Continuing the theme of connections. Connections are important because they help us to see. Probably most important they help us to see ourselves in the reflection of others. Those around us can help us to identify abilities, patterns, and themes about ourselves, ironically allowing us to get to know ourselves better. We must not blindly take on labels, but we can go through self-exploration and explore who we truly are in our fullness, how we add the greatest value, and what truly makes us feel like we are living life in abundance. We must be willing to seek out the information, mine the information, and apply our learning to realize the clarity that can come through connections. I am reminded of the Wizard of Oz and a line in a song, that says "Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man, that he didn't already have.' Yet the traveling companions and OZ were the connections the Tin Man needed to see something he already had.
Not all connections are "good" per se, but for the most part, they all provide some aspect of learning and honing our discernment skills. Many people say that you are the sum of those around you, and while I won't argue that point, I will encourage you to learn about yourself from those around you. how do people interact with you in various settings? What kinds of matters do people call on you to engage in? If we take the time, our connections with others can help us to see things that we might not otherwise have noticed.
