#Comfortably Connected. That’s the very clever name the team at JDC gave to the chair we created for the recent IFDA New England, “Take A Seat” fundraiser. The chair appropriately paid homage to the world of social media. As marketing/PR consultants, we cheerlead on a regular basis to stay connected – to clients – the industry – publications – potential audiences – “influencers.”
Let’s face it. In this day and age, how hard is it NOT to stay connected? Technology has given us the opportunity to stay perpetually in touch with people, places and things 24/7. Connections make us successful and relevant – both professionally and personally. But as easy as it is to stay linked to our work, friends and family, it is just as important to know when to take a break – or, in other words, comfortably connected.
This past weekend on my way to the Cape, I rounded that last curve on the highway before the Bourne Bridge came into full view; a welcome site signaling my destination was only 20 more minutes away. As I made my way across, it occurred to me that this imposing steel structure was a connection to my escape, something that separated me from the hectic pace of everyday life. A connection that helps me disconnect.
Peacefulness is often hard to find in the overly connected world we live in. I came across an article several years ago that talked about the power of downtime. It pointed out that even though we have ability to connect constantly – morning, noon and night – it doesn’t necessarily mean we have to. Everyone needs to de-compress and re-charge.
For me, a change of scenery is the best antidote to shedding the stress. A bike ride, a walk on the beach, gardening, sitting in the warm sun with a good book and a good drink and sharing time with my family and friends is all I need to unwind and remind me to forget for just a couple of days.
One of my favorite quotes is from the incredible Maya Angelou, who said, “Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.”
Everyone has to find their own way to escape. Staying connected is important, but staying “comfortably connected” is a must.