Every year I have a theme. Sometimes I repeat them, if I don’t get it quite right. For instance my themes for both 2006 and 2007 were Acceptance, as accepting people exactly as they are has been challenging for me. Now I’m getting pretty good at it!

2008’s theme is Connection. Connection is the feeling that we are part of something that matters, something bigger than ourselves, something that gives our life meaning, direction and purpose.

Me connecting with nature and appreciating the beauty of Napa Valley

Where and How to Connect:

Edward (“Ned”) Hallowell says we need to connect to 12 areas of life:
Family of origin
Immediate family
Friends and community
Work and activities
Appreciation of beauty
History
Nature and special places
Pets and other animals
Ideas and information
Institutions and organizations
Greater truth and spiritual faith
Ourselves.

In the Cool Resources section of my book’s web site is the “Seeking Balance via Connection” worksheet. You’ll find it under Rule 9: Resign as the General Manager of the Universe. This worksheet will guide you through a series of questions to help gauge/improve your level of connection in all 12 areas.

My fave book on the topic is CONNECT: 12 Vital Ties That Open Your Heart, Lengthen Your Life, and Deepen Your Soul.

Why did I choose the theme of Connection? Because I’m feeling a bit disconnected lately. After a grueling 5 month book tour to dozens of cities in 3 countries delivering over 100 speeches, I became robotic, irritable, exhausted–basically not much fun to be around or to be. So this year I’m reconnecting, along with vowing to never work that hard again.

Let’s Connect!
If we know one another then we’re probably already connected on LinkedIn. If we don’t know one another we can connect on Facebook. And if you want to connect in person, you can sign up for our free Rules for Renegades Summit, held June 6-7, 2008 in Irvine, California. You will need the 2 free tickets included in my book Rules For Renegades in order to attend (see page 270).

Seems to me that the greatest challenges, pain, crises, wars, outbursts of violence, (fill in the blank) are the result of dis-connection. Something to think about…

How connected are you?