Connections!

"Daughter? I don't know who your daughter is. In fact, I don't know who you are." Siri

A couple of months ago, Natalie changed her contact in my phone to "Daughter". I'm not completely sure why, but imagine it's a symptom of only-child syndrome. Anyway, Siri did great identifying her for the first few weeks and then suddenly I get the message as quoted above. Cracked me up. I did what every other person would do in this situation after recovering from laughter and pressed the button again asking Siri to message Natalie. Same response. :)

Siri reveals one of the core desires we all have - to know and be known. This enables us to make connections and experience life more fully and freely. You know, things like being able to message when you are driving because Siri knows your family!!

It's easy to get caught up in doing life and miss the opportunities to connect with others. I've found that the best aspects of life are those connections.

Here are a few ways that you can explore being known and knowing those around you:

• Learn names. Yes, even for all of you who say you can't remember them. Using names expresses value and personalizes conversation. Nicknames, even more so. They are also a great conversation starter - you can ask if they are named after someone or if there is a story behind it. Here's an article on the best five tricks to remembering names.

• Be curious and caring. Ask people simple questions that show you are interested and care about them. A few great conversation starter's  - How's your family? How's your job going? What type of fun do you have planned for this weekend? Where did you grow up? What's your favorite restaurant in town?

• Tell a story. Often, sharing a fun experience or plans we are making will spur an idea for someone else. Sharing from life's challenges as well as the highlights can especially open the door for relationship. Your comfort with being known will make it more comfortable for others to be known.

• Share photos. With the ability to carry them on our phones or in our wallets, photographs provide a simple way to share humor and meaning in our lives.

• Be intentionally diverse. Generally we find it easier to associate with people who are most like us... age, career, gender, race, ethnicity, and belief system. Purposefully, build relationships with people who are not like you and experience the richness and depth of a new friend and worldview. This will expand your world of connections and theirs, too.
  

A big part of living our best lives is having quality relationships and connections. It's important to make the time to be known and know the people in your circles of life.

Here's to good living with new friendships, deeper relationships, and connections.