We must catch up before Christmas!” – how often do you hear that in the last few weeks before Christmas?
When there is no actual time to do anything about it?! How many times do YOU say it, when you know there is no way you can really make it happen at that point, and you have a weirdly guilty feeling that you might just have said the exact same thing to them last year?
Okay, so sometimes this is just a social nicety that we say when we know full well we don’t want to really see them, and that they, in return, have no intention of seeing us either. Fine fine. Social niceties make the world a smoother place to navigate. We all know the game.
There are however likely a heap of people you genuinely DO want to see. And for one reason or another, your priorities have slipped over the winter and the social connection has not been there during the hunkering down period.
The quality of our life is largely defined by the quality (and quantity) of our social connections and interactions. Those connections give our life richness, purpose and meaning.
Given that is the case it doesn’t do any harm for us to put some additional intentionality and priority round it today.
Riddle me this:
- Who, when you actually consider it, haven’t you seen this past year that you really would like to?
- Who lights up your world? Who is worth going out of your way for?
- Who do you ACTUALLY want to see before Christmas?
- Who isn’t physically near you but is incredibly important to you? Can you plan a trip? Failing that can you surprise them with a Facetime or Skype call?
- Who has made a positive impact on your life this year? Why? How do you want to acknowledge that?
- Who do you want by your side at Christmas? Who do you want by your side at New Year?
- Who do you keep saying you must get together, but don’t? Do you really want to see them? If so, get it sorted. If no, stop saying it.
- Is there anyone with whom you want to clear the air or make amends with? Clear the air, and feel free for the new year.
- Is there a group thing where you can kill multiple birds – by hosting or attending – to connect with three or more of the above people?
- Can you organise an active catch up that is not just coffee or wine? A walk in the bush? Swim at the beach? Surf? Playpark with the kids? A shared activity builds more memories and connection.
Not all connection needs to be one on one, and time-intensive.
This is a great reflection exercise, to make sure you include all the people who are truly important to you.
Your best summer will be only best summer when you have the best people at your side.
