Connecting: Building Strong Social Bridges

SHOW NOTES:

On this show…we are exploring the importance of connecting and building strong social bridges. No matter where you think you are with your current circles, there is always room to grow, strengthen, and nurture. You may think you’re a loner but we all need someone who has our back, cares what happens to us, and encourages us along our journey. A strong social bridge refers to a meaningful and supportive connection between individuals. It is characterized by trust, mutual respect, and open communication. Strong social bridges provide a sense of belonging, emotional support, and a network of people who can help each other navigate life's challenges. These connections are essential for building a supportive community and promoting overall well-being. When was the last time you looked to your corner for support? It may be time for a little inventory, who’s there for you and who are you there for? 

Our World in Data bases the following statistics on if you have a conversation with three new people every single day of your life.

If you can keep this up for 73 years, you will get to know 80,000 people. That’s more than a hundred times the number of people you’d know by name.

This is still a tiny fraction of the world. After a lifetime of speaking with people, you will have spoken to 0.001% of the world’s population. For every person you’ve had a conversation with, there are still 100,000 people you’ve never spoken to.

Even if you don’t have the opportunity to meet three new people every day, that’s a lot of people you will encounter in your lifetime. How do you categorize those relationships? Introductions, acquaintances, friends, best friends, family? What prompts a greater investment of your time, attention, and emotion?

I’m going to let you think about that as we explore an 85-year Harvard study about what makes us happy, found at cnbc.com

Maggie Wooll offers how to Make the connection: 10 effective ways to connect with people found at betterup.com

Brian Frohn reminds us to Give What You Want to Get: Enhancing Relationships through Generosity found on LinkedIn

Before we go…let’s bring it full circle with Why Social Connections Matter to Your Health found on the Texas A&M youtube page

Being connected with others offers a wide range of social benefits, including:

1. Emotional Support: Social connections provide a source of emotional support during difficult times, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
2. Increased Happiness: Interacting with others can boost mood and overall happiness, leading to a more positive outlook on life.
3. Reduced Stress: Strong social connections can help reduce stress levels and improve overall mental health.
4. Improved Self-Esteem: Positive social interactions can enhance self-esteem and feelings of self-worth.
5. Enhanced Resilience: Social support can enhance resilience, helping individuals cope with challenges and bounce back from adversity.
6. Better Physical Health: Research suggests that strong social connections are associated with better physical health outcomes, including a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
7. Longer Life Span: Studies have shown that people with strong social ties tend to live longer than those who are more isolated.
8. Sense of Belonging: Social connections provide a sense of belonging and community, which can lead to a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment.

CHALLENGE: Building strong connections is vital for your well-being, as they provide a support system during challenging times, boost your happiness, and enhance your overall mental health. Be intentional and make connections that reduce stress, increase your sense of belonging, and contribute to a longer, more fulfilling life.

 

I Know YOU Can Do It!