STAYING CONNECTED
HOWTO KEEP YOUR FAMILY CLOSE IN A BUSYWORLD
If you feel like you’ve hardly seen your kids since the school year started, you’re not alone. Americans are way too busy — from childhood onward, we’re always running hither and thither, packing in as many after-school activities, work-related meetings, and social engagements as possible. It’s a problem so pervasive that it has a name: time scarcity.
a movie together every Thursday night, or going on a monthly getaway, make sure these traditions aren’t canceled. If your family doesn’t have many rituals, a great way to connect is to start some. MAKE EVERY MOMENT COUNT As cliche as it sounds, when you don’t have much time together, it’s crucial to be present for every minute of it. If you have a rare half hour at home with one of your kids, make a point to spend it in the same room and try to start a conversation. If you squeeze in a romantic dinner
Families feel time scarcity keenly after school starts in September, when children’s schedules explode with engagements. But all
hope for close ties isn’t lost; there are ways to stay connected with your spouse and kids, even in an increasingly busy world. Here are some ideas from counselors, teachers, and psychologists who claim to have mastered the art. REMEMBER YOUR RITUALS Rituals make up the backbone of individual families and society at large. Most people wouldn’t dream of abandoning their holiday traditions, so why forgo the smaller rituals that bring families together? Whether it’s eating dinner at the same table each evening, watching
with your spouse, turn off your phones before the food comes. Listening to each other without distractions will strengthen your relationship. HUG IT OUT Physical contact is vital for closeness. When you get the chance, hug your kids, hold hands with your spouse, and do physical activities as a family, like hiking, biking, or even playing group sports. It’s been scientifically proven that physical closeness leads to emotional closeness, so if you’re low on time, take advantage of that shortcut!
MY WEEKEND IN AN OUTDOOR MECCA WHAT’S YOUR PLAN FOR NATIONAL SELF-IMPROVEMENT MONTH?
For some unidentifiable reason, autumn seems like the best time for self-reflection. Perhaps the desire for personal examination stems from the transition from the (hopefully) more relaxed summer months to the busier and more focused fall. But, regardless of where the urge comes from, it’s widespread. In fact, the month of September was recently dubbed National Self-Improvement Month to help Americans set aside time to be intentional about their approaches to achieving their own goals.
A goal I’m consistently working toward is being better about unplugging — be it from my work computer, my cell phone, or just from the rushed, competitive nature of the American work schedule. Just as there are times to wholly dedicate to working, there are times that should be saved for unplugging. For this reason, my wife and I decided to venture to Bear Valley, California, last month to spend a weekend with Outbound Collective for what can only be referred to as an adult summer camp. We packed our tent, sleeping bags, outdoor gear, and most importantly, our sense of adventure and headed to Bear Valley, a
multi-sport mecca located in the beautiful Central Sierra Mountains.
mesmerizing starry sky experience that you can only witness at 6,600 feet.
Outbound Collective started their Pursuit series to offer adults new outdoor skills and knowledge and to foster inclusion within the outdoor community through classes taught by various experts. Participants have several classes they can take throughout the day. Kayaking, outdoor rock climbing, trail running, paddleboarding, backpacking, yoga, and fly fishing are all offered and taught by outdoor enthusiasts and professional athletes. At night, you can kick back around the fire and enjoy wine and whiskey tasting events, live music, and a
I think when most people start brainstorming methods for their own self-improvement, they picture stuffy classrooms and giant textbooks. But it’s perfectly acceptable to seek an experience that can be mentally stimulating AND fun. In my opinion, there’s no better place to start than up in the mountains, completely unplugged. What’s your plan for National Self- Improvement Month? If you need help coming up with ideas, let me know!
2 • MAGELLANLAWFIRM.COM
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