release in June. Keeping up with two posts per week on two blogs takes up a lot of my writing time, too, since I am a rather slow writer. Hope things are going well with your writing and family as well. Blessings!