Connecting

And the benefits of walks

I went for a walk today. Not a long walk. I didn’t have time for that. But a walk all the same. It’s something I try to do most days and heartily recommend. I find that even a quick walk around the block can refresh my attitude, renew my spirit and reset my focus for whatever’s next.

…

The New York Times has been running a feature in its Well section this week called The 7-Day Happiness Challenge. Perhaps you, like me, have been reading it each day (if not, the gift link above will enable you to do so). Each day has focused on a different theme.

From all the data, one very clear finding has emerged: Strong relationships are what make for a happy life. More than wealth, I.Q. or social class, it’s the robustness of our bonds that most determines whether we feel fulfilled.

— Jancee Dunn, NYT citing the Harvard Study of Adult Development

Day 3 was about chatting up someone you don’t know. Which is exactly what I did this afternoon. As I was setting out, a UPS truck stopped and the delivery person popped out. We exchanged pleasantries and had a nice casual conversation. As he crossed the street to make another delivery, I thanked him for his service and set out for my afternoon walk 🚶‍♂️. Briskly because I had an call scheduled in about fifteen minutes but also with an extra bounce in my step and smile on my face.

The call went well.

We humans are social beings. Some of us may be more introverted. Some of us may be more extroverted. How we want to connect may differ. But connections — both strong and weak (“weak ties” in the language of sociology) — are critical.

And fresh air.

Until next time,

-bp