Hi Fun Friend,
I did something recently that doesn’t feel good.
I acted disconnected.
I have been paying a lot of attention these days to understanding how connection makes you feel more alive and vibrant in your life.
There is a lot of buzz that technology, meant to keep us so connected, is in fact making us feel more disconnected.
I just returned from a month in Indonesia with my dusty old backpack in tow, and I feel this country has this entire connection business figured out.
Perhaps it was never lost.
With 17,000 islands to visit in Indonesia, I was able to knock off a good 10.
Each island had its own culture within the landscape, the villages, the religions, the energy, and even the style of food.
And each island had one thing in common — you guessed it, connection.
🟡Connecting for a coffee each afternoon with a group of people to check in and talk about life.
🟡Connecting to help a fellow villager who may need some supplies.
🟡Connecting together over work, whether fishing as a group or building something side by side.
Everywhere I adventured in Indonesia, I saw groups of people casually connecting and gathering together — sometimes with their cell phones in hand, and most of the time without.
When interviewing local Indonesians about how they live vibrantly, how they prioritize fun in their lives, and what they could teach us — it all came back to being with each other and connecting.
This is where I did something that didn’t make me feel good.
My husband and I were walking on a back road through a village, and a man and woman waved at us with great enthusiasm, inviting us into their home for a coffee.
I remained disconnected and gave a weak smile with a “no thank you” and walked right on by. I was uncomfortable with this friendly, in-person invitation.
I later learned that being invited into people’s homes in this country for coffee was a regular daily custom.
With this beautiful invite, I responded with disconnection.
This got me thinking about my own connection habits.
I do spend a lot of time feeling connected through WhatsApp group communications, emails, texting, and social media messages.
It really does feel efficient. But does it make me feel a little disconnected?
I would say, a little — yes.
Over the last month, I started to just pick up the phone and call my people for a stronger connection.
This felt a little better, I admit.
I noticed when I go for a cycle or a neighbourhood walk, I stop at least three times to talk to someone in my community.
This feels pretty darn connected-like.
Lately, I have been part of groups of people planning large fundraising events.
Oh yeah — connected. Fireworks-connected-like.
And this is what is really landing for me.
We are not lacking ways to connect.
We are lacking the feeling of connection.
Because connection doesn’t come from efficiency.
It comes from being with each other.
From eye contact.
From a real laugh.
From sitting a little longer than planned.
From saying yes when it feels easier (and safer) to say no.
That simple coffee invitation I walked past?
That was connection, right in front of me.
And I chose discomfort over connection.
Oof.
I feel so alive and vibrant…
When I stop on a walk and have a real conversation.
When I pick up the phone instead of sending a text.
When I gather with people and lose track of time.
That’s the feelings I want more of.
So here’s what I’m taking with me — and maybe you will too:
Don’t walk past the invite.
Stay a little longer.
Choose the connection.
Because that’s living lively.
Yours in fun spirit,
Treena x 💛
Ps. If you personally or your organization need help re-igniting your energy and passion book me a call to see how I can help.
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RECENTLY ON THE FINDING FUN EXPERIMENT PODCAST:
In this episode, discover why it is important to get outside your comfort zone to feel alive.
Getting outside your bubble isn’t just about travel. It’s about expanding your perspective. It’s about feeling alive again.
You don’t have to be rich. You don’t have to go far. You just have to stretch your norm. Because when you step outside your bubble, you bring back: Hope. Spirit. Gratitude. Pizzazz.
If you’re feeling stuck or small… this episode is your nudge.
