From a recently viewed Ted talk I heard the question: What is the biggest predictor of happiness? The speaker was a researcher on a 75 year ongoing study following men through life (one subject started at age 19 and is now 90). The answer is that the biggest predictor of happiness and good health is close connections to others. Here are two recent events in my life that touch on that subject.
In November, I did my first tv (facebook live) gig to promote my book, Communication Breakthrough. For the live interview I was concerned about what to wear and how to look. I was so glad my sister was with me to help me get ready. When something is new and feels momentous, I like to share it with others and have them around to help me or lower my anxiety. I like having someone to go through it with me. The process went well due to the following support I received in this new environment.
Upon arriving at the office, I was warmly welcomed by the crew into a studio with foam walls and told which cameras to look at and when. Both my husband and my publicist were in the studio to encourage me. The interviewer was so enthusiastic and friendly that she put me and the other guest at ease even before the cameras rolled. It was like sitting in someone’s living room chatting. She started with a personal question about our holiday plans then launched into questions about our products. Once I started talking about my book and my message about the importance of good communication I felt comfortable. At one point I could read some comments posted as people watched the show live, saw three of my friend’s names and smiled. All that support buoyed me up and carried me all the way through.
This next event was different, as I was alone.Today I was walking on a nature path when a sudden pain in my ankle made me gasp. I leaned over to see a bee stinging me. I pulled her off me, but the wind was blowing my hair in my eyes, obscuring my view. I limped off the path to sit on a stone bench, pull the stinger out of my leg and try to squeeze the poison out. After that I was done with this nature walk and its angry bees. I also resented being alone as I limped back to my car. Then I had to stop at a store to pick up an item. Standing in a long line to pay made me impatient, especially with a stinging ankle. Just then I felt two hands gently touch my back. I turned around and a clerk said, “I can take you over here”, as she opened another register. I purchased my item and told her about my bee sting. She ran off and brought me back 2 packets of anti-bee sting ointment, to lessen the pain. She had me apply it right then and there and said the packets were free. I looked at her name tag. Priscilla. This is the name of my dearly beloved mother-in-law who died a few years ago.
I am grateful for the team that prepped me for my first live televised interview and for Priscilla and her magic bee sting pad. Connections, whether from those close to us or from a kind stranger are what give life renewed hope, love and warmth.
If you want to see my # CommunicationBreakthrough on Real Life San Marcos interview, here is the video! Click the link:
https://business.facebook.com/realtalksanmarcos/
business_id=1457961084273337&ref=bookmarks
I wish you all a Merry Holiday Season full of warm connections. I just thought of this: The nature path I walked today does have beehives and I have bought honey from their store. And it tastes really good. Okay, I forgive my stinging bee.