Remember how much easier it was in our youth to make new friends? We were in school or groups that put us in the position of interacting with new people all the time.

As an adult, do you ever think that you've already met all the friends you'll ever have? Sometimes grown-ups set their lives up in a way that they feel, "all set" as far as relationships and friendships. They might have a nuclear family and extended relations nearby, friends from earlier times and a comfortable group, large or small, that they interact with on some regular basis; but what about the possibility of new connections?

What would it take to open your self up enough to consider welcoming new people into your 'circle,' and then the question is why would you want to? There are so many people who may be new to the area, or just need connections in their lives, who feel alone or excluded for whatever reasons. There are people out there who might enrich your life and that of your family, who have so much to offer, but you might have ignored them because your life is just right the way it is. If your world stays as it always has been, you are missing opportunities for growth and development, pushing away experiences that could help you and those around you.

Opening up to new connections is like expanding your neural pathways, increasing your dendrites, making your world larger and filled with more possibilities. We have observed that as one ages, the world begins to shrink, so to speak, the environment and choices that feel comfortable becomes smaller and smaller. The best way to keep your mind flexible is to challenge your self as often as possible, to do those things that might feel a little uncomfortable. Get to the edge of your comfort zone, and then take one step beyond that; that's the way to grow. There are choices we make every day, look up or look down, smile and connect or stay tight in our selves; one will open your world and the other contract it. This warm weather season of spending time outdoors is the perfect time to look around and reach out to new people. There is someone out there who could add to the joy in your life, and the mutual generosities enrich both of you.

I have been blessed throughout my life with openhearted friends, making new connections wherever I have lived, but can say that in this last year that new friends have found me and have added considerably to my life. It's not always easy to let someone new into your world, but if you follow your instincts, you will recognize those kindred spirits around you.

William Arthur Ward said, "When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves."

"Friendship? Yes Please." -Charles Dickens

To a wonderful summer season and new experiences to add some sparkle!

AMY MARTIN, APRN, RHD, CH IS THE OWNER AND DIRECTOR OF CENTER OF HEALING THERAPIES, A HOLISTIC WELLNESS AND EDUCATION CENTER. CALL 860-443-0800 OR EMAIL AMY AT AMYMARTIN@TIME4HEALING.COM