The Power of Connection: A Journey Through Love, Travel, and Gratitude
This year, my goal is to focus on the connections I make. I intend to create strong, positive connections in business, work, and my personal life. I also want to nurture the connections I already have, taking time each day to celebrate and be grateful for them.
Our connections give life meaning. Whether in our personal relationships or professional endeavors, the quality of our connections directly influences our happiness and overall life satisfaction.
Beyond that, I truly believe we are all connected. At our core, we are one and the same. What affects one of us, affects us all. We cannot escape each other—we are intertwined in ways that we must begin to recognise. As a society, we’ve reached a pivotal moment where embracing this unity is essential for creating a better world.
“You are not a drop in the ocean, you are the ocean in a drop.” — Rumi
It feels as though we’ve reached the limits of separation. Wars, environmental destruction, and an imbalance in the use of the world’s resources have all stemmed from a mindset of competition and scarcity.
But there is enough. Enough food, money, and resources. What we lack is the understanding that what benefits one, benefits us all. We can create a world where everyone has enough—if we embrace unity, connection, and love.
Finding Connection Through Travel
These holidays have been truly inspiring and heartwarming. While I am incredibly lucky to have had these experiences, I recognise that this is not the norm for everyone. While I felt that perhaps I shouldn’t be spending all of this money of extravagant trips, I came to see that each place and experience was meant for me at this stage in my life journey. Letting go and fully embracing each moment allowed me to appreciate it even more.
For Christmas, my daughter and I traveled to Fiji for a girls-only holiday while my sons spent their first Christmas with their father’s family. It was an exciting adventure tinged with sadness, marking our first holiday as a new family unit. Honouring the feelings of loss was important, but so was embracing new memories and deciding who I wanted to be in relation to these changes.
Spending one-on-one time with my daughter was something I will always treasure. For those of you who have children living away you will know how precious these moments of physical time together become. I was able to have a similar experience with each of my sons when we took our trip to Thailand. While we didn’t get the time individually it was just as valuable and I noticed some similarities and differences in how our trip panned out. Again I was incredibly grateful throughout the trip of our chance to be together and experience these incredible places. What I discovered as we travelled is that our connection changed, it evolved into something different. Hunter, my eldest, naturally took on the role of navigator, while Reid, the youngest, became somewhat of a protector. Our dynamic shifted as we adapted to the challenges of travel.
Even more touching was watching my sons’ bond grow. Like all siblings, they have their moments of bickering, but I saw them support each other through new experiences, illness, and moments of awe. Their teamwork and resilience showed me how travel can deepen relationships in ways everyday life often does not.
One of the most profound experiences of connection we had was visiting an elephant sanctuary in Northern Thailand. Though we spent just one day with the caretakers, the intensity of the experience created a deep and immediate connection. These experiences reminded me of school camps—where facing challenges together forges bonds that feel far stronger than the actual amount of time spent together would suggest.
We Get What We Expect
This was highlighted by he stark contrast I felt when we moved from Northern Thailand to Phuket. While Phuket was stunning, I noticed a lack of interaction between people. There we were, hundreds of us on the same beach, yet it felt like we were worlds apart. In contrast, Fiji and Northern Thailand had an atmosphere of shared experience, where visitors respected and engaged with the local culture.
In the first few days this contrast weighed on me. Then, something simple but powerful happened—I reached out to a nearby couple in need, and they responded with warmth and gratitude. Later that day, a similar experience occurred, reinforcing a truth I’ve always believed: What we expect is what we receive. When I focused on disconnection, I felt it everywhere. But the moment I opened myself to connection, it found me.
Too often, we exist inside our own thoughts, hesitant to reach out. We assume others are indifferent or unapproachable when, in reality, they are simply wearing masks to protect their own insecurities. A smile, a hello, a simple acknowledgment of another person’s existence—these small gestures can bridge the invisible gaps between us. Once we can do that for each other we see that we are all in fact very much the same. We all have our insecurities, the only difference is in the mask we hide them behind.
Celebrating People
In both Fiji and Thailand, I was struck by the warmth and kindness of the locals. Yes, we negotiated prices and at times had to be firm, but these interactions were infused with good humour and mutual respect. Outside of the major cities, there was a noticeable ease—a sense of working with nature rather than against it. People moved through their days with purpose but without frantic urgency. They honoured the earth, took only what they needed, and respected the resources they relied on.
In stark contrast, the bustling cities of Phuket, Bangkok, and Nadi felt driven by tourism, consumption, and a relentless pursuit of more. The connection to culture felt diluted, and I couldn’t shake the sense that we were missing something vital. I felt like I was part of a machine that was taking all I could get from the moment, irrespective of the needs of those around.
Faith in Something Bigger
Another striking difference I noticed was the presence of faith—whether in God, Buddha, or indigenous traditions. In Fiji, I attended a Christmas Day church service. It was mostly in Fijian and I didn’t understand a lot of what was being said but the sense of faith, trust and awe was not lost on me or the other people at the service. The relaxed, happy nature of the service truly highlighted to me the connection we get from feeling part of something bigger, when we are connected by a grander cause. Similarly, wandering through the temples of Thailand, I felt a deep sense of reverence for something greater than ourselves and what we can accomplish when we work together.
I am not suggesting that we must all follow a specific religion, but I do believe that a connection to something bigger than ourselves gives life depth and meaning. In the Western world, many have moved away from faith in favour of material success, yet it often feels hollow. True connection comes not from wealth or status, but from purpose, gratitude, and love for self an each other.
Moving Forward With Connection
This summer has been extraordinary. The time spent with my children, the places I’ve seen, and the people I’ve met have all left an imprint on my heart. Each experience has taught me something about myself, and I hope to carry this sense of connection, faith, and appreciation into the new year.
I encourage you to reflect on the connections in your own life. Who do you choose to be this year? What matters most to you? What brings you joy? These are the questions that lead to a meaningful life.
If you’re looking for ways to foster deeper connections in your own life—especially in the classroom—be sure to check out The Classroom Connections Project in the shop section of this website. This resource is designed to help educators build meaningful relationships, create a sense of belonging, and support student well-being. By cultivating connection, we create learning environments where everyone feels valued and supported. If you haven’t already, connect with me on Facebook or Instagram. You’ll find the links below.
Wishing you a fabulous week ahead!
Natalie x
