Nurture Your Network
Social networks are a beautiful thing. I couldn’t live without mine. I’m sitting on a train writing and reflecting how grateful I am to have so many people who support me in this crazy life. To begin, I’m on my way to visit my first born who lives in Los Angeles. I love traveling but the preparations needed to leave the house for a few days can be exhausting. My husband is away for business so, it’s up to me and about 5 other people to make my trip a reality. The following mental check list is my way of not forgetting anything important:
First, there is someone to take care of our dog. Then, another to come in and feed our turtle. And another to get our mail. I’ll need dropped off at the train station and picked up at LAX when I arrive. Thank goodness for my extended family. My brother, his wife and kids live nearby. They have a dog too so we regularly dog sit for each other. It’s my turn to receive the favor. Then comes the neighbor kids who swim at my pool each summer. They eagerly agree to come over and feed Swimmy our turtle. While I was walking the dog, I ran into my across the street neighbors. After a quick friendly hello, they said, “sure – we can keep an eye on your house and pick up your mail”. I said, “beautiful, thank you” and checked that off my list.
As I’m packing to leave, my phone rings and it’s my youngest calling to say “Hi” and wish me a safe trip. A perfect time to hear her voice.
It is now 3:30 pm. I look out and my friend has just arrived to drive me to the train which leaves at 3:44. We catch up in the car as she shuttles me over. As we arrive, she waits a few minutes with me outside in the rain. How sweet, how kind.
As I enter the train, I see a text. It’s my husband checking in to see my status. And then another from my daughter making sure I’m OK.
It’s a cold chilly ride. I settle in, reflect, and count my blessings!
All relationships cost time, energy, and resource. When I think about the people in my life, I’ve invested in each of them. Without my investment of time, energy, and resource, I would have nothing.
I feel bad for people who are alone, lonely or who have no one. That’s a sad way to live life. We are social creatures. We are designed for relationships. Relationships don’t just happen. They require action – It takes effort to give and give up something for someone else. It’s the giving and receiving that makes relationships work.
To nurture your network - 7 tips for Caring:
1. Make eye contact with people – Look at people
2. Smile, wave and say “Hello”
3. Stop and talk
4. Encourage others with – a word, a note, a text, a prayer
5. Perform a task – make a meal, drop off at the train, finish a project together
6. Say “Thank You” “Your welcome” or “I appreciate you”
7. Have self-respect – Be able to say yes to requests and be able to say no without guilt or drama.
The train took me to the airport. I’m now on the plane. In a few hours I will fly across the country and be picked up by my lovely daughter and son-in-law. Let the nurturing continue. The tapestry of my life is rich and beautiful!
