On this New
Year’s Eve, I am reflective. I am grateful. I have my family, my health, my
friends. I am comfortable and cared for, buoyed by the many connections I have
with the people in my life. These are the folks who help stir the feelings of
happiness, love, and completeness in my bones. They are my mainstays.
A favorite
exercise I often present in self-care workshops is “Categories of
Connectedness.” It’s an excellent vehicle for bringing forth the many ways and
reasons we connect with others and for recognizing those for whom we are
grateful.
The act of
placing the names of important folks in our lives within the categories is
illuminating as we see who fulfills certain roles for us. We have our confidants, intellectual
stretchers, models, mentors, health watchers, “chicken soup” folks, and fun and adventure people. Some
names appear in multiple categories. Some categories may be vacant -- for now.
- Confidants -- those whom we can tell anything in the world about us and trust our words will go nowhere
- Intellectual Stretchers -- those whose actions, words, and deeds propel us to think and grow
- Models -- the folks about whom we say or think, “I want to be just like them.”
- Mentors -- the ones who take us under their wings, guide us or pave the way for us
- Health watchers -- those who remind us to make our appointments for physicals or mammograms, provide us with healthy recipes and choices, or research the medications the doctor prescribed. They are also our workout buddies.
- “Chicken Soup” folks -- the ones who we turn to in time of crisis and know we will leave them feeling all the better.
- Fun and Adventure souls -- those whom we count on for a laughs and excitement or new, enjoyable experiences
Who are the
people you have in each category? If there are empty spots, your mission is to
seek and watch and allow someone in to occupy that category.
On whose lists
would your name appear? These are the folks who look to you to satisfy a
much-needed role in their lives.
Each of these
dear family members or friends is a reason for our being. We are gifts to each other and all in this
together. Let us stay connected or
reconnect in 2016 for a healthy, happy, gratitude-filled year.
With love and
gratitude for each of you and looking forward to a happy, healthy, uplifting new year,
~ xoA ~
Annis,
ReplyDeleteThis is such an appropriate posting for the New Year. It really hit the spot for me as it aligns perfectly to my goals for 2016 of "cleansing my house" so to speak and this is a fabulous exercise in which I will apply to my own life. Thank you.
Happy New Year, Brittany. I've found this exercise to be helpful, showing me much about my relationships. I'm delighted you can use it, too. Much love and many thanks for writing and for your friendship. xoA
DeleteAnnis,
ReplyDeleteI just love this post. Although we don't make friends based on this categories, it's interesting to contemplate those who are most important in our lives and why.
Thanks for sharing.
Exactly, Joan. Thank YOU! I appreciate your comments. xoA
DeleteLovely post and I'm going to put it to use. Thank you for that, Annis, and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Kathleen, and my thanks to you. I've found this an interesting tool that encourages me to touch base with folks. It also helps me to not overload the people on my lists. xoA
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