Monday Musings: It's Time to Check In

At the beginning of this year, I set my word for 2023 – connectedness. I want to spend this year focusing on my relationship with others and within my networks. In the first half of the year, I've made a good amount of progress in several areas of my life.

For one, I've spent more quality time with each of my children individually. I've accomplished this while running errands with them on the weekends or a lunch date during the school day. I am so happy I've committed myself to these special times. I always feel they strengthen our relationships, and give my children the opportunity to talk without interruption about aspects of their life they might not share otherwise.

In addition, my husband and I have spent more time together on dinner dates, quick trips to the store together or an evening at a nearby microbrewery enjoying each other's company. As our children get older, sneaking away for an hour or two has become much easier.

I've also spent hours talking on the phone with friends who live several hundred miles away that I haven't connected with in months. They have been long phone calls that fill my heart with so much gratitude. This summer we are spending time with our extended families in different parts of the country. I am looking forward to catching up and being among several people we love for long periods of time.

Although I've made progress in my familial relationships, I hope to make more strides in my established networks. I know they will enhance my overall connection to my community. I still have 6 more months to go and I plan to make the most of them!