Cultivating Connections & Creating Meaningful Relationships to Thrive

There’s a phrase I’ve been reflecting on lately:? “giving someone their flowers.”? It’s about showing appreciation for the people in our lives now, instead of waiting until it’s too late – when regret and guilt can creep in.? This past week, I had the opportunity to reconnect with people who have shaped my life, reminding me that building meaningful relationships is not just important – it’s essential.

Like a well-tended garden, our relationships reflect the diversity of the people in our lives. ?Just as a bouquet gains its beauty from an assortment of flowers – each with unique colors, shapes, and fragrances – our lives are enriched by the varied connections we cultivate.? Some relationships bring joy and light, like sunflowers.? Others offer strength and wisdom, like roses with their thorns. Some challenge us to grow, like wildflowers blooming in unexpected places, and others provide calm, like lavender on a warm breeze.? Every generation, like a distinct flower, adds its own unique contribution, creating a vibrant ecosystem in which we all can flourish.

This idea has been at the forefront of my mind recently, especially after spending time with my family.? During my visit, I reconnected with my niece and nephew, and I was reminded how much we can learn from different generations.? My niece has been teaching me about intentional living? - sharing her insights on wellness, sustainability, and mindful eating.? It’s inspiring? to see how younger generations are embracing new ways of thinking and leading.? At the same time, my nephew, who manages a chronic illness, continues to show me what selflessness looks like.? Every time I visit, he makes himself available to pick me up from the airport and take me to where I need to go.? His fun-loving spirit and generosity remind me that the smallest acts of kindness make a big difference.

One of the most meaningful moments during my trip was reconnecting with two mentors who played a pivotal role in my leadership journey.? Back in 2007, when I was selected as a national policy fellow, these women guided me through new and challenging experiences.? One of these women I hadn’t seen since that time, but despite the years and distance, both have continued to support and cheer me on from afar.? Sitting down with them for dinner reminded me of how important it is to give people their flowers – acknowledging and celebrating their impact while they’re still here.

Another meaningful connection I nurtured this week was giving my sister the opportunity to take a long, overdue vacation with her husband.? It’s a reminder that relationships – like flowers – need intentional care.? We often think we’ll have time to focus on these connections “later,” but life moves quickly, and “later” doesn’t always come.? Relationships aren’t just nice to have – they are the foundation of our well-being and success.??

The Importance of Intergenerational Cooperation

This reflection on relationships has also made me think about the importance of intergenerational cooperation – especially as we approach a new presidential election.? Every generation has something valuable to contribute and it’s essential that we listen to and consider the needs of all generations.? Too often, I hear older generations criticize young ones, forgetting that they too were once young and made decisions that were not always wise.? At the same time, young people sometimes overlook the wisdom of those who have come before them.? Just as a garden thrives when all the flowers are nurtured, our society flourishes when we bridge generational divides, recognizing that every generation has a role to play.

As we head into this election season, it’s important that we take an inclusive approach – considering the needs of people at every stage of life. This kind of cooperation strengthens our communities and ensures that no group is left behind.? When we build ecosystems where wisdom meets innovation, we all thrive.? This is why authentic connection is one of my superpowers and why I believe so strongly in nurturing relationships across generations and experiences.

After completing my master’s degree in social work, my professors invited me back to speak to students about the importance of networking. Many of them thought networking was just about showing up, exchanging business cards, or sharing contact information.? But I’ve always emphasized that authentic connection goes much deeper – it’s about building real relationships rooted in trust, curiosity and mutual support.? This philosophy applies not only to professional networking, but also to how we build communities – especially across generations.

Call to Action:? Join Me on October 25th

If connection matters to you as much as it does to me, I invite you to join my upcoming webinar, Mastering Authentic Connections for Women Leaders, on Friday, October 25, from 12:00 to 1:00PM CST.

Building a diverse ecosystem of women — those who support us emotionally, offer financial insights, and provide professional networks – strengthens our power, amplifies our voices, and expands our impact.? Just as a bouquet gains its beauty from a variety of flowers, our networks become more vibrant and resilient when they include a range of relationships across generations and experiences.

In this webinar, we’ll explore practical strategies for building meaningful, authentic relationships that go beyond surface-level networking.? Whether you’re currently in a leadership role or aspiring to step into one, this session will empower you to deepen your relationships and intentionally grow your network.

I hope you’ll join me for this important conversation – because relationships, like flowers, need nurturing.? Together, let’s cultivate connections that allow us – and those around us — to thrive.

For information about the FREE upcoming webinar and to get reminders, register here:? https://www.chasitywells.com/#webinars.

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To learn more about working with me, go to my website:? https://www.chasitywells.com/#work.