Summer is here for a while now, and with September has peeked in to say hello, how would you summarise, in one word, what this summer have meant for you so far?
For me, this summer has been all about connections. Meeting up year-old friends, family gatherings, getting acquainted with new friends, and finding ways and time to meet up with as many older connections as possible. This summer has also been all about looking deeper into my relationship with the world and throw away old ideas and meanings of relationship and connections that does not hold true anymore.
I have been quite fortunate in maintaining and sustaining my circle of connections in the past years. Even so, I believe I should be doing more and keep finding that balance of healthy connections and lifestyle that I desire. Yes. It takes time and effort but the benefits sure trump the work we put in to it.
With the physical distances, different environmental background, education, status of life and point of views, things can be trickier in establishing connections. I hope my sharing of the art and system of building an everlasting connection in a diverse cultural environment might help you to bring meaning and lasting connections in your social circle.
First of all, why do we crave for meaningful connection in our lives? Since we can perform almost all tasks on our own or with the help of technology, the need for a connection between people is dispensable … ?
Well, truth is, technology is an interface to a certain, specific, connections we are looking for and it can NEVER replace the connection itself.
Social Connection is One of Our Fundamental Human Needs
Having a framework in building good connections and relationship in a culturally diverse environment could simplify the connection search process.
Here are the 4 steps to have a meaningful connection in a culturally diverse environment
- Why Do You Want to Have a Meaningful Connection with People?
Intention is a powerful source of motivation that will drive your needs and wants. You need to know why do you want to have a meaningful connection with people, My suggestion is :
- Look back into your being and find out what each connection you have right now does (and does not do) for you.
- What would a meaningful connection look like for you ? Is it something that brings joy for you? Perhaps you want to have great conversation or collaborations, or perhaps you are looking for an emotional support ?
- Have a list of what your intention is in search of this connection and use it as a guideline for your future.
Having a meaningful connections can :
- Improve your physical and psychological being
- Fulfil your life
- Create opportunities for constant learning and growth
- Spurs creativity
- HAVE FUN
- Be Honest, Be Yourself
It is not that you are lying, but being dishonest about your true self can initiate many new questions and distrust in a relationship. Start clean and be proud of who you are. In a culturally diverse environment, you might be having conversations about simple things in life that are done differently in their own home and space. Be open for learning about others, without any judgements.
And when you do not feel comfortable speaking truthfully about certain topics, be truthful and say so politely. Try not to assume that other party knows your ways and thoughts and explain in detail why it is so.
- Be Curious
We all have a story about us. And they are all interesting and informative as it tells the other person of who we are. Similarly, be curious about others and find out who they are.
- Work It Out
Relationship needs work. Look at your intention again and remember what you want to have in your life to enrich your connections in this world.
Connection creates new opportunities for us to grow, to learn, and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Connection to people from different cultural upbringing and environment helps us to open up our mind to new thoughts and lifestyle. While connection is important and have many good virtues, it is also very important to move away from toxic relationship that is not serving you anymore right now. Surrounding yourself with the right people will help you to be better and more efficient, and in turn, you can pay this act forward, to assist someone else in achieving their life purpose.
Keeping in touch
If you want to know more about me and my expertise, do check out my website www.yaamuna.com or sign up to my newsletter for monthly update.
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If you prefer to catch up through email instead, do not hesitate to contact me: yaamuna.aldragen@gmail.com
Yaamuna Aldragen, Transitions Coach
CPC, ELI-MP
Start with a New Vision, Succeed with a New Life
