Ep. 178: Connecting More Deeply with Gretchen Ruch

<p><strong><a href= "https://www.audible.com/pd/B095QTH4FR/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-259683&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_259683_rh_us" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HAPPY CAMPERS: 9 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults</a></strong> is now available on <strong><a href= "https://www.audible.com/pd/B095QTH4FR/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-259683&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_259683_rh_us" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Audible</a></strong>!</p> <p><strong><a href="http://sunshine-parenting.com/podcast-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Visit Sunshine Parenting for more episodes & resources.</a></strong></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><a href= "https://sunshine-parenting.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener noreferrer">Subscribe</a></strong> for resources and ideas for happier, more connected families.</span></p> <p>In Episode 178, my daughter Gretchen and I share a few tips for connecting more deeply with friends, co-workers, family, and people we just met.</p> <h3><strong>Have a bold, specific purpose for every gathering</strong></h3> <p>In Priya Parker's <em>The Art of Gathering</em> (which I recently listened to on a two-day binge), Parker talks about the importance of being really clear on why we're gathering - whether it's a work meeting, a birthday celebration, or a walk with a friend or two - and to have a specific, bold purpose for every gathering we host.</p> <p>"Celebrating a birthday" or "Having a weekly check-in meeting" are not bold purposes, but are what Parker calls "categories." She makes a compelling argument that as hosts we often spend so much time and energy on food, decor, and logistics but we neglect determining why we are gathering. And that purpose or why is what makes the event memorable.</p> <p>Here are some examples I've come up with with for events with more specific purposes:<br /> Having dinner together to celebrate the past year and share our best tip for the next one.<br /> Sharing our projects for the next week and sett