The holidays are a good time to reconnect w/ people who’ve helped you get where you are. Find your senior year English teacher, say you appreciate her patience. Write to your last boss. You won’t be giving up anything. Gratitude feels good both to receive & to give.
Especially if you feel lonely, go thru your contacts, write to a bunch of people, say thank you for one thing, or just that you hope they’re enjoying the holidays.
It can be hard, esp for men, to reach out w/o a specific goal. The goal is continued connection & appreciation.
It can be hard, esp for men, to reach out w/o a specific goal. The goal is continued connection & appreciation.
For a long time as a young man I felt like expressing gratitude/appreciation was giving something up. I wish I'd been more consistent w/ appreciation. Friends/girlfriends were often more generous than me. Don't waste time, take the opportunity to (re)connect.
#algebraofhappiness
#algebraofhappiness
Esp with professional connections, important to keep those up. You will need references, stay in touch w/colleagues. Requests for references shouldn't be the only time you've reached out since working together. Small messages accrue overtime ("thought of you") #compoundinterest
Take advantage of bigger cycles. Now/holidays is a great time to reach out, also bc people are more relaxed, there's more goodwill.
Gratitude is best when specific & about them, not about you ("you took time" vs "I became a top performer")
If you're depressed, gratitude is key.
Gratitude is best when specific & about them, not about you ("you took time" vs "I became a top performer")
If you're depressed, gratitude is key.
As I say in #algebraofhappiness, I'm not a therapist, just personal experience/reading. I keep coming back to, relationships are all that matters. I was an island for a long time. How will I/you put myself/yourself in a position to love and help others?
