By Lois Barth, Human Development Expert, Speaker, Coach, and Author

If the pandemic taught us anything that we will remember for the rest of our lives, it’s the power of connection and how vital to our life it is. You ask what connection means to a hundred different people; you’ll get a hundred different answers. But one thing is sure, when we connect with another person, from the heart, and are present, we feel it, it’s beyond words, and you have no idea of the ripple effect it has in their life.

That was my recent experience. After a long hiatus, I went to my local restaurant in the hood. It was packed and the only available table was a “four top” in the corner, but there were only two of us. I didn’t have a reservation, a tall statuesque hostess apologized, “I’m sorry we have to save that for a party of four.” The server, a sweet young woman with auburn wavy pulled-back hair in a ponytail, interrupted her and said to us, “It’s fine, feel free to sit down, and welcome.” She beamed out this 1000-watt smile and nodded graciously like I should’ve recognized her, but I didn’t. 

She took our order, brought us our food promptly, and when the check came, said, ‘I was hoping to see you, it’s been a long time. I still have that lovely calendar you gave me on the wall of my music studio. The motivational quotes and colorful images inspire both me and my students. Thank you.”

I was shocked. I can remember conversations with people from decades ago, but can’t remember where I put my glasses, but I didn’t remember this woman at all, or the calendar.

I asked her if she mistook me for someone else, and she assured me I was that person. She recited the entire scenario, from having this lovely calendar, and offering it to a friend, who respectfully declined because she’s not a wall calendar type of person. That I saw her face light up when she saw the calendar, and the fact that I noticed, and then insisted she take it, blew her away. That somebody noticed, somebody paid attention. That she mattered.

One thing I learned from my Mom, Edie, is how little it takes to make another person feel special, seen, and important. She was so masterful at making people feel like the most special person in the world, even for 5 minutes. A smile, compliment, asking a question, and being interested in what they’re saying. These are such small things that make a huge difference. So simple, yet so impactful.

During this time of deep strife in the world, a divided nation, and a workplace of quiet quitting, heartfelt connections between co-workers, teams, departments, and organizations make all the difference in the world. As a Motivational Speaker in NYC, who’s also brought in for resiliency and mindfulness programs, we constantly underestimate the power of what an authentic connection can do for not only the other person but for ourselves.

Last week, I went back to the restaurant and saw Anna, she smiled and reminded me yet again of the calendar, and what a difference it made. It was almost a year ago and it still stayed with her. After dinner, I excused myself to go to my apartment and brought her the 2023 version. Somewhat shy by nature, she looked at the lovely big splats of fluorescent color with the saying “Dream Big” on it, teared up, looked at it again, nestled the calendar in her arms, and hugged me.

“I need this message tonight, to dream big. I have so many dreams in me, that I’ve forgotten about. This is a sign.” She hugged me tighter. “It’s the littlest things that make the biggest difference. You’ve made my night. Thanks again.” Anna is young in years but is wise in her heart. She’s right. The littlest things can make the biggest difference! And connection is the glue to make that change happen.

No matter what you may be going through, or have been through, no matter what your fears are, reach out and connect with someone. Connect. Listen. Talk from the heart. Don’t phone it in. It could be a stranger, an old friend, or your furry pal. It doesn’t matter. Now more than ever, we need each other!

Healthy relationships, families, and workplaces don’t happen by chance or luck. They happen by people genuinely connecting and knowing that someone cares.

Make that connection now.

How can you use the power of connection right now in your life to have the Courage to SPARKLE?

I’d love to know.

Thanks for tuning in and not tuning out.

Looking to connect with what’s next for you, or bring a greater connection to your work or life? Let’s tawk.