Happiness Tool #2: Connection

"The quality of your life is the quality of your relationships."

---Anthony Robbins

Our connections with other people are at the heart of happiness, both theirs and ours. Volumes of books could be filled with research findings regarding the power of healthy relationships in relation to happiness. Everything we value in life is affected by the level of human connection that we have, both positive and negative.

In Dr. Henry Cloud's wonderful book, The Law of Happiness, he tells us, "Your brain, your heart, your soul, and your body respond to relationships with others. Relationships are where we get our fuel, our motivation, our sustaining power, and more. Your brain chemistry, for example, changes with support, as does your immune system."

When we have strong support systems and healthy relationships in our lives, we tend to be:

     *Physically healthier, with stronger immune systems, and less illness.

     *Medically more likely to deal with illnesses and treatment well.

     *Emotionally healthier, with less stress, depression, and anxiety.

     *More likely to reach attempts to change our lives.

     *More able to reach goals.

     *And more!...

"Reach out and touch someone" is more than just a great Hallmark marketing slogan; it is excellent advice for achieving more happiness in your life. What could you do today to strengthen your relationship connections? Send a text message or email of appreciation. Better yet, send a "snail mail" card! (Who doesn't love receiving a personal card in their mailbox?). Invite a friend out to lunch. Plan a date night with your significant other. Plan a craft night or game night with friends. Say "I'm sorry. Say "I love you". The possibilities are endless...

Simply put, we need each other. Let's connect!!