WOTY Link Party: Connected in May

As we approach the end of another month, it is time once again for those of us participating in the 2022 Word of the Year Link Party to reflect on our chosen words. (Queue the fireside chat music…)

Or considering this is a party, perhaps you prefer some dance music and a fancy cocktail. Whatever the case, settle in, I have some photos I’d like to share.

My focus this month has been connecting with loved ones…and that I have done.

Humans are social beings, and we are happier, and better, when connected to others.

~Paul Bloom
Granddaughter, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Connecting with my mother-in-law, Betty, and my granddaughter, Piper.
Three women at a resort in Mazatlan.
Connecting with longtime friends, Pam and Linda, in Mazatlan. For more photos of beautiful Mazatlan and the connections made there, check this out.
Mother, daughter, and three teenage grandchildren.
Connecting with children and grandchildren on Mother’s Day.
Seven female coworkers.
Connecting with my provider enrollment team at work, our last lunch as a group.
Nine coworkers at Top Golf.
Connecting with my provider relations team at Top Golf, our final activity all together.
Male high school graduate with his mother.
Connecting with my grandson, Wells, and his proud mother, Ashley, at his high school graduation. Connection doesn’t always take place in person. I was cheering him on in spirit and over social media! (This is the first of three grandchildren graduating this year!)
A dog sleeping with his toy.
And let’s not forget our four-legged loved ones. Buddy Dog is definitely connected to his “Earl,” even in his sleep.
A white dog lying on the bed.
Connecting with Benji at long last, after COVID kept us apart for two years.

And those are just the moments someone thought to take a photo. There were countless other small, but significant connections with people (and pets) this month. When I tune in and am deeply aware of those moments, they become all that more meaningful and enjoyable. I spent May making memories that will last a lifetime. I am blessed indeed.

When I am on my deathbed, I don’t think I will be thinking about a nice pair of shoes I had or my beautiful house. I am going to be thinking about an evening I spent with somebody when I was twenty where I felt that I was just absolutely connected to them.

~Tom Ford

Your turn

  1. Do you have a Word of the Year? If so, link up with us or tell us how you’ve been making it happen in the comments.
  2. What’s one thing you did to connect with loved ones this month?
  3. What else is on your mind? Anything at all…I just love to hear from you.

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26 Comments

    1. Everything you say is spot on Leanne. I am truly blessed and value the relationships in my life much more than any possession. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. I always love sharing them.

  1. Connecting with loved ones…? Interesting question. I’m an adult orphan so I suppose the answer is I thought about those who came before me, glad that they don’t live in these turbulent, violent times. What a horrible week, eh?

    1. Yes, Ally, it has been a distressing week. I often think of my parents who have passed and am grateful that they did not experience recent events. Those same events remind me how important it is to truly connect with your loved ones in the present moment and not take anything for granted.

  2. Lovely post and lovely connections. It’s so true what you said – when you actively look for those moments, there they are. Thanks for linking up this month.

  3. This is so good! Look at those connections! My fave of all time is when we get together with our kids and grandkids too. Far less of it because of covid and distrance…sadly. I love all the celebratory moments that are markers of our lives. Love your word in photos!
    Denyse

  4. Hi Christie, I love all your connections in your post and your happy smile says it all. It’s a great WOTY and you are certainly living it. Thanks for joining us for our WOTY linkup. It’s always great to see you 🙂

  5. Great WOTY! Connected is one of my words as well… and it’s an area I am very intentional about. Right now I’m trying to be more intentional in connecting to my hubby! We had two dates (day trips) in last 2 weeks and I’m liking it. I think he is as well! No pictures though- just memories.

    1. Another thing we have in common, Pat, a focus on connection. I love that you are focusing on your connection with your husband, certainly one of our most important relationships. I don’t always take photos either, which is fine, but then I feel guilty when I highlight one gathering over another in my blog simply because someone did take a photo. Oh well, I think they all know I love them equally! ?

  6. I love, love, loved these pictures! Of course, your family is my family, so they are extra special to me. ?

  7. What a happy post, Christie, full of connection and love. I really like the Tom Ford quote at the end of your post – so true – I might borrow that one. Connections are so important aren’t they, especially in this crazy world. Thank you for connecting with us at the #2022WOTYLinkparty and I look forward to your new adventures and ways you have connected in June xx

  8. It’s been too long since I visited Christie. I’m very pleased to have popped in today and was able to see your beautiful family. Your photos are gorgeous.

    1. I’m so glad you stopped by Jennifer and that you enjoyed the photos. I hope all is well with you. I will pay a visit to your blog and see what’s happening there.

  9. The way June started has me swearing at it already, and it’s only 5 days in. My WOTY is much needed, and reading your post was a timely reminder that I knew I’d need to Be Brave! this year. I wasn’t expecting to need it in quite as many areas, but there we are. Courage mon brave ‘n all that eh? 🙂

    Connection? We’ve been out & about a lot more all of a sudden and seeing random people as well as those we love. It’s a relief, if I’m honest. I’ve been supporting my partner’s Covid hesitancy, and now that he’s taken the step, it feels like one burden less. I’m starting to plan to see more than just my closest friend now which makes me smile.

    1. Here’s hoping that things settle down for you soon, Debs. Of course, if they don’t, I know you’ll be brave. Life requires constant courage, doesn’t it? I attended a high school graduation ceremony this week, and I couldn’t help thinking these young adults have no idea the challenges and the joys they are going to face.

      I’m glad you are getting out more and especially to hear about your plans to get with a close friend. There’s nothing like an in-person visit with a loved one.

  10. Three graduates this spring!! Wow. That is wonderful. Congratulations to everyone. It takes a village!!

    Glad for all of your connections, in person and virtual. Have enjoyed seeing how you are embracing these first days of retirement. Hope you continue to relax and delight in your new chapter of life.

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