Connection Kuel Category Expert: Kay Newton
Sometimes the wackiest of ways are the best ones for finding meaning in life. This month is a fun idea to aid you to connect to people in your life, past and present, to put your memory to work and prompt you to make new connections. All you need is a pen and paper, a small amount of time, the willingness to have fun and a bit of courage.
Take any word and make it an acronym. Then attach a name of someone who used to be in your life, is in your life, or with whom you would like to connect. Using an acronym is an impartial method in that the letters will determine whom you contact. Below is my example of how to use an acronym for connections. As you will read, some people I would have disregarded using conventional methods.
CONNECTIONS:
“I have not forgotten the memories”
C – Carol was my first ever friend.
She lived on the next street to me. I have stored the memories away for many years until this moment. It felt good to take some time to take them out of the mind library and dust them off. I remember when she started school, a term after me, and I proudly took her around the school and introduced her to my peers. I remember skinny Carol, sliding down the glass, cold frame at the bottom of the veg patch whereas I broke the glass and needed stitches in my leg – my first visit to the hospital. Our lives have moved on different paths, but I have not forgotten the memories.
O – Olivia, mentioned three times in conversations with a client over the weekend.
We are Facebook friends, yet we have only spoken via messenger. I reached out to her, to tell her she was, thought of highly. Coincidently it was her birthday and not only did it make Olivia’s day, but her reply also made me feel good too.
N – Nadine is my oldest son’s godmother.
She lives in South Africa, and we tend to catch up with letters and phone calls once a year. When we visit Cape Town, we always find time to meet and catch up. It is as if we have never been apart. My husband had the gut feeling to connect. Perfect timing as it was their daughters 18th birthday, so grown up – where has the time gone!
N – Nikki is stressed and tired.
She is finding it hard to balance work, family and self-care. Knowing that life is tough for her at the moment makes this exercise even more important. A quick FB message to check in and make sure she is well can mean the earth. I know we will connect in person shortly as I have posted a Midlife Manifestation bracelet to her which requires a phone call to activate.
E – Eva used to be my son’s horse riding teacher.
Over the years, our paths have crossed many times. This week we caught up over lunch, a chance to briefly remember her dad who passed away a year ago, find out how her miracle baby (now a teenager) is coping with the new normal and put the world to rights.
C – Christine and I have just spent a long weekend together walking the beaches and mountains of Mallorca.
During this time of space, Christine has been able to see life from a different point of view. Now that she is back home, it is essential to keep the connection open as breakthroughs often happen at this time.
T –Â Trish lives in New Zealand. We have never met in person, yet we have a lot in common.
I love our conversations as we think alike. I always come away from the conversation, with my cup full of love. These are magical moments, and I look forward to our chats.
IÂ –Â Irene and I met through a FB group, which over the years has led to three retreat visits to my home in Mallorca.
Despite what life throws at her, she is always happy and bubbly and full of gratitude. The last time we spoke was over a year ago just after she had moved home. Using the acronym, I realised we had not spoken in such a long time and to reach out and connect again.
O – Olwyn and her mum are part of my Toastmasters story.
Seeing her name reminded me of an incident going to a meeting. I was running late and parked the car in the only spot available much to the annoyance of some workmen also attempting to get into the same space. Olwyn’s mum was partially blind, and I wanted to be close to the venue. When I came out of the meeting, my tires had been slashed, which meant I was late to pick up the kids from school. The upside of the story is that the local garage came to my rescue, not only replacing the tires but also restoring my faith in human beings.Â
N – Nikki-Marianna and I have never met, yet we have been friends on FB for several years.
As a positive and creative person, NM adds colour to my life. Just by looking at her timeline, I am inspired, with pieces of her recent artwork or inspirational links. Sometimes this is all you need to brighten your day, yet without an acronym I would have probably not reached out and told her so.
S – Sarah has just lost a good friend to Covid19.
“Sometimes the simple and the wacky ways are the best”
From time to time, I send a FB message, to check-in and make sure she is ok in the UK. I know that Sarah would be the first to do the same for me should I ever be in a similar situation.
Your Turn:
When you take time out to connect and remember memories, not only does it brighten other peoples life, it brightens yours too. It puts life into perspective. Sometimes the simple and the wacky ways are the best.
What acronym are you going to use today? Who will you connect to and what memories will surface from your past?
About the Author:
Kay is the founder of Midlife Strategies, an award-winning International Speaker, and enthusiastic author. She is an acknowledged expert guiding women to find their mojo, through the Midlife Squeeze.
Kay’s books include:Â
- ‘The Art of Midlife Stress Busting – Seven Steps to Declutter Your Mind Without Pills or Potions’
- ‘How to Clean Your Home Organically – De-Stress Your Surroundings’
- ‘Tips and Tricks For Stress-Free Downsizing – A Step by Step Guide to Moving On’
- Co-author of the six Kindle books in the ‘Quick Fix For’ series, and a contributing author to ‘Hot Women Rock’ and ‘A Journey of Riches’.
Today, Kay lives a simple life next to a beach in Mallorca, Spain. You can find Kay here: www.KayNewton.com.
Thank you, Beth. We love simple and fun!
I love this, Kay! And it’s fun as well.