Creating Time for Connection

By Cindy Halvorson.

Becca and I were recently co-facilitating a training in which we discussed the importance of pursuing personal holistic wellness. One of the participants bravely commented after a heavy sigh, “I feel like I was just given another task to add to my overflowing to-do list.” I understood the participant’s weariness. All too often we attempt to add just-one-more-thing to our list in hopes that this one-more-task, one-more-responsibility, one-more-obligation won’t push us over the proverbial edge. 

Creating meaningful connections to others might feel as though it is one-more-thing. Yet, connecting to other humans is helpful and beneficial for our well-being. While it may seem “selfish” to set aside time in your schedule to spend time with close friends or family members who fill your cup, it can be a method to enhance your resiliency by increasing your vitality. Listening to others tell of their joys, sadnesses, and frustrations can remind us that we are not alone. Laughing together with people who are significant in our lives can offer the reprieve from what burdens us. Sharing food and drink with fellow humans can prop up our wavering selves. What does your soul need? Are you hungry for connection? If so, what needs to happen so you can connect with others? 

Here’s something to consider: If your schedule prevents you from creating meaningful connections AND those connections will enhance your resiliency, I wonder… 

Is there anything that can remain undone or an obligation that can linger as unmet? 

Is there anyone who might pick up some task to which you so faithfully attend … if they knew you needed to set it down?

What permission can you give yourself in order to create space to pursue meaningful connection?  

Maybe your way forward does not involve adding another task to your list. Maybe your way forward is to let certain tasks go! How liberating! May you receive a gift of … permission! Permission to craft your schedule in such a manner as to have multiple meaningful connections.

May all our wonderings and wanderings lead us home.

Journalist Derek Thompson recently named this the Anti-Social Century. Americans are spending more and more time alone. Our “aloneness” is reshaping our realities. It is certainly changing our ministry contexts. Throughout this year, LeaderWise writers will share their outlooks on our Anti-Social Century and what we can do to build a culture of connection.

Interested in other articles on the Culture of Connection?

2025 Resolution Against Loneliness by Mary Kay DuChene

Ingredients for Connection: Solitude & Connectedness by Becca Fletcher