Connecting in Real Life - A Challenge + 5 Resources to Make it Happen
I recently returned from my 9th conference since I started my business. This time I attended the National Association of Professional Organizers annual conference in Atlanta. I learned a lot that I’ll be sharing with clients and implementing in my business, but the highlight of my trip was connecting with my colleagues in person and sneaking in a visit with a friend who lives there, too.While I “talk to” many of my colleagues on a regular basis online, there is nothing like getting to sit with them in the same location, connecting in real life. I always come home so grateful for this time spent with them.With summer now upon us, I’m continuing this excitement as I make plans to spend time with friends and family in the coming months.In the spirit of choosing these types of “real life” connections with the people close to you, I offer you a challenge.What real life connections can you make this summer?
- Could you plan a weekend away to visit an old college friend?
- Can you open up your home to someone who has always wanted to come visit your state?
- Is there a fun place you and some far away family members can meet and hang out?
I realize that making connections like these requires intention and planning, but if you really want to make them happen, you can find a way. Although it’s not quite as easy as posting a status update, it has the potential to be MUCH more fulfilling.To help you with your plans, I’m sharing five resources to help you make it happen.
- If you are thinking you don’t have time to step away from your routine without guilt, maybe you just need to make better use of your time.
There are lots of tips and ideas out there for working smarter and maximizing your productivity. What I’ve found is that you just have to try things out for a bit and see what works best for you.One resource to check out is The Productivityist, Mike Vardy. I met Mike a couple of years ago at a simple living conference and I’ve always resonated with his ideas, particularly what he has shared about being a night owl instead of a morning person. If you’re a night owl like me, and even if you’re not, you’ll want to head over to Mike’s website and check out his articles and podcasts and his take on task management vs time management.
- If you’re wondering how you can afford a trip, consider establishing a short term shopping ban like Cait Flanders of Blonde on a Budget has done.
She’s nearly two years into her endeavor and some of the ideas she shares may prompt you to think about what “extras” you could give up in place of a weekend away or a reunion with friends.
- If you have kids and struggle with keeping travel simple, check out this article by Tsh Oxenreider, who has traveled the world with her husband and young kids.
While traveling the world may not be in your plans for this summer, many of the tips she shares can apply to everyone for every trip.
- If you don’t know where to go, I suggest planning a trip around a visit to a National Park.
For the past two summers, we’ve worked our way through all but 4 of the continental United States and we’ve based our travels around visits to the National Parks. This year is the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service and each park offers activities to engage learners and explorers of all ages. I’ve learned so much and made some of the best memories of my life on these trips! More to come about these trips soon!
- And if you want to document your trip for you (not just everyone else online), check out DayOne Journal.
Because the online world can be noisy and sometimes we need a break (as I did recently), you might consider using the DayOne Journal to capture some details and savor the memories of your endeavors. I recently started using this app on the suggestion of a colleague and I’m looking forward to using it to capture memories this summer.I hope this challenge and these resources help you find a way to connect in real life with someone close to you in the coming months. I’d love to hear what you’re planning and who you’ll meet!To Simplicity & Joy,Lisa