Yesterday afternoon I sat outside and had a Zoom video chat with an old friend from college.
Prior to Covid and the frequent utilization of Zoom, I just didn’t have video calls with friends who live 600 miles away. It didn’t happen. But now, life is different.
Because of Covid, we have learned how to live differently. We have also learned to live much more easily, I believe.
We’ve tapped into what really matters to us – in each phase of our lives – and we are leaning more into creating a simpler, easier, and more fulfilled life.
So here I am, 32 years olds. The gray hairs are multiplying. I’m beginning to notice the elasticity of my skin is not as elastic as it once was. The days come and the days go in the blink of an eye.
What is it that I’m seeking in this phase of my life? What am I needing? What am I tapping into? What am I trying to create more of?
Connection. True connection.
Not the fake connection. Not the “how’s the weather?” connection or the “well, our kids are in the same class and they’re involved in the same activities so I guess we should be friends.”
No. I’m seeking true connection. The type of connection that runs deep. The type of connection that says “we are two entirely different people yet we are so dang similar… you get me.”
That Zoom call with the old friend from college who lives 600 miles away. That was true connection.
And why did we connect? Because of a Facebook post. Because she shared what her life has looked like the past nine months, and – even though it was a completely different story than mine – the underlying struggle and growth looks quite similar to my own.
I texted her, saying that we should hop on a Zoom call because I wanted to know more about her past nine months. We chatted days later.
The friend I remember from college 14 years ago is deep down still the same friend. It’s amazing how easily you can connect – and reconnect – with someone who just gets you, even though you haven’t had a true life conversation for years.
I’m leaning more into this connection. I’m leaning into desiring true connection, in seeking it out, and being open to it.
Deep down I have a soft, old soul. I like to write letters or notes and mail them off whenever possible. One of my personal goals that I’m working on is sharing with others my thoughts that are important enough to share, like how much a conversation meant to me or how I’m proud or impressed by them.
This is true, honest connection. We need more of this in our world. Little by little, I’m working on accomplishing that.
As my friend said at the end of our 40 minute call, “We should do this again soon. I think it would be good for both of us.”
Indeed, my friend. That true connection… It is good for both of us.
