Creative Director: Connection

I Create: Creative Director of my Life.

I got off the plane in Amsterdam. I had been physically sick on the plane during the landing. I thankfully had a barf bag at the ready. And I still remember and feel badly for the newlywed couple honeymooning who were sitting in my row of 3 seats. When I was at the baggage collection, a fellow exchange student recognized me to be an exchange student also. We were instructed to wear our blazers with some country pins on them when we landed. I learned later his name was Ross. He said hi to me, tried to make conversation. The best way to describe my reaction was that I snubbed him. I didn’t engage in conversation, I collected my bag and left. Looking back, I clearly felt awful from being sick and maybe a bit in shock from realizing what I’d done: leaving my family and move thousands of miles away. what I learned from that experience is, don’t ever think encounters like that won’t catch up with you. All the exchange students were introduced within 2 weeks of arriving. Ross confronted me about snubbing him and being rude and thankfully we laughed about it (after I apologized of course). My not-fully-developed-17-year-old-brain didn’t think I would ever see this person again for some reason.

I’d had more cause to think of the connections we make, recently. Some that may seem initially to be meaningless or that you may never see a person again, can come back around. Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s always important how you act towards everyone. It’s always a good idea to be kind. A quote I really love says, ‘there’s a stranger out there who still thinks of you because you were kind to them when they really needed it. Never stop being that person.’ That one really sums it up perfectly for me because you never can fully know the ripple affect your actions have.

I always look to influential people (ie. Smart, wise and kind people) in regards to what books they read, podcasts they listen to, or what topics they are learning more about. I then share material with my older son, who is 18. I want him to always be aware of things – topics to learn, to grow, to expand his horizons and think big. I had again seen the book recommended of How to Win Friends and Influence People. It’s always floated around ‘must read’ lists. And I have a copy. Side note, can you guess where I got this book? A cereal box! Probably 25 years ago, it was a mail in offer on a cereal box, I forget which cereal company. But I sent away for that book as well as 7 Habits of Highly Successful People. 😂 Best cereal box prizes ever.

As far as connections go and personal growth, I thought, this is a perfect book for Jordan to read. I read it years ago, which helped my understanding of any dealings with people (not to say I didn’t also need lots of improvement and maturing as the years went by). I’ve encouraged Jordan to open it up and then I also thought, I really need a reminder of what this book suggests and what tips the book has specifically. I don’t aspire to ‘lead’ people, but it’s all good and helpful information. As I personally found, even if you have friends and don’t feel like you need help in that department, it’s always beneficial to know how to work with people and advice from someone who has done extensive research on the topic, would have helpful information to share, no matter the motive.

I’ve also noticed something recently with the publishing of my book that I’ve illustrated. And also, not just the book, but my art journey and sharing of my art. When people feel a connection, they want to cheer you on, and support you. They have your back. That’s what connection can do. So, although I’ve never set out to ‘lead’ people, connection is a pretty big deal. We all like to feel that someone cares about us. Considering many of us can feel like our own lives are the center of everything- and yes that’s true for each of us to a degree – it is astonishing how much we all value connection. We all want people to notice and send love and kindness our way. It’s also uplifting to care for others, and for them to understand how much you believe in them. The sharing of your belief in someone is a huge aspect of connection. I can tell with my work, from those that cheer me on, it is a way to express that they believe in me. And I can feel it.

I’ll report back after i’ve read through this book again, about new insights over 20 years later, but my main objective myself with connection, is caring acknowledgement. Understanding how I feel if I were to share some news, and even a simple acknowledgement for someone in my circle if they share news. Cheer people on who have something good or happy to share. If they have taken the time to tell people about it, imagine how uplifting when the response is the joy for their news that they feel about it themselves? Simply showing others that you took a moment to think of them. That’s how we nurture connections.

Until next week,

Devon