Why is
connection
so important?
I think the first place to start is at its origins and definition.
late Middle English: from Latin
connexio (n-
), from
connectere
. [to connect]
noun - a relationship in which a person, thing, or idea is linked or associated with something else
It seems the importance of
connection
is to learn we are not alone in this world. I love it! That is a direct and indirect understanding in many of our Major Messages. In
Session 1
– Getting to Know You
, the Major Message is
I AM not alone
. And, our
CBSG
®
Program
Developer, Cathey Brown, says,
“I saw the Groups as a way for the kids to
connect
with each other, their families and themselves - especially their feelings. They were not alone.”
She’s not the only one who has experienced, learned and yearned for
connection
in life. Let’s take it a bit farther. What do others say about
connection
?
“What we’re all striving for is authenticity, a spirit-to-spirit connection.”
– Oprah
“In a world of algorithms, hashtags, and followers, know the true importance of human connection.”
– ecofolks on Instagram
“I’m starved for connection, not attention.”
– Bridgett Devoue
“Another word for ‘Love’ would be ‘Connection’”.
– Rohit Titlani
Did any of these resonate with you? What is it you are striving for in your
connections
?
I’ve read Brené Brown’s quote,
“Our brains are wired to connect."
In training, I go on to share,
“And because we are created to connect, we will connect to something. Whether that something is positive or negative is the key."
In the lives of many of the children and youth we work with through the
CBSG
®
Program
worldwide, the children and youth we are serving may not have healthy role models from which to learn healthy
connections
. As a Trained Facilitator, you may be the first to show what a healthy
connection
looks like. And, our curricula, is a tool you can use to facilitate and model that you are a caring and supportive adult along with being understanding and a listener, helping them to see its okay to enjoy life, have fun, be silly, have the opportunity to "be a kid", and the importance of developing an attitude of gratitude. Brené goes on to say that
CONNECTION
is,
“The energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
Can I get an amen out there?
I can’t say
YES
loudly enough. To reinforce my yes, I’d like to share a story. Allow me to introduce you to Carolyn, she’s better known around Rainbow Day’s as Ms. CiCi. Last year she was awarded for her 15 years of employment and most of that as a
CBSG
®
Program
Facilitator working directly with children and youth. Her acceptance speech impacted me
. “It is an honor to serve, to give tools, to care, to validate. We’ve had group members tell us they are glad we care
about them enough to do something for them. We get to show children and youth that people actually care.”
Carolyn walks her talk. Here is what one of her contacts at a Dallas-area suburb shared:
…The real star is Carolyn. 10 years ago I called (Rainbow Days) and spoke with Cindy W. I asked her about your (CBSG
®
) Program and Carolyn graciously agreed to come to RHS and provide support through the groups. Carolyn is always willing to be flexible with scheduling and meets with the students where there is need. The populations served in group are parenting teens, pregnant teens, students on the spectrum, special needs, gifted students and homeless students and somehow
Carolyn connects
with them all. I am very grateful that I have Carolyn to work with because even though I did go through the (Facilitator) training, with Carolyn I get to go through hands on training (as a co-Facilitator).
Thank you, Anita
Did you see it? …
Carolyn connects
(emphasis mine). In her TED Talk
,
Every Child Needs a Champion
,
Rita Pierson shares, “… one of the things we never discuss or we rarely discuss is the value and importance of human
connection
. Relationships.” (You won’t be sorry to took eight minutes to watch this!) Okay, okay, it’s obvious I’m partial to Carolyn, I’m partial to all our Facilitators at Rainbow Day’s. I’m partial to the hundreds of folks I’ve had the privilege to train in our
CBSG
®
Program
during my 21+ year tenure. And, there are many more I’ve never had the opportunity to meet. However, it’s our heart for
connection
that bind us.
I’d like to say thank you to all of you who go out into your communities to make a difference. To make relationships. To
CONNECT
. Let’s circle back to the quote by ecofolks:
“In a world of algorithms, hashtags, and followers, know the true importance of human connection.”
The
“true importance of human connection.”
To be seen, heard, validated … it’s what we are created to desire. What is your
connection
? How will you
connect
?
Challenging myself, too,
Kathy Daley
Manager of
The Trans4m Center
Disclaimer: I realize there are communities where the word “connection” is associated with a drug connection. Perhaps, instead of using the term
connection,
you could use
“human relationships."
