Being Intentional About Our Relationships

Last month, my family celebrated a huge milestone: my daughter’s high school graduation. As the time for her to cross the stage and receive her diploma neared, I kept thinking about all the special moments we’ve shared over the past 18 years: the day she was born and how it felt to hold her for the first time; her first day of kindergarten; teaching her how to ride a bike. Like other parents of graduates, these moments serve as a reminder that the years pass all too quickly.

Thanks to the COVID-19 vaccines, we were able to mark the joyous occasion of her graduation in person. While I appreciate the technology that has kept us connected virtually throughout the pandemic, there’s just no substitute for being with those we love – to see the smiles (and sometimes tears) and to give real hugs. The past year has taught us that we should never take any of that for granted. I believe it’s important to be intentional about embracing these opportunities to celebrate our moments and milestones with family and friends. We should prioritize spending time with those we love. Missing out on that has been one of the hardest things about the past 15 months.

As human beings, we are literally hard-wired for social connection. Our relationships create meaning and purpose in our lives, and are essential to our health and happiness. Even the brief social interactions we have with strangers – the cashier at the grocery store, the server at a restaurant, or someone you pass on a walk – makes a difference in our mental and physical well-being.

I got a big well-being boost recently when I was able to return to an activity I love with a group of people I deeply admire and enjoy being with. I took part in a small portion of the first-ever Achilles Resilience Relay, a 650-mile run, walk and wheel event that started in Charlotte, N.C. on June 26 and finished in New York City on July 10. The race was sponsored by Achilles International, an organization that empowers people with disabilities to participate in mainstream running events. I’ve had the privilege to volunteer with Achilles for a number of years, serving as a “guide” to assist veterans living with a disability who are participating in marathons. It’s one of the most rewarding things I do, and I’ve missed it terribly. At the Relay, I got to reconnect with some old friends and make some new ones, and I was inspired all over again by the resilience and determination of the remarkable athletes who are part of the Achilles family.

One of the key lessons of the pandemic is that we need one another – human to human. So let’s pause and appreciate the people in our lives. Let’s be intentional about building and nurturing our relationships. Let’s be there for the special occasions and celebrate them with all the gusto we can muster.

I know that I’ll be intentional about making the most of the time I have this summer with my daughter, because we’ve got another big milestone right around the corner as she heads off to college. I’m sure the day we move her into her dorm will be another emotional one for me – and another reminder of how quickly time goes by.