When Rekindling Relationships Becomes a Favorite Pastime
The Value of Connection
There’s a special energy about reconnecting with someone with whom you shared positive memorable events. In a world where people cancel each other at a moment’s notice for entertainment then move on, creating solid good moments is a luxurious way to spend time. It has been scientifically proven that recalling positive memories buffers stress in daily life while enhancing personal feelings and overall wellness. Reminiscing with family members, good friends, or a solid romantic partner about good times actually enhances the quality of life.
How to Connect and How Often
We’ll throw where to connect into this mix because it helps to set the tone and general mood for this type of re-connection conversation. Create a group of like-minded people who wish to cultivate positive shared memories and meet once or twice a month. Attend family events and bring up “the time when cousin….did….this…on the…,” and watch the room light up. Using photos as a memory point of reference provokes positive words and extended conversation. Even if meeting with family occurs once or twice a year, attending these events is always a welcomed occasion. Old friends from work who have moved on also make good re-connections for fond memories. Traveling friends also make great memory conversationalists. Neighbors make recalling fun and out-of-the-ordinary conversations worth the time. Running into positive acquaintances you know at the grocery store can break up an otherwise monotonous series of shopping moments with good memories. On a fluke a memorable conversation may strike up with a stranger while waiting in line at a restaurant or other congested spots, so be ready and use good humor. Some of these connections may only be able to step out of their busy personal lives for a single day, so make it matter and make it memorable!
Remember, the only time restrictions we place on re-connection are the ones we create or destroy. If you run on a tight schedule, choose your words carefully for the best possible impact. Sincerity matters here and it’s the secret sauce that amplifies your intentions.
BON
Images: KaboomPics, Speer ME, Delgado MR. Reminiscing about positive memories buffers acute stress responses. Nat Hum Behav. 2017 May;1(5):0093. doi: 10.1038/s41562-017-0093. Epub 2017 Apr 24. PMID: 31482135; PMCID: PMC6719713,
