So there is connection and then there are connectors. Two totally separate nouns that I’m writing about in my “Connection” blog post series. What would the discussion about connections be without connectors? Connectors are instrumental in putting us on paths that ultimately change our lives. For the sake of thoughtfulness and the awareness of silver linings, the connectors that I am referring to in this post are for those who change our lives for the better, not worse.

The 18th Head Coach of the Broncos, in a his inaugural press conference the other day, said that he would not be in that position without the help of key people in his life. Many people say that phrase in press conferences because it is the ideal time to give accolades to those who took us under their wing and helped us fly out of the nest when we were ready. I love to hear about those who shaped NFL coaches and players lives because only a small percentage of our country is in this profession and so it’s fascinating to hear how they made it to that moment. Connection and the connectors are what biographies are all about and our curiosity is why biographies tend to be Number One best sellers. If only we all had our own books about us.

When we’re young, we think we have the world by the balls - we think we know everything. Rarely do we find young adults asking for help from a wise old person or reading biographies. Which seems crazy to me because experience alone is valuable for anyone, especially to someone who recently graduated from high school, college or is just starting out in their career. Most of us figure out later in life, some of us sooner, that a connector is gold. We can do things the hard way on our own or we can have an easier time if we have someone looking out for us.

If we strive for success, we know that wisdom is key. Doesn’t matter if it’s college degree wisdom or life experience wisdom, we do better when we know more. Sometimes it’s who we know, rather than what we know. Most wise people, in order to gain this wisdom, had a connector who showed them the way. Maybe it was an educator, a coach, a meditation guru, a handyman, a priest, a parent, an uncle or aunt, a librarian, a counselor, a spit-fire grandparent, a therapist, a doctor or police officer. There are so many other examples of who connects us to a better way of doing something or living. What most connectors have in common is that they help us and want nothing in return. There is no payment required. There are no contracts to fulfill once success is achieved. There is no set amount of mentions owed for helping us out. Most connectors get their “payments” by simply feeling good that they helped someone. This is why I refer to connectors as gold. We should treasure these people in our lives. They are wise and put thought into connecting us to others who can help us. They are giving us thoughtful pinches by taking the time to bridge the gap between us and our goal(s). Connectors hand us over a “short cut”; they know that ultimately, this person they are sharing will help us.

Scrolling thru my blog, it makes me smile that I wrote about some key connectors in my life:

1. Honey-o - was so helpful for me during the time when I needed to apply for colleges. She also connected me to people in the pageant industry, got me free PR for my business and recently hooked me up with one of her clients for the new Mozy product that I use and love.

2. Shayla - was a key connector when we first moved to MPLS because she helped facilitate playgroups so that not only our kids had a safe space to play but it allowed moms a chance to help each other out with all types of issues. Shayla connected me with Vasalia and that was definitely a game changer. Shayla’s natural way of bringing people together usually creates lifelong friendships.

3. Ailana - most recently, my friend introduced me to her friends while in Denver. This led me to write about connection. Ailana has also connected me to Jennifer Johnson, who I will always be grateful for because she helped me design my house in MPLS. Jennifer taught me a lot about design and I wonder where I’d be without my little knowledge. I am thankful for many more friends that Ailana has connected me to.

4. Dana - ah, my neighbor. The one I relied on the most during many of those early years in MPLS. She is the ultimate connector because she know so many people and she enjoys putting people together for all sorts of situations, especially parties. She’s the best.

Gosh, there are so many more connectors mentioned throughout this whole site. These are people who I can point to as pieces to my life puzzle. I wish I could name them all and although it would be great to acknowledge everyone, the point is to identify connectors in our lives. Again, as with acknowledging or being aware of connections, when we recognize those who have helped us, we find more connectors in our lives. I really do think I am a connector magnet. Maybe that’s because I have a big mouth and ask for help more than others. Or maybe, because I am grateful for connections therefore connectors want to help me. Either way, if we go thru life without being aware of how we got there, we miss opportunities to be grateful. Through awareness we can connect the dots and live life less randomly.

Either you already recognize the connectors in your life and this post confirms what you already know. Or hopefully this post will conjure up an Aha! moment and we will all be looking for those connectors in our lives together. So much fun!

Pinches,

Barb