“What I know now is that we’re all interconnected and that’s a really beautiful thing. We have links to everyone else in our lives and in the world. Different people have different journeys for different reasons. You can’t judge, but you can celebrate that there are connections everywhere”. – Jane Seymour
One of the things I love most about traveling is the connections I make around the world. Being connected to other human beings is essential to understanding the ever-changing world we live in today. As our world becomes more connected, it is critical that we understand other cultures, people, religions and beliefs. I find that the more connected I feel to my community and the world, the happier I am.
Connections can happen near or far. In fact, you don’t even have to travel to be connected to someone. You can read a blog post and connect online, you can connect with friends and strangers in your own community or you can simply pick up the phone and talk to someone. Everything you do in life is about connecting. Even stepping outside your door, makes you connect with other people. It is all a matter of paying attention to the connections we make with others and how they make us feel.
Here are some of the best connections I have made in my life. Connections that have made me who I am and what I stand for. There is always room for growth and expansion. The more I venture out into the world, whether it be physically or even through my blog the more connections I will make. It is incredible how large and how small are world has become.
Connections with family
Connections with strangers or new friends
Connections with nature
Connection with myself
Never fear solitude for solitude is what brings one to really become connected to oneself. As much as I love to constantly be connected to people, sometimes you have to take a step back and spend time with yourself.
“Solitude is not the absence of company, but the moment when our soul is free to speak to us and help us decide what to do with our life. Therefore, blessed are those who do not fear solitude, who are not afraid of their own company, who are not always desperately looking for something to do, something to amuse themselves with, something to judge.” – Paulo Coehlo, “Manuscript Found in Accra”.
Thanks Paulo Coehlo for reminding me!
This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Connected.
Beautifully said and photographed Nicole 🙂
Thanks Andrew! 🙂
Wonderful and thorough post of connections. Love the quote at the end! Nice.
Thank you Ruth! I appreciate the comment! 🙂
Pretty well written
Thank you! 🙂
Reblogged this on wwwpalfitness and commented:
Lots of great pictures
Thanks! 🙂
You are welcome. I am curious as I have not received a single reblog. My settings in sharing says reblog is on. Can you see it?
I believe that the only way you get a reblog is if someone selects to reblog your post. If it is on, then yes anyone who wants to can reblog your post. I haven’t had a great deal of mine reblogged so perhaps it just takes time ?
Well I asked as I have been told by people that it is not showing. It is something wp is working on as it works on some browsers, not others some computers and not others. I have had ppl tell me they do not see it. I made changes and I was able to last Friday but not on safari on my computer but on my phone and I have had ppl tell me similar and worse.
I will check it out. Thanks!
You’ve been very blessed, Nicole, and you share those blessings.
janet
Thanks Janet! 🙂
Wonderful connections forever!
Yes indeed Marilyn!
So many wonderful images from your very rich life Nicole.
And solitude is an absolute treat for me but not easy to come by either in my former life living in NYC or in my current life living on a 47 ft sailboat. The best place for me to find it is on long ocean passages when I am standing watch alone. That is about as close to perfect as life gets for me.
Do you normally have a large crew along Lisa on the boat? What were you doing in NYC for work? Do you ever miss it?
Well thank you for asking Nicole.
Typically it is just The Captain and I sailing the boat. A friend has joined on two passages (Hawaii to Huahine and New Zealand to Fiji) but usually, we sail the boat on our own.
In NYC, I was a Project Manager and Regional Head of my change group. I delivered organization, process, and technology changes needed to create/expand businesses, facilitate regulatory compliance, or reduce cost.
Sometimes I miss being the Captain of my ship (project/team) and the comfort I find in (the illusion of) fixed plans. But I may get to enjoy these things again soon. I am looking to work for six months while sitting out the cyclone season in Sydney. Prospects look promising.
What an interesting life you lead Lisa! Where did you meet the Captain?
Well given the interesting (life you lead, your compliment means a lot Nicole. The story of The Captain and I is a long one that will definitely find its way into a blog post someday 😀. We originally met on an internet site that connects people interested in sailing.
Lol! I would love to hear your story Lisa!!!