The Human Connection (Day 8 of 30 of the Happiness Challenge)

Whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, humans are social beings who crave interactions with other humans.

It is another thing that is hardwired into because even at the most basic level interactions and connections are required to ensure the survival of the human race. Without connections, they’d be no children.

When you think of it this way, it only makes sense that forming and maintaining these connections gives us an internal reward.

Looking at it from the flip side, when we isolate ourselves we start to feel lonely and depressed and if we stay isolated too long, a spot of craziness can creep in.

It is human connection that brings us more happiness than any other thing - more than money, big houses, fancy cars and anything we own.

Happiness comes from sharing experiences, getting to know people and spending time with those we care about the most.

Realistically not every person will make us happy, even those we care for, but we also have to deal with those we don’t really care for too, like a colleague at work you have no choice but to work with, or annoying neighbors.

Some people we are indifferent about, some we wouldn’t spend the day with, if we had a choice. But even these people help us with human connections, as we might work well together, even though challenging, it makes us better people. When we collaborate, we contribute better to society and this can be a reward in itself.

When we are in the company of people we love and/or enjoy being with there is a lot of joy and happiness to be gained from those interactions.

We are creatures that crave mental, physical and social interactions and deep down nearly all of us would love to receive a big huge hug.

When we choose people that love and encourage us and help us grow as humans, who challenge us, but not put us down, then those are the relationships worth nurturing.

Ideally, we need to find cheerleaders and mentors, as we become better people with these types of people around us. This is the reason people say that that you become the average of the five people that you spend the most time with, so pick wisely, my friend.

If you want to grow as a person and be happy, pick 5 people who are positive and happy.

Above all, make sure to nurture your most important relationships with your friends and family, as these are the ones that give the most meaning and happiness in your life.

(Pictures from pexels.com)