When we take time to rest from work and from responsibility, it creates space and energy for us to connect with others.
Think about the last time you took a break. Would you agree?
We’re talking about taking breaks and what they can do for us. Last week, we talked about rest. This week, I would like to talk about another benefit of taking a break – social connection.
I love what Brene Brown says about connection because I think it applies to what I experienced during my most recent break: “Connection is the energy that is created between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued.”
I took a break from May to July from some things business to rest as well as focus on planning with John a 25th anniversary event for us with family and close friends. This was a good thing. An important milestone. John is my friend and my partner in life. He is a priority and such a treasure that I wanted to celebrate in style. And he feels the same way about me. I knew a well-coordinated fun party would be special just because we would be celebrating each other.
But there was another very important surprise in store for us. By taking the time to celebrate each other and inviting close friends and family to be with us at our country home, we were creating an opportunity for our legacy and for us as individuals to become more whole.
John and I have a different kind of family. We could not have children of our own, which are at peace about. We enjoy a great family made up of nieces, nephews, and godchildren along with friends and families of origin. Our family does not, nor will it ever, live together. There is distance and always will have distance between the different parts of our family. In fact, up until June, many of them had never met. Unlike children and parents who are together, no one has ever seen us with all our family around us. It just does not work like this for us.
However, when we hosted our anniversary and 60 of these special people came to celebrate with us in one place, the various parts of our unique family came together. Suddenly, godchildren were familiar with other godchildren. The three sets of parents whose children we are godparents met and chatted. Friends knew family they did not know before. Family knew friends. Everyone saw us with the different parts of our family and we saw ourselves with every part of our family. We felt seen, heard, and valued like never before.
Weeks later, I continue to have conversations with friends who comment that they now know who individuals are that I talk about and cherish. It has given me such a feeling of wellness and wholeness in my soul that is hard to describe. I had no idea that taking time to rest and to connect with those I love would have this impact on me personally. What a gift! When we take time to rest from work and from responsibility, it creates space and energy for us to connect with others.
How can breaks help you connect with others and yourself more?