It’s a personal truth: connection to others drives me. And disconnection makes me feel lonely, unmotivated–sad.

This weekend, I’m taking the time to reconnect with family and friends. Sometimes my dedication to my job–the planning, the grading, the ski club chaperoning, the letter of recommendation writing, the committee attending, the professional development thinking, the unsettled contract contemplating–just gets in the way of being in the moment with those who mean most to me.

But yesterday? I coached my youngest daughter in her first basketball game ever. I skied with the twins and had meaningful conversation up the chair lifts. I played a board game. I watched Empire Strikes Back. I ate popcorn. I had a late-night texting conversation with my Swiss exchange daughter who’s having an incredible time in Disney World. I was all in on life, on the moment. I was connecting. And when I connect, I’m most alive.

This blog helps me connect as well, so it’s now officially time to bring it back. With my quick writes, I get to connect to myself. Sure, I’m very thankful for those of you who do read these words (to be frank, I’m not sure I’d do this if you didn’t–remember, the whole connection to others thing), but it allows me to check in with who I am, who I was, and who I want to be.