"Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period."  (Dr. Robert Waldinger)

This Harvard study mentioned here followed men (of course, right?) at Harvard as well as inner city Boston across their lifetimes, adding their spouses and offspring as years went on. What they found above all else is that the #1 way to be happy and healthy into our 80s is to have positive relationships. That's it! 

3 big lessons have been learned:

1. Social connections are really good for us. Connection = happier, physically healthier, and living longer.

2. The quality of close relationships matters. It's important to trust that the person has your back no matter what.

3. Loneliness is toxic. It includes less happiness, declining health earlier in midlife, a deterioration much earlier in brain functioning, and a shorter life.

When we're grieving we often take stock of our relationships. Losing someone we care about creates an unfillable hole, reminding us of the few truly quality relationships we have remaining.

I'm lucky to have a few friends and family members who I can count on. This pic is of me and my ride or die friend Margaret. (We've never taken a good photo, so I'm just going with this one where at least we're facing the camera!) This woman has been by my side through most all of my losses and continues to be here, whether we're across the pool from each other (at the apartment complex where we met) or several states apart. 

If you take a minute to reflect on your relationships, from friendships to romantic relationships to family members to coworkers... do you feel connected to others? Do you have at least one person who has your back, who accepts and loves you no matter what you bring? What do you do to feel connected when you're feeling lonely?

Join our Facebook group or reach out for a session with Kristin or join our next retreat. We get it. We're here. Come on!