Being a bit curious about some things that have happened lately, and how I’ve been responding…I was reading something about one of my top 5 strengths this morning. Connectedness.

As a huge part of my identity, and because my strengths (can) work together, it says that this part of me brings the belief, my belief, that each person (even you!) is part of a larger story, and plays a role in it.

For me, it’s not just that we’re “connected” in some way. It comes with a level of certain responsibilities. When combined with my other strengths, I believe that what we do to and for others…we do to and for ourselves. Whether that’s hurting or helping.

And if I’m walking in this strength along with my others, I can offer a “grounding presence” that helps others simply slow down. Pause. Reflect on meaning. It’s how I “navigate the mysteries of life with confidence and grace.”

I guess I was needing this for myself today.

I know that when I’m walking in this strength, I can provide calm and perspective…sometimes reminding myself and others that each moment has purpose. And I believe that, too.

I believe that everything happens for…a purpose. Even if it’s not immediately clear or understood, the purpose is still there.

This is Connectedness. It’s part of who I am.

Another aspect of this says that I am able to connect ideas and people in ways that are meaningful, and I’d like to think …JOY-full. It’s true. I’m always seeing the parallels, or hidden patterns…and I love to draw analogies. Drives my hubby crazy sometimes. LOL

I’m always looking and hoping to walk toward and in alignment. It’s important to me. And when I do…it just feels good.

I am in “awe” of the connections in life that aren’t that noticeable. I look for them. This is when my clients and sometimes even strangers, say I helped bring "clarity and purpose" to their situation.

This is Connectedness. It’s part of who I am.

After reading about this, I was reminded of how important it is to do better, and to BE better. To look forward to better, and to LOOK FOR BETTER. Not perfection.

There’s only One who is perfect, and we’re not Him.

Simply looking for, and believing in the “better” in others.

And when we can connect “better” to “better,” something happens. Whatever the size, something happens that can impact that larger story! You know…the one we play a role in!

When we repeat “better” actions, we’ll get “better” results. We just have to keep walking in it. Have you ever noticed that for yourself? Maybe it was something that seemed very natural for you, in a good way. A better way.

I choose “better” for me every morning. If you know me even a tiny bit…you know I LOVE my morning routine of physical activity, spiritual activity, relational activity…and my super yummae oatmeal, turkey bacon, and homemade latte breakfast. LOL

Another of several better things I choose to do regularly, is to be curious about what my morning walk or jog will have me encounter. Quiet mornings create space for JOY-ous possibilities:

A download from God?
New insights?
New people?
Same people with different reactions?
Critters and creatures?
A unique cloud formation?
The uh-mae-zing feeling of a deep breath of FRESH morning air?

I’m always UP for it.

Typically, I see the same peeps most mornings. Some out walking or jogging, walking their dogs, working in their lawns, driving off to work, school, coffee run…or something.

I always pay attention. I always connect with as many peeps as possible, in any way I can. A smile, a wave, some verbal acknowledgement of them or the day.

You see…I naturally try to connect these people to the bigger story of my day…and theirs.

One morning, a few years ago, after a seemingly restless night (according to my smart watch), I wanted it all.

It was summer in Texas. Hot. And I was out early as usual, and especially to beat the heat. Yes. Even in the early morning. Texas heat has no concept of the time of day. LOL

Back then, there was a small area on the other side of my neighborhood, that I would add on the way out and back, to increase the time or distance to my routine. Yeah, I know.

And for a couple of weeks, every time I went out, I noticed two young boys (probably brothers, maybe 8-10 years old) wearily, slowly jogging back and forth in front of their house (I guess) and the next…driveway to driveway.

Not putting a lot of energy into it. Possibly training for something? Maybe just staying out of trouble, since school was out for the summer. LOL

Their garage door would be up, but no adults visible to me. Were they supervised? Following orders? Bored? Could this be a treat for them? Ummm…not likely. But who knows, right?

Maybe this was them choosing “better.”

On the way out, instead of jogging on the left, where they were, I stayed on the other side of the street for as much shade as I could get, and careful not to interfere with their routine.

I would always look at them and smile. Gave them a thumbs up once or twice.

They’d look at me, but no response. (I love those first reactions. LOL)

One particular morning on the way out, as I jogged by on the other side, one of the boys waved and yelled, “Good morning!”

Wow! Wait. What?

“Hey! Good morning,” I replied, smiling as I jogged by. I also had a little chuckle inside for this new response.

The other boy looked at him, looked at me, and kept struggling to jog to the other driveway.

On the way back, I didn’t see the one who spoke to me earlier, but the one who didn’t. He was still jogging. Maybe jogging again? Still wearily. Even less energy. Not even the least bit excited. It had been a while, so…not sure.

I looked over at him, and before I could say or do anything…he waved at me!

Say whuuuh?? Awwwh! I waved back, with a big smile and a chuckle…out loud this time.

MADE MY DAY!

That morning, as always…I was up FOR something good. 😉

You see…I keep choosing “better” for myself and others. It comes pretty naturally for me, when I do it from who I am. I mean, sure. Somedays…I’m challenged. I don’t always do better. I’m human. Not perfect.

But I'm looking to connect better to better. I'm choosing impact...of any size.

What about you? Who do you need to be, to choose “better?”

What do you choose…that’s “better”…that you can repeatedly do? Do that. Then do it again. And again. I’m pretty confident you’ll get better results. Just keep walking in it!

Aristotle once said that excellence is not a single act. It's a habit. Meaning, it's what we do repeatedly. It's the same with lifestyle. It's how we live life...every day. So when we connect better to better, we're creating a habit...of excellence.

If you’re up for it…it might just make your day…and someone else’s.

Remember…we’re all playing a unique role in a larger picture.

God has a plan. He’s gifted each of us with time and talents to walk it out…on purpose.

“Connectedness - Your insights bring clarity. Share the connections you see; others may not notice them until you speak up.”

And that's what I'm doing here. Yeah. It’s part of who I am.

If you’d like to explore more about who YOU are…contact me now. Let’s do some exploring together, connecting better to better!

It’s time to discover and walk in your unique role in God’s larger story.

At the time of this writing, we are in the month of October, and thinking about how we want to not only end Q4 and this year...but I'm challenging others to go further. To cross over into the new year...stronger.

I have a Crossing Stronger 30-Day Challenge, that might be a good fit for you. If you like simple, yet powerful; guided, yet personal; efficient and effective...you'll want to snag this for yourself. You'll be prompted to take simple daily actions, that you can fit into your life, and orchestrate them forward. It's not a group program, so there's no pressure. However, you can choose my personal accountability and support, as a purchase option. If you'd like more details, contact me now. I'm happy to get you started.

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I'll meet you on the bridge!

Deni