Connection

Connection – Is this the meaning of life???

What is the meaning of life? This is an age old question that may never be fully answered. But what I found over the last couple of months is maybe a part of the answer.

Every night the last two months I have been writing down three things that I’m grateful for that has occurred during that day. And the topic keeps emerging on a regular basis. The word that keeps coming up regularly for me is connection.

I interact with people, like we all do, on a daily basis. But I get to connect with my wife, my friends, my patients, my staff & my family on a regular. And there is a massive difference between interaction and connection.

It is one thing to interact with someone, but is another thing to actually connect with them. We all interact with people every day, but do we ever really connect with anyone. What my gratitude writing has taught me is that when I do connect with someone, or reconnect with an individual, I really appreciate that that moment or that time we have together.

Being married has taught me that you really have to continue to work on your relationship, but more importantly, to ensure that you BOTH remain connected. I believe if this connection, of mind and soul, is not maintained then it maybe it is the beginning of the end. I know I have, but I’m sure we have all seen family and friends end relationships because of this.

Looking back at the end of every day and appreciating the connection with my wife, old friends that I may not have seen 20 for years, old and new friends, family or patients, has definitely changed my perspective. I feel more fulfilled and connected to my family and my community than ever before in my past. It lets you know you are a part of a bigger picture.

This is what we have to teach our children… Connection. Playing on PlayStation’s, X boxes, iPhones, iPads or any other digital device for that matter, for hours and hours on end teaches them the opposite. They don’t only become totally disengaged, they don’t ever learn how to ever connect. They may feel they are alone or isolated from their family, their friends and their community in general.

Without connection, what do we really have?

Connection may not be the answer to “The Meaning of Life”, but I am positive it is a big part of it.