Dear Friend,
The past few weeks have been filled with both new and old friendships and my heart is so full I’m dedicating this week’s newsletter to the subject of connection.
Although many of us fell in love with working remotely and even with virtual meetings and trainings, one consistent comment was heard by almost everyone I spoke to: I miss the human connection. As someone who felt comfortable connecting via Zoom or other programs, I fought that for a while. I convinced myself as long as I could see the person and we could talk, it was fine—we were connecting. And we did. I was thrilled to learn my students still bonded when we met virtually, just like they do with the in-person classes. Many students were even more comfortable because they were in their own space and were thrilled not to have to spend time driving to and from a class. I won’t soon be letting go of the positive aspects of the virtual world.
After being fully vaccinated, I felt comfortable enough to say yes to an invitation to get together with a friend. And then another. And another. The exchange of energy, the occasional gentle touch on my arm, the hugs, and, of course, the selfies—meeting in person is different and I did miss it. I missed eating in some of my favorite spots, like the Coffee Pub, the Verandah and others. They are familiar, comfortable, nurturing. I write more easily when I’m in a restaurant. I need the energy and noise; I find it difficult to create in silence.
Recently, as business has thankfully picked up quickly and dramatically, I heard myself having to tell people that I was too busy to meet and we would have to schedule weeks out. That felt awful. During the past year of few obligations, I promised myself I wouldn’t get back into the busyness that keeps us away from doing the meaningful things in our lives with family and friends. So many of us defined our worthiness with our busyness, and I do believe the downtime some of us had during the pandemic encouraged different thinking.
When I made myself stop complaining for a minute, I looked at my calendar and realized the reason it was booked was a perfect balance between my coaching and training sessions, and meetings with friends! So, yes, we might have to look a few weeks out to find a day that works for us because everyone is back in the swing of things, too, but I will keep my commitment to make time and hold space for the all-important connectings—my new word for meetings—with friends.
I’m so grateful to be back in my happy places with good friends—both new and old. Keep coming!
Here are a few of my favorite quotes about friends—please share yours!
“The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, not the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Some human beings are safe havens. Be companions with them.”
~Rumi
“The antidote for fifty enemies is one friend.”
~Aristotle
With gratitude and friendship,
Amy
Amy Ayoub
President, The Zen Speaker