Last week looked like a toddler had been let loose on my diary with a pen. It was one of those weeks where you drink another glass of wine on the Sunday night in order to get through the thought of the following week and then when the alarm goes off on Monday morning you think: oh crap, why?
It was even one of those weeks that starts life as a busy week, gradually turns into a logistical nightmare of a week and transposes into an: okay, let’s take this shit one step at a time, kind of week.
We all got through it – and I was reflecting on how I had got to Sunday night without feeling totally done in. How come I was mentally still all there? It was immediately obvious to me: it was the connections I had made throughout the week with others, that had got me through.
It was that 10 minute cuddle with partner after the alarm went off. It was seeing my youngest daughter so happy. It was an e mail from my sister and a warm smile from my friend. Fleeting moments in real time that connected me to the earth. However, the thing I realised, when I gave it some thought, was that it wasn’t just those obvious connections with family and friends that mattered, it was also, and at times even more so, the connections with acquaintances and strangers that really made me connect with the earth – to feel more grounded and more sane.
We always talk of the importance of friends and family to our well-being. There are hundreds of quotes and memes devoted to this very important aspect of our lives. However, I think that I had actually underestimated just how good it feels to connect with people you don’t know: the snatched conversation with the cashier, the mum sitting next to you in the hospital waiting room, the dad on the hospital ward, the parent of a new child in my class. Last week, it was these quick exchanges that made me feel happy, grounded and connected.
The funny thing is, that until last week I am really not sure that I was aware of how important these moments with complete strangers are. There is a completely different feel to them. You know that they are transient and there are no emotional strings attached, no expectations to fulfill, no being judged. Just simple connections, that get you through.
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I couldn’t agree more Alison. It is quite often these random connections that perk me up and take me out of the tunnel I’m often in. Great post. X
Thank you. It hadn’t quite dawned on me before just how incredibly important they are x
Ahh this is lovely! I agree it is these connections that keep us grounded! When I first moved to Jersey the friendly cashiers in Waitrose used to keep me sane! #Dreamteam
Yes, exactly! Thank you x
I agree, it’s all about making the most of the little things. I have always thought that even just a smile can turn around someones day, whether you know them or not. A thoughtful post. Thank you for sharing with the #DreamTeam xx
That is very true about a smile 🙂 x
Totally agree – and recognising these connections is so mindful of you! Y’day I waved at the binman and he seemed so chuffed to have had a positive interaction that he gave me a massive grin and thumbs up and that kept me going for most of the morning – who knew??! Previously I would have just been getting stressed about being late for work 🙂 . Your posts are so consistently strong. #BloggerClubUK
I really appreciate your supportive comments. Your example of your little interaction is perfect. It can quite simply make all the difference x
No worries at all – your posts are easy to comment on. Apparently recalling the connections in writing or speaking about them strengthens the part of the brain that is to do with emotional intelligence etc and helps with contentment levels (I think I read that somewhere or have I just made it up!!!?) xx
That sounds very plausible! X