{"id":324812,"date":"2025-11-30T15:13:38","date_gmt":"2025-11-30T15:13:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/the-power-of-connection-build-stronger-bonds\/"},"modified":"2025-11-30T15:13:38","modified_gmt":"2025-11-30T15:13:38","slug":"the-power-of-connection-build-stronger-bonds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=324812","title":{"rendered":"The Power of Connection: Build Stronger Bonds"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div xmlns:default=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<div class=\"yIaPa\" id=\"viewer-c7uut352\">\n<div class=\"j6j2T j72Xt\">\n<figure class=\"Berpf\" data-hook=\"figure-IMAGE\">\n<div data-hook=\"image-viewer\" class=\"-Jv3q\">\n<div style=\"--dim-height:4284;--dim-width:5712;--ricos-image-default-border-color:unset\" id=\"c7uut352\" class=\"qgjoK el5fm o2n-a\" data-hook=\"image-viewer-c7uut352\"><wow-image id=\"2b7135_e7bf5ac38a36456f84c2154582c1c913~mv2.jpg\" class=\"undefined F5cHb\" data-image-info=\"{&quot;containerId&quot;:&quot;c7uut352&quot;,&quot;alignType&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;displayMode&quot;:&quot;fill&quot;,&quot;isLQIP&quot;:true,&quot;isSEOBot&quot;:false,&quot;lqipTransition&quot;:&quot;blur&quot;,&quot;encoding&quot;:&quot;AVIF&quot;,&quot;imageData&quot;:{&quot;width&quot;:5712,&quot;height&quot;:4284,&quot;uri&quot;:&quot;2b7135_e7bf5ac38a36456f84c2154582c1c913~mv2.jpg&quot;,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;displayMode&quot;:&quot;fill&quot;}}\" data-motion-part=\"BG_IMG c7uut352\" data-bg-effect-name=\"\" data-has-ssr-src=\"https:\/\/www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com\/post\/true\" data-animate-blur=\"\" data-is-responsive=\"https:\/\/www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com\/post\/true\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Four women connected by love\" style=\"width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%;max-width:100%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com\/post\/the-power-of-connection\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/static.wixstatic.com\/media\/2b7135_e7bf5ac38a36456f84c2154582c1c913~mv2.jpg\/v1\/fill\/w_5000,h_3750,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01\/2b7135_e7bf5ac38a36456f84c2154582c1c913~mv2.jpg\" draggable=\"false\"\/><\/wow-image><\/div>\n<p><button class=\"wwXRO\" type=\"button\" data-hook=\"image-expand-button\" aria-label=\"Expand image\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 19 19\" class=\"pRguY\"><default:path d=\"M15.071 8.371V4.585l-4.355 4.356a.2.2 0 0 1-.283 0l-.374-.374a.2.2 0 0 1 0-.283l4.356-4.355h-3.786a.2.2 0 0 1-.2-.2V3.2c0-.11.09-.2.2-.2H16v5.371a.2.2 0 0 1-.2.2h-.529a.2.2 0 0 1-.2-.2zm-6.5 6.9v.529a.2.2 0 0 1-.2.2H3v-5.371c0-.11.09-.2.2-.2h.529c.11 0 .2.09.2.2v3.786l4.355-4.356a.2.2 0 0 1 .283 0l.374.374a.2.2 0 0 1 0 .283L4.585 15.07h3.786c.11 0 .2.09.2.2z\" fill=\"#000\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"\/><\/default:svg><\/button><\/div>\n<div class=\"yIaPa\" id=\"viewer-u8wc2354\">\n<p><figcaption class=\"Zuehd\" style=\"padding-top:16px;padding-bottom:16px\"><span>At the National Federation of Press Women conference in Golden, Colorado, with my three moms.                   (Marlene Cook, me, Cecilia Green (my actual mom), and Glennis McNeal.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-q5hp01436\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><span>I just attended my 16<\/span><sup><span>th<\/span><\/sup><span>\u00a0conference of the National Federation of Press Women in Golden, Colorado, and it was exactly what I needed. For those few days, I basked in the joy of camaraderie, connecting with remarkable writers and communicators with jaw-dropping achievements. This is definitely a band of inspiring overachievers who love to play as hard as they work.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-c8g1r1440\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><span>Worth more than the ticket price is how much we all value our relationships. This professional organization, founded in 1885 by the Illinois Press Women Association, focuses on personal and professional growth, defending First Amendment freedoms, and upholding our Code of Ethics. But it\u2019s the connection we make with each other that is the secret sauce.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-y3i3f1442\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><span>We come from 32 states, traveling near and far for our annual reunion, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. It\u2019s amazing how many powerfully deep, loving friendships can be built in one week, over many years. The entire conference felt like a love fest, with everyone holding each other up, celebrating successes in our annual Communications Contest, and honoring the illustrious winner of the Communicator of Achievement Award.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-p9vig1444\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><span>Being part of this organization has given me a chance to learn more about the world and go places and do things I never would have had the chance to experience. With the conference held in a different location every year and the pre- and post-tours arranged by communicators in the local affiliates, I\u2019ve been able to go behind the scenes and see places only trusted insiders could take us. It\u2019s hard to choose a favorite, but the most memorable tours for me were Alaska&#8217;s interior, a Route 66 tour of Illinois, and a Southern Writer tour of Alabama.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<div class=\"yIaPa\" id=\"viewer-q2tw727143\">\n<div class=\"rsLFN\">\n<div class=\"kwJM5 vyfao D1-h8\" data-hook=\"gallery-viewer\" role=\"none\">\n<div id=\"pro-gallery-q2tw727143-not-scoped\" class=\"pro-gallery\">\n<div data-key=\"pro-gallery-inner-container\" class=\"pro-gallery-prerender\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<p><style><![CDATA[#pro-gallery-q2tw727143-not-scoped .gallery-item-container { opacity: 0 }\n      #pro-gallery-q2tw727143-not-scoped .gallery-item-hover::before { background: transparent !important}]]><\/style>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-7a4xs27548\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><span style=\"font-size:14px\"><span>(At Mt. Denali in Alaska, on the Route 66 tour of Illinois, and in the courtroom from Monroeville, Alabama, where To Kill a Mockingbird was set.)<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-3xew447329\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><span>It&#8217;s not just the travel that has taught me more about the world. It\u2019s the incredible storytellers and professional communicators who have truly helped broaden my worldview. The conference has brilliant speakers and acclaimed writers sharing their insights and experiences, inspiring us to be better writers and communicators. But the most fascinating stories are shared between us in the bar at the day\u2019s end, with a little liquor to lubricate the truth &#8211; just a tad. It may be my favorite part of the day.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-bfmjp1448\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><span>But the most precious gem that I\u2019ve gotten from my membership is the new moms I\u2019ve gained. My own mother has been an active member of this organization longer than I have, so when I started going to conferences with her, I was already included in the club. I have strong bonds now with many beloved women in the organization, but none more so than my bonus moms.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<div class=\"yIaPa\" id=\"viewer-mfgi847490\">\n<div class=\"j6j2T\" style=\"width:min(100%, 384px)\">\n<figure class=\"Berpf\" data-hook=\"figure-IMAGE\">\n<div data-hook=\"image-viewer\" class=\"-Jv3q\">\n<div style=\"--dim-height:2448;--dim-width:3264;--ricos-image-default-border-color:unset\" id=\"mfgi847490\" class=\"qgjoK el5fm o2n-a\" data-hook=\"image-viewer-mfgi847490\"><wow-image id=\"2b7135_df585ed50b8549088141a0be62596594~mv2.jpg\" class=\"undefined F5cHb\" data-image-info=\"{&quot;containerId&quot;:&quot;mfgi847490&quot;,&quot;alignType&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;displayMode&quot;:&quot;fill&quot;,&quot;isLQIP&quot;:true,&quot;isSEOBot&quot;:false,&quot;lqipTransition&quot;:&quot;blur&quot;,&quot;encoding&quot;:&quot;AVIF&quot;,&quot;imageData&quot;:{&quot;width&quot;:3264,&quot;height&quot;:2448,&quot;uri&quot;:&quot;2b7135_df585ed50b8549088141a0be62596594~mv2.jpg&quot;,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;displayMode&quot;:&quot;fill&quot;}}\" data-motion-part=\"BG_IMG mfgi847490\" data-bg-effect-name=\"\" data-has-ssr-src=\"https:\/\/www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com\/post\/true\" data-animate-blur=\"\" data-is-responsive=\"https:\/\/www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com\/post\/true\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Jill and Marlene&#10;\" style=\"width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%;max-width:100%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com\/post\/the-power-of-connection\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/static.wixstatic.com\/media\/2b7135_df585ed50b8549088141a0be62596594~mv2.jpg\/v1\/fill\/w_3264,h_2448,al_c,q_90\/2b7135_df585ed50b8549088141a0be62596594~mv2.jpg\" draggable=\"false\"\/><\/wow-image><\/div>\n<p><button class=\"wwXRO\" type=\"button\" data-hook=\"image-expand-button\" aria-label=\"Expand image\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 19 19\" class=\"pRguY\"><default:path d=\"M15.071 8.371V4.585l-4.355 4.356a.2.2 0 0 1-.283 0l-.374-.374a.2.2 0 0 1 0-.283l4.356-4.355h-3.786a.2.2 0 0 1-.2-.2V3.2c0-.11.09-.2.2-.2H16v5.371a.2.2 0 0 1-.2.2h-.529a.2.2 0 0 1-.2-.2zm-6.5 6.9v.529a.2.2 0 0 1-.2.2H3v-5.371c0-.11.09-.2.2-.2h.529c.11 0 .2.09.2.2v3.786l4.355-4.356a.2.2 0 0 1 .283 0l.374.374a.2.2 0 0 1 0 .283L4.585 15.07h3.786c.11 0 .2.09.2.2z\" fill=\"#000\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"\/><\/default:svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-1vb6247638\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><span>Two women, Marlene Cook from Illinois and Glennis McNeal from Oregon, started calling me their daughter, and who am I to argue? Their support and mentorship mean the world to me. Our connection runs so deep it transcends the miles and time that keep us apart. They\u2019re both wickedly funny and serenely wise, and didn\u2019t have to endure my rebellious teen years like my own mom did, as she likes to remind them. Just thinking of them makes my heart swell with love, as gushy as that sounds.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-kxk5f1456\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><span>I know I\u2019m fortunate to have these connections. Not everyone does. These days, Americans participate less in organized activities, join fewer community groups, and have smaller social networks with fewer friends. Socially, we haven\u2019t fully recovered since COVID, and political divides and general angst aren\u2019t helping. We spend less time with friends, neighbors, and family, and this separation comes at a price. It\u2019s no wonder people are losing touch with empathy.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-w8z3w1458\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><span>There is no substitute for a human-to-human experience. While I\u2019m glad social media exists to keep us better connected, we should think of these online interactions as we did letters in the olden days, before the internet. These digital relationships keep us informed and allow us to share pictures, like the old Round Robin packages of letters we used to add to and send to the next family on the list, so they could see what everyone had been up to \u2014 except faster.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-riwc91460\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><span>Being together in person is important because:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-anmw424984\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><strong style=\"font-weight:700\"><span>We are wired to connect.<\/span><\/strong><span>\u00a0Outside of physical and safety needs like food and shelter, love and belonging are one of our most crucial needs. These feelings have a huge impact on our overall health and quality of life.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-pp76124921\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><strong style=\"font-weight:700\"><span>We communicate better when we\u2019re together.<\/span><\/strong><span>\u00a0Since 55% of communication is body language and just 7% is words, we often miss key signals when we\u2019re not face-to-face. Besides, when we\u2019re together, we\u2019re less distracted and can focus more attention on all the cues of communication.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-0mgu825053\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><strong style=\"font-weight:700\"><span>Face-to-face connections are better for well-being.<\/span><\/strong><span>\u00a0We found out during COVID that loneliness is one of the side effects of isolation. Starving for the crucial need for socialization is when depression and anxiety ramp up, no matter how introverted you are.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-t72od25120\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><strong style=\"font-weight:700\"><span>It lets us build more authentic relationships.<\/span><\/strong><span>\u00a0Serendipitous conversations \u2014 bumping into someone in line \u2014 have sparked friendships and love affairs. Screens mute our connections.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-mnikf25187\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><strong style=\"font-weight:700\"><span>It strengthens our bonds.<\/span><\/strong><span>\u00a0Science shows that our attraction and bonding in real life are shaped by a rich mix of energy, body chemistry, and scent, all working together in subtle but powerful ways. It\u2019s the irrational side of attraction that pulls us together like magnets, something that simply can\u2019t be experienced over a video call.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-arg1725254\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><strong style=\"font-weight:700\"><span>Healing doesn\u2019t happen in isolation.<\/span><\/strong><span>\u00a0We might do a lot of growing on our own, but true healing requires witnesses\u2014people who see, hear, and hold space for our truth. It\u2019s through shared laughter, tears, and stories that our wounds begin to heal. Connection isn\u2019t merely comforting; it\u2019s vital. Our nervous systems, hearts, and spirits all benefit from the gentle presence of others, which helps turn pain into resilience and isolation into a sense of belonging.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-ths8l25321\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><strong style=\"font-weight:700\"><span>We are more powerful together.<\/span><\/strong><span>\u00a0When it comes to doing heavy lifting, a group can get more done than one person can on their own. We keep each other inspired and moving forward. Not only does it make tasks go easier, but the camaraderie, support, and celebration add richness to life, like my membership in the National Federation of Press Women does for me.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-fo04p25388\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><span>Making connections isn\u2019t difficult, but it does take a bit of effort. In my upcoming book with illustrator Toni Federico, <\/span><em style=\"font-style:italic\"><span>Unstoppable: A Guide to Reclaiming Power and Creating Your Own Path, <\/span><\/em><span>there\u2019s a whole chapter of experiments to engage with the world around you and cultivate deeper relationships.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<div class=\"yIaPa\" id=\"viewer-j2gno54162\">\n<div class=\"j6j2T\" style=\"width:min(100%, 626px)\">\n<figure class=\"Berpf\" data-hook=\"figure-IMAGE\">\n<div data-hook=\"image-viewer\" class=\"-Jv3q\">\n<div style=\"--dim-height:2479;--dim-width:3196;--ricos-image-default-border-color:unset\" id=\"j2gno54162\" class=\"qgjoK el5fm o2n-a\" data-hook=\"image-viewer-j2gno54162\"><wow-image id=\"2b7135_6dd923080e9a4428b243868c7d97697d~mv2.jpg\" class=\"undefined F5cHb\" data-image-info=\"{&quot;containerId&quot;:&quot;j2gno54162&quot;,&quot;alignType&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;displayMode&quot;:&quot;fill&quot;,&quot;isLQIP&quot;:true,&quot;isSEOBot&quot;:false,&quot;lqipTransition&quot;:&quot;blur&quot;,&quot;encoding&quot;:&quot;AVIF&quot;,&quot;imageData&quot;:{&quot;width&quot;:3196,&quot;height&quot;:2479,&quot;uri&quot;:&quot;2b7135_6dd923080e9a4428b243868c7d97697d~mv2.jpg&quot;,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;displayMode&quot;:&quot;fill&quot;}}\" data-motion-part=\"BG_IMG j2gno54162\" data-bg-effect-name=\"\" data-has-ssr-src=\"https:\/\/www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com\/post\/true\" data-animate-blur=\"\" data-is-responsive=\"https:\/\/www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com\/post\/true\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Cover for Unstoppable book\" style=\"width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%;max-width:100%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com\/post\/the-power-of-connection\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/static.wixstatic.com\/media\/2b7135_6dd923080e9a4428b243868c7d97697d~mv2.jpg\/v1\/fill\/w_3196,h_2479,al_c,q_90\/2b7135_6dd923080e9a4428b243868c7d97697d~mv2.jpg\" draggable=\"false\"\/><\/wow-image><\/div>\n<p><button class=\"wwXRO\" type=\"button\" data-hook=\"image-expand-button\" aria-label=\"Expand image\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 19 19\" class=\"pRguY\"><default:path d=\"M15.071 8.371V4.585l-4.355 4.356a.2.2 0 0 1-.283 0l-.374-.374a.2.2 0 0 1 0-.283l4.356-4.355h-3.786a.2.2 0 0 1-.2-.2V3.2c0-.11.09-.2.2-.2H16v5.371a.2.2 0 0 1-.2.2h-.529a.2.2 0 0 1-.2-.2zm-6.5 6.9v.529a.2.2 0 0 1-.2.2H3v-5.371c0-.11.09-.2.2-.2h.529c.11 0 .2.09.2.2v3.786l4.355-4.356a.2.2 0 0 1 .283 0l.374.374a.2.2 0 0 1 0 .283L4.585 15.07h3.786c.11 0 .2.09.2.2z\" fill=\"#000\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"\/><\/default:svg><\/button><\/div>\n<div class=\"yIaPa\" id=\"viewer-2x6xp54197\">\n<p><figcaption class=\"Zuehd\" style=\"padding-top:16px;padding-bottom:16px\"><span>The cover of our new book!<\/span><\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-3z5qg25456\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><span>Here are a few ideas to get you started:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-gs2dm25522\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><strong style=\"font-weight:700\"><span>Walk around your neighborhood.<\/span><\/strong><span>\u00a0My dog Jack and I meet our neighbors on walks all the time. Usually, it\u2019s a simple wave, but sometimes it\u2019s conversations about gardening and life.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-mv8ni25589\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><strong style=\"font-weight:700\"><span>Give a stranger a genuine, heartfelt compliment.<\/span><\/strong><span>\u00a0It\u2019s incredible how it can make both of you feel, and these interactions can develop into real friendships if you meet the same stranger again.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-121ff25656\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><strong style=\"font-weight:700\"><span>Meet an online friend in real life.<\/span><\/strong><span>\u00a0Schedule a coffee date, a walk in the park, or a trip to the library with a friend you talk to online but have never met in person. Back in the early days of Twitter, my friend Cindy Kelly used to organize \u201cTweet-Ups\u201d where a bunch of us would meet IRL. I still have friends from those days, including Cindy.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-78ouc25723\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><strong style=\"font-weight:700\"><span>Come to a public event.<\/span><\/strong><span>\u00a0Attend a Finishing School class, a Badass Women of Wichita Alliance event, an art opening, an author talk, or any event that gets you out of the house and around other people. You don\u2019t even have to talk to anyone. Just be in the room and see what happens.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-lmgt025790\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><span>Whatever you choose to do, choose to do something to strengthen your connections. Whether you do something as immersive as attending a conference or as simple as taking a stroll around the block, creating social connections will enrich your life in powerful ways. Besides, I always love seeing you!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<div class=\"yIaPa\" id=\"viewer-9e0ge49618\">\n<div class=\"j6j2T _46-i0\">\n<figure class=\"Berpf\" data-hook=\"figure-IMAGE\">\n<div data-hook=\"image-viewer\" class=\"-Jv3q\">\n<div style=\"--dim-height:4032;--dim-width:3024;--ricos-image-default-border-color:unset\" id=\"9e0ge49618\" class=\"qgjoK el5fm o2n-a\" data-hook=\"image-viewer-9e0ge49618\"><wow-image id=\"2b7135_ec157d3c2c444df6a1ab188bcfb353a8~mv2.jpg\" class=\"undefined F5cHb\" data-image-info=\"{&quot;containerId&quot;:&quot;9e0ge49618&quot;,&quot;alignType&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;displayMode&quot;:&quot;fill&quot;,&quot;isLQIP&quot;:true,&quot;isSEOBot&quot;:false,&quot;lqipTransition&quot;:&quot;blur&quot;,&quot;encoding&quot;:&quot;AVIF&quot;,&quot;imageData&quot;:{&quot;width&quot;:3024,&quot;height&quot;:4032,&quot;uri&quot;:&quot;2b7135_ec157d3c2c444df6a1ab188bcfb353a8~mv2.jpg&quot;,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;displayMode&quot;:&quot;fill&quot;}}\" data-motion-part=\"BG_IMG 9e0ge49618\" data-bg-effect-name=\"\" data-has-ssr-src=\"https:\/\/www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com\/post\/true\" data-animate-blur=\"\" data-is-responsive=\"https:\/\/www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com\/post\/true\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Poodle looking at a broken owl figurine in the street\" style=\"width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%;max-width:100%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com\/post\/the-power-of-connection\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/static.wixstatic.com\/media\/2b7135_ec157d3c2c444df6a1ab188bcfb353a8~mv2.jpg\/v1\/fill\/w_3024,h_4032,al_c,q_90\/2b7135_ec157d3c2c444df6a1ab188bcfb353a8~mv2.jpg\" draggable=\"false\"\/><\/wow-image><\/div>\n<p><button class=\"wwXRO\" type=\"button\" data-hook=\"image-expand-button\" aria-label=\"Expand image\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 19 19\" class=\"pRguY\"><default:path d=\"M15.071 8.371V4.585l-4.355 4.356a.2.2 0 0 1-.283 0l-.374-.374a.2.2 0 0 1 0-.283l4.356-4.355h-3.786a.2.2 0 0 1-.2-.2V3.2c0-.11.09-.2.2-.2H16v5.371a.2.2 0 0 1-.2.2h-.529a.2.2 0 0 1-.2-.2zm-6.5 6.9v.529a.2.2 0 0 1-.2.2H3v-5.371c0-.11.09-.2.2-.2h.529c.11 0 .2.09.2.2v3.786l4.355-4.356a.2.2 0 0 1 .283 0l.374.374a.2.2 0 0 1 0 .283L4.585 15.07h3.786c.11 0 .2.09.2.2z\" fill=\"#000\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"\/><\/default:svg><\/button><\/div>\n<div class=\"yIaPa\" id=\"viewer-qk4cv49665\">\n<p><figcaption class=\"Zuehd\" style=\"padding-top:16px;padding-bottom:16px\"><span>Jack and I found an owl while we were walking the neighborhood.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<div class=\"yIaPa\" id=\"viewer-ma6bp98317\">\n<div class=\"j6j2T\" style=\"width:min(100%, 470px)\">\n<figure class=\"Berpf\" data-hook=\"figure-IMAGE\">\n<div data-hook=\"image-viewer\" class=\"-Jv3q\">\n<div style=\"--dim-height:1222;--dim-width:1696;--ricos-image-default-border-color:unset\" id=\"ma6bp98317\" class=\"qgjoK el5fm o2n-a\" data-hook=\"image-viewer-ma6bp98317\"><wow-image id=\"2b7135_55cd46d6a96f467896454cd91eff7dad~mv2.jpg\" class=\"undefined F5cHb\" data-image-info=\"{&quot;containerId&quot;:&quot;ma6bp98317&quot;,&quot;alignType&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;displayMode&quot;:&quot;fill&quot;,&quot;isLQIP&quot;:true,&quot;isSEOBot&quot;:false,&quot;lqipTransition&quot;:&quot;blur&quot;,&quot;encoding&quot;:&quot;AVIF&quot;,&quot;imageData&quot;:{&quot;width&quot;:1696,&quot;height&quot;:1222,&quot;uri&quot;:&quot;2b7135_55cd46d6a96f467896454cd91eff7dad~mv2.jpg&quot;,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;displayMode&quot;:&quot;fill&quot;}}\" data-motion-part=\"BG_IMG ma6bp98317\" data-bg-effect-name=\"\" data-has-ssr-src=\"https:\/\/www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com\/post\/true\" data-animate-blur=\"\" data-is-responsive=\"https:\/\/www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com\/post\/true\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Never Finished book logo&#10;\" style=\"width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%;max-width:100%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com\/post\/the-power-of-connection\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/static.wixstatic.com\/media\/2b7135_55cd46d6a96f467896454cd91eff7dad~mv2.jpg\/v1\/fill\/w_1696,h_1222,al_c,q_90\/2b7135_55cd46d6a96f467896454cd91eff7dad~mv2.jpg\" draggable=\"false\"\/><\/wow-image><\/div>\n<p><button class=\"wwXRO\" type=\"button\" data-hook=\"image-expand-button\" aria-label=\"Expand image\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 19 19\" class=\"pRguY\"><default:path d=\"M15.071 8.371V4.585l-4.355 4.356a.2.2 0 0 1-.283 0l-.374-.374a.2.2 0 0 1 0-.283l4.356-4.355h-3.786a.2.2 0 0 1-.2-.2V3.2c0-.11.09-.2.2-.2H16v5.371a.2.2 0 0 1-.2.2h-.529a.2.2 0 0 1-.2-.2zm-6.5 6.9v.529a.2.2 0 0 1-.2.2H3v-5.371c0-.11.09-.2.2-.2h.529c.11 0 .2.09.2.2v3.786l4.355-4.356a.2.2 0 0 1 .283 0l.374.374a.2.2 0 0 1 0 .283L4.585 15.07h3.786c.11 0 .2.09.2.2z\" fill=\"#000\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"\/><\/default:svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<div class=\"yIaPa\" id=\"viewer-77io3101073\">\n<div class=\"j6j2T\" style=\"width:min(100%, 524px)\">\n<figure class=\"Berpf\" data-hook=\"figure-IMAGE\">\n<div data-hook=\"image-viewer\" class=\"-Jv3q\">\n<div style=\"--dim-height:293;--dim-width:743;--ricos-image-default-border-color:unset\" id=\"77io3101073\" class=\"qgjoK el5fm o2n-a\" data-hook=\"image-viewer-77io3101073\"><wow-image id=\"2b7135_9367069810a64aa781c147414648143e.png\" class=\"undefined F5cHb\" data-image-info=\"{&quot;containerId&quot;:&quot;77io3101073&quot;,&quot;alignType&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;displayMode&quot;:&quot;fill&quot;,&quot;isLQIP&quot;:true,&quot;isSEOBot&quot;:false,&quot;lqipTransition&quot;:&quot;blur&quot;,&quot;encoding&quot;:&quot;AVIF&quot;,&quot;imageData&quot;:{&quot;width&quot;:743,&quot;height&quot;:293,&quot;uri&quot;:&quot;2b7135_9367069810a64aa781c147414648143e.png&quot;,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;displayMode&quot;:&quot;fill&quot;}}\" data-motion-part=\"BG_IMG 77io3101073\" data-bg-effect-name=\"\" data-has-ssr-src=\"https:\/\/www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com\/post\/true\" data-animate-blur=\"\" data-is-responsive=\"https:\/\/www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com\/post\/true\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Finishing School Logo\" style=\"width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%;max-width:100%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com\/post\/the-power-of-connection\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/static.wixstatic.com\/media\/2b7135_9367069810a64aa781c147414648143e.png\/v1\/fill\/w_892,h_352,al_c,lg_1,q_85\/2b7135_9367069810a64aa781c147414648143e.png\" draggable=\"false\"\/><\/wow-image><\/div>\n<p><button class=\"wwXRO\" type=\"button\" data-hook=\"image-expand-button\" aria-label=\"Expand image\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 19 19\" class=\"pRguY\"><default:path d=\"M15.071 8.371V4.585l-4.355 4.356a.2.2 0 0 1-.283 0l-.374-.374a.2.2 0 0 1 0-.283l4.356-4.355h-3.786a.2.2 0 0 1-.2-.2V3.2c0-.11.09-.2.2-.2H16v5.371a.2.2 0 0 1-.2.2h-.529a.2.2 0 0 1-.2-.2zm-6.5 6.9v.529a.2.2 0 0 1-.2.2H3v-5.371c0-.11.09-.2.2-.2h.529c.11 0 .2.09.2.2v3.786l4.355-4.356a.2.2 0 0 1 .283 0l.374.374a.2.2 0 0 1 0 .283L4.585 15.07h3.786c.11 0 .2.09.2.2z\" fill=\"#000\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"\/><\/default:svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-jp07n101031\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><strong style=\"font-weight:700\"><span style=\"color:rgb(211, 35, 0);background-color:transparent;text-decoration:inherit\"><span>Because We\u2019re Never Finished<\/span><\/span><\/strong><span style=\"color:rgb(211, 35, 0);background-color:transparent;text-decoration:inherit\"><span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-viewer-viewer-8mt7a\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><span style=\"color:rgb(96, 96, 96);background-color:transparent;text-decoration:inherit\"><span>The Finishing School for Modern Women, located in Wichita, Kansas, offers classes to help women find their authentic selves, not because we need finishing, but because we\u2019re never finished. We bring together women of all ages to learn from experts and each other how to claim our power in business, finance, communication, and life.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-breakout=\"normal\">\n<p class=\"IFLJx f1-1G KVAVd sDlj2\" dir=\"auto\" id=\"viewer-viewer-viewer-8371i\"><span class=\"GnvzP\"><strong style=\"font-weight:700\"><span style=\"color:rgb(211, 35, 0);background-color:transparent;text-decoration:inherit\"><span>To learn more about what we do:<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>At the National Federation of Press Women conference in Golden, Colorado, with my three moms. (Marlene Cook, me, Cecilia Green (my actual mom), and Glennis McNeal. I just attended my 16th\u00a0conference of the National Federation of Press Women in Golden, Colorado, and it was exactly what I needed. For those few days, I basked in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":324813,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[102975,151863,151864],"tags":[11221,5293,11447,1783,12758],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-324812","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-empowerment","category-making-friends","category-sisters","tag-bonds","tag-build","tag-connection","tag-power","tag-stronger"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Power of Connection: Build Stronger Bonds - Som2ny Network<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=324812\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Power of Connection: Build Stronger Bonds - Som2ny Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"At the National Federation of Press Women conference in Golden, Colorado, with my three moms. 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