A lot has been written about the power of connecting. And if you move in the world of social media, like I do, you begin to believe that connecting means this: more Facebook followers, more blog hits, more retweets.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Connection is why we’re here. It’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives. -Brene Brown
You see, connecting isn’t just about numbers. It’s about joining with others to accomplish something you’re unable to accomplish alone.
Connecting sharpens us. I’ve been writing professionally for twenty-seven years, but I’ve only been tweeting for three (you can read my life-changing Twitter story here). Over the past few years I’ve learned a lot about blogging. But I still have to seek out marketing experts to help me with SEO, RSS, and HTML. By connecting, I can be even better at what I do best.
Connecting inspires us. What I love most about connecting is seeing other people embrace their gifts and passions and live their biggest lives. When I connect, I not only have allies helping me reach my goals, but I have the joy of helping them, too. People like Jacqueline, alias “Cheerleader of the World,” who is also writing a book this summer. And Torre deRoche and Evan Sanders, who just launched theirs.
The beauty of connecting is that every connection is as unique as the two people themselves. Sometimes connecting is just a brief interlude. At other times it is a life-altering catalyst that sets you on a path of change and growth.
Connecting transforms us. One great example is this blog post. I recently took an online blogging class through Skillshare called “Build Your Blog’s Unique Brand & Audience.” Jacqueline was my teacher.
Not only did I learn how to make my blog more appealing, I also met a kindred spirit and made a new friend.
Carl Jung said, “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.” I’ll never forget something Jacqueline said to me the first time we spoke on the phone. After a few minutes of chatting she laughed and said, “You’re a connector!” I already knew that about myself. But being recognized as a connector? That was life-changing.
It was that connection (and a series of others) that birthed the idea for Defying Small (#defyingsmall), an online community I founded of visionaries who want to live bigger, more passionate lives.
Connecting requires vulnerability. I love connecting because I am an off-the-charts relational being. I am also an introvert. I need time alone to think, work, and refuel. Connecting requires stepping out of my own world and into another’s. It means self-disclosure and vulnerability (risk). If we’re going to connect with others in a deep and genuine way, we must be vulnerable. And that means being our true, authentic selves.
Daring Great author Brene Brown has researched and written extensively about vulnerability and the profound impact of connection. Here’s a TED Talk she gave on the subject:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llXcHH7e_Pc?rel=0]“They had connection as a result of authenticity. They were willing to let go of who they thought they should be, in order to be who they were.” -Brene Brown
How are you connecting with others? How has connecting changed your life? I’d love to hear your stories. Please leave a comment below.
Meet Laura Whitfield Watts!
Laura Whitfield Watts is a passionista who loves to write and connect. She is the founder of Defying Small ™ and is currently writing a book entitled, DEFYING SMALL: How Defining Life Moments Can Help You Live a Bigger, More Passionate Life. You can connect with Laura on her blog, Laura Out of the Blue, on Facebook at Defying Small or on Twitter @defyingsmall.
Laura, I like what you said about connecting not being about more followers, more subscribes and more likes but about a genuine person to person relationship – whether a moment or over time!
Thanks, Audrey! I often hear people who are new to Twitter say they’ve resisted because it’s just people tweeting about what they had for lunch. It does take time to develop online relationships, but, as you know, it’s worth every minute. I’ve met some of the most fascinating and lovely people here. Like Jacqueline, for instance! Thanks for reading and wonderful to meet you!
I so love this paragraph, and it feels just like me!!! “Connecting requires vulnerability. I love connecting because I am an off-the-charts relational being. I am also an introvert. I need time alone to think, work, and refuel. Connecting requires stepping out of my own world and into another’s. It means self-disclosure and vulnerability (risk). If we’re going to connect with others in a deep and genuine way, we must be vulnerable. And that means being our true, authentic selves.”
I am still practicing at allowing the vulnerability, and it makes my palms sweat sometimes, but it is so worth it!
Thanks, Laura. Hugs from Laura!
Love that paragraph too, Laura! And couldn’t agree more on vulnerability–makes my palms sweat and heart beat fast too, but like you said, it’s absolutely worth it!
As someone who is new to social media (6 months blogging and tweeting), your post gives me hope that within all the superficial of social media, there is also depth. I, too, found Brene Brown’s TED Talk inspiring…and wrote a blog post about it in March (The Gift of Vulnerability). Thank you for sharing your thoughts on it as well. Here’s to all of us opening ourselves to connections, and not settling for less.
That’s wonderful, Diane! My absolute favorite part of blogging and social media are the people I meet that I would not have the opportunity to do otherwise. Our world is so much smaller now, and it’s incredible how many opportunities we have to connect with all types of people. What’s the link to your post? Would enjoy reading it! 🙂
Love, love, love this article. I appreciate the perspective you give for all these tools many of us are experimenting with. This article is a ‘reread’, Laura. Thank you!
So glad that you enjoyed it, Teresa! A retweet indeed! 🙂
This article is right on! My favorite part about social media is connecting with my readers on a personal level. I have really enjoyed getting to know many of my followers. The opportunities that have presented themselves as a result are definitely a plus too!
So glad that you enjoyed it, Elle! Completely agree with you–the connections that have come from social media and connecting across the interwebs are amazing like us meeting. So glad that you kept the blog going! 😉