The Power of Connectivity

What creates a connection? I ask this question from the perspective of the human condition. To further elaborate, what connects us as humans? I get it, the simplest answer is that we are all connected because we are all human.

Let me try this again. Bear with me. Why do we share a connection with some people that is so much greater than we do with others who are a part of our life?

The first thing that comes to mind is time spent with someone. Other factors include shared experiences, shared interests, and being open and vulnerable with someone.

There are people I have met and felt a connection with after only a few hours of our initial interaction. There are a couple of people who I have known for years from a distance and only recently have become close to. And conversely, people who I was extremely close with, and no longer speak to. I also, like most people I know, have those people in my life that even if we have not seen each other in years, when we see each other, we start back where we left off.

As I have mentioned before, I have been actively closing my circle to those people I actually enjoy spending my time and having conversations with.

I told a very good friend of mine a few days ago that I make an effort to spend time with individuals who are value-add (Thank You, Steven Covey) to where I currently am in my life and where I want to go. I firmly believe we outgrow people as we move through life.

There are a few people who I am extremely close to and will always be. I am grateful our connection has grown stronger over the past couple of years. I appreciate you and I love you. You know who you are!

The one word that keeps coming to mind about all of this is energy.

In her book The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown writes “Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”

I also think this is the same energy that produces the “Love at first sight” phenomenon. I met someone, a fellow kidney advocate from Arkansas, during the National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Patient Summit in Washington DC, who told me how her and her husband met and it was indeed “Love at first sight”. She knew right away! This beautiful couple celebrated their 15 year anniversary earlier this month. Shout out: Liz and Robbie.

I need to and want to research this topic further. I want to better understand human nature, delve deeper into the psychology of the human condition, and attempt to zero in on what brings us together.

I have a lot to learn.

Now, to get into another aspect of this thought process.

Part of my thinking, again, especially lately, takes into consideration the energy that exists in the universe. The thought of being connected to all living things.

No. I am not going to discuss my views on theology and religion specifically. At least not in this week’s newsletter.

What I will say is that whatever you believe, if you believe in something, I think it is safe for me to say that you believe that there is a greater “power” that has created this world we live in.

This leads to the thought process of “There are no such things as coincidences.” or another way of putting it is “Everything happens for a reason.” Again, I do not know if that is true or not. After all, we do have free will to make choices as we see fit.

My mind, as you can probably tell, is in knots as I attempt to process these thoughts. What I do know is that in the past couple of months, the energy from people…connections both new and old…have uplifted me, brought new opportunities and outlooks, and given me a deeper appreciation for the people and for life.

Talk Kidney to Me

For those of you paying attention, the launch of Talk Kidney to Me is TOMORROW! I can now add “Podcaster” to my bio. Join me and my amazing Co-Host, Sara Eve Schaeffer MBA, MA, RD as we begin our journey into the podcast world.

We will discuss topics such as kidney health, dialysis, transplantation, and overall healthy living including mental health and well being. We will have guests on occasion who we cannot wait for you to meet. And, of course, you will get to know each of us better.

Also know that you will get our most authentic selves…this will not be one of those boring health and wellness podcasts you may have heard in the past. This will be educational, informative, and most importantly, fun!

You will be able to find us where you find your favorite podcasts. And do not forget to Like and Subscribe!

Please remember, I am not a medical professional, nor is any of this medical advice. I am just out here living A Kidney Life.