Through a connection lens

It's National Good Neighbor Day today, September 28, and a great reminder to reach out to our neighbors. Studies show that having good relationships with those around us can boost our happiness, and that includes our neighbors! And it doesn't matter how long you have lived in the neighborhood as you will read below. Don't let time stop you from making a new connection. Back in 2011, when we were planning our move from Arizona to Orange County, I pictured sharing margaritas wi

I've watched the show Nashville (streaming on Netflix) all the way through more times than I can count — at least three full season rewatches over the years. It always felt so comforting to me. The friendship, music, creativity and yes, even the drama. It made me feel I wasn't alone in dealing with relationship challenges at times. But I've been thinking about it differently this week, since the show lost one of its own. Hayden Panettiere, who played Juliette Barnes across al

By applying James Clear's Atomic Habits principles to social connection, you can make small, sustainable changes that add up to a healthier, more joy-packed life. Many of us are still carrying the lingering effects of years of disconnection. First from the pandemic, and now from a world where screens and notifications compete for every spare minute. We know human connection matters. It's just hard to prioritize amid busy lives. Enter Atomic Habits — James Clear's transformati

It’s hard to believe that Apple is turning 50 this month. Looking back, what stands out most to me isn’t just the technology—it’s the feeling that from the very beginning, Apple was never just a company. It felt like a tribe. A gathering of creatives, tinkerers, and misfits who recognized each other by curiosity more than credentials. Wozniak and Jobs in the early years I grew up just a few streets away from where it all began in Los Altos, where Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak,

As we get older, making new friends and forming meaningful connections can feel more challenging. But if there’s one thing the Golden Bachelor series can teach us, it's that social connections are not bound by age. This reality show, which centers on seniors seeking love and companionship, offers valuable insights on how we can cultivate both new friendships and lasting relationships in our later years. I remember listening to a podcast with author Mel Robbins, where she disc

This year marks the movie Bridesmaids 15th anniversary since its original release. I will never forget watching it with my best friend from Arizona on opening day in May 2011, just a week before I was about to move back to California. I was feeling sad about leaving her behind, and the movie served as a much-needed distraction. We both thought it was hilarious, but as you’ll read, it also offered some tender moments that impart a lesson about the power of kindness and human c

If you're a fan like I am, it's astonishing to realize that the movie Shawshank Redemption debuted over 30 years ago in 1994. While many view it as a somber prison film, I believe the contrary. For me, the film demonstrates that kindness and friendship can flourish even in the bleakest environments. Every time I see Shawshank Redemption pop up on television, I’m reminded of why it’s remained a classic and a beloved favorite for so many. Who would have thought a movie written

It's been six years since Kobe Bryant's untimely passing but his lessons and legacy lives on for all of us. For example, his Mamba Mentality, which he described as “just trying to get better every day”and putting in the work to achieve greatness. But it didn't just apply to basketball. It was also an effective approach to bettering our relationships. Read on for six lessons Bryant can teach us about prioritizing people in our lives. I will never forget the call I got from m

For decades, Ina Garten has taught us how to cook. But perhaps even more importantly, she has shown us the powerful role food plays in connecting with others. With her newest book, Simply Ina, coming out in the fall 2026, she will be sharing how to become a better and more relaxed hostess so you can spend more quality time with your guests. Last year I read Ina's latest book, a memoir entitled Be Ready When the Luck Happens, and it was a truly heartwarming read. Garten, the b