Connection wasn’t something I grew up understanding.
I was raised on a farm, in a strict church, and the only people I really knew were my family and the small group of individuals from our congregation. When I left that church at 18 and moved away from home, I didn’t have a foundation of meaningful relationships to build on. For a long time, I didn’t fully grasp how important connection was.
That started to change when I was in my MBA program. I began to notice how much relationships impacted success—not just academically, but in life and career. That lesson hit home when I was looking for my job at the Harley-Davidson dealership.
I didn’t know anyone at the dealership, but a coworker I was friendly with knew someone who worked there. She made one phone call, and that was enough to get me an interview—and eventually, the job. That moment was eye-opening. It taught me that no matter how smart or talented you are, if people don’t know who you are, they can’t think of you when opportunities arise.
That realization pushed me to start building and maintaining relationships, even as an introvert. I won’t lie—the idea of networking used to give me hives, and my neck would turn bright red at the thought of walking into a room of strangers. But I worked with a coach to overcome those fears and found a way to connect that felt authentic to me.
I realized I didn’t have to be a networking superstar. I just had to focus on building relationships in a way that felt genuine. Over time, I’ve created a network of friendly connections and a smaller, close-knit group of people who mean the world to me.
Connection is more than professional networking—it’s about being intentional in how we engage with others. I often sit in a restaurant or walk through a crowded place and think, There are so many people in the world I don’t know. So many lives I’ll never cross paths with.
That thought is profound to me because it reminds me how important it is to make an impact where I can. I know I can’t meet everyone or personally inspire each individual, but through my writing, painting, and teaching, I hope to touch the lives of others.
The work I do is rooted in this desire to help people see that they can live a life they love. They can lead authentically, create boldly, and find joy in the connections they build with others.
If you’ve been hesitant to reach out or build relationships, I encourage you to start small. You don’t need to meet everyone—just focus on being intentional with the people around you. You never know how a single connection could change your life.
Call to Action:
Revisit Chapter 5 of Beauty from Chaos for more insights on creating meaningful connections. Remember, connection isn’t about knowing everyone—it’s about building relationships that inspire and transform.
