Reconnect

reunion

As I travel home after attending my high school reunion, I am compelled to reflect on the experience. It was amazing to reconnect with people I haven’t seen in decades. It brought to light how wonderful so many of these people are, and how much I enjoy spending time with them. It got me thinking through some good life lessons.

Take the opportunity to relish the great times you’ve had. When was the last time you laughed so hard that tears were rolling down your face? As we age, the weight of life takes over and we probably don’t laugh as much as we should. There’s nothing like a few old stories to get things going, and who better do it with than old friends?

Take advantage of every chance to reconnect with special people. I was surprised by the number of local people that chose not to attend the reunion. Most of us lead hectic lives. We get so few chances to reconnect. Why not take advantage of every opportunity? You’ll never remember the night you stayed home and watched TV, or the few extra hours of sleep you were able to get. Life should be about the pursuit of happiness. Great life experiences drive happiness. Next time you find that you’re being lethargic, push yourself forward. It’s good to break up routines, try new things, and enjoy the wonder of life. Having great experiences requires you to get off the couch. Push yourself to celebrate life.

Maintain contact with great people. I am blessed to have dozens of people with whom I’ve maintained connections over decades. I may not talk to them for months at a time, but when I do, we pick up where we left off. The advent of social media has made it even easier. Personal relationships are a huge contributor to overall happiness in life. Find a way to foster an ongoing connection with special people.

Experience over stuff. We all have finite resources and most of us have houses filled with stuff. I’ve yet to hear a story where someone facing the end of life has regrets about not accumulating enough stuff. I’ve heard plenty of stories of regret for not staying connected to special people. Those that spend their money on experiences are far happier in the end.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. The most sobering moment of the reunion was hearing of those who had passed. It’s been 30 years since graduation and there are some amazing people that are no longer with us. None of us know when our last day will be. Take nothing for granted. Reconnect with the special people, cherish your relationships, and enjoy the time you spend together.

Tune into the 90 Second Navigator Podcast this week for a deeper reflection on this discussion. Please send your thoughts along to me at [email protected]