Things to help us cultivate connection
Hi Friends!
Can you believe this month marks three years since the initial pandemic shutdown? For some of us it feels like it just happened, and for others it feels like a lifetime ago. One thing that seems to be almost universal is that we have all had to grow and evolve a lot the last few years to adjust to the constantly changing circumstances of the world.
In the last few years our relationships and communities have shifted in individual and collective ways. How we connect with each other has changed! We have all changed! All of this can leave us feeling isolated and disconnected—or at the very least a little confused or overwhelmed about how to deal with it all. How do we rebuild and reconnect?
Let’s start by remembering that connection with each other isn’t just something that improves our lives, it’s a commandment. “I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.” D&C 38:27
Our connection to each other is essential for our own well-being and growth as well as in living in alignment with the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no right or wrong way to go about this, but we must go about it! Here are some simple thoughts to help us in our efforts for connection.
Things to help us have courage to live differently. Feel better in 5!
Start where you are
a. The people in our own homes count! So does our neighborhood, congregation, and immediate community. Don’t forget to invest in those relationships.
Invite instead of waiting to be invited
a. “Belonging comes not as we wait for it but as we reach out to help one another.” D. Todd Christofferson
Lead with positivity
a. Bonding through criticism and complaining can be tempting, but meaningful connection is cultivated on a foundation of light.
Trust your worth
a. Insecurity is often what robs us of opportunities to connect. Our worth is unchangeable, and our best is enough. We get to come as we are and be transformed as God “makes of us more than we thought we could be” Jeffrey R. Holland
Follow Christ
a. Learning of Christ and patterning our lives after Him is the ultimate path to connection. As we strive to be better disciples, we will be directly guided in our efforts to share and receive His light.
The problems of the world feel insurmountable at times—especially in the last few years. It’s normal to feel discouraged sometimes, and overwhelmed by the task of creating change. In a world of “followers” and “likes” it can feel like our efforts are too small to be of consequence. It can feel like maybe we need a bigger platform or louder voice to have influence and create community. These feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness are tools of the adversary to keep us small and quiet. Our influence matters. There is always hope. Each soul is essential.
“Remember that the Savior most often ministered to one person at a time.” Bonnie L. Oscarson