Building Connection in Personal Relationships

Don't have time to watch this now? Add the Youtube Video to your "Watch Later" list or scan this QR code to watch it later!

The Need for Human Connection and Why it Starts With Ourselves Video QR

Instructions:

  1. Reflect on Current Relationships (2-3 minutes):
    • Think about your closest relationships—whether with family, friends, or a significant other.
    • Reflect on which relationships you feel could benefit from more connection or attention. Is there anyone you’d like to communicate with more intentionally?
    • Write down the name of that person and why you feel it's important to strengthen this relationship.
  2. Plan a Simple Connection Action (3-5 minutes):
    • Now, create a simple plan for how you can deepen this relationship. It could be a phone call, text, or face-to-face time. Consider the following:
      • Reach out to talk about something meaningful, rather than only surface-level conversations.
      • Do an activity together that encourages bonding, such as sharing a meal, walking, or working on a project.
      • Express appreciation for them or share something personal you haven't discussed before.
    • Be specific: For example, “I’ll call my friend tomorrow evening to talk for 20 minutes” or “I’ll invite my partner to go for a walk this weekend.”
  3. Set Your Intention (1-2 minutes):
    • Set a positive intention for your interaction. Think about how you want this connection to support you, both emotionally and in terms of your resilience in the law enforcement profession.
    • Ask yourself: “How can this conversation or activity deepen my understanding and strengthen the bond between us?”
  4. Take Action (Ongoing over the next week):
    • Follow through with your plan, reaching out or spending time with the person you’ve identified within the next week. Stay present and focused on the connection.
    • Reflect on how the interaction makes you feel and if it deepens the bond.

 

 

Reflection Questions:

  1. How did it feel to intentionally reach out or spend time with this person? Did you notice a difference in the quality of your interaction?
  2. Did you feel more connected to them after your conversation or activity? How did it impact your emotional well-being and your resilience as a law enforcement officer?
  3. What steps can you take to continue nurturing this relationship moving forward, and how will it contribute to your overall well-being?