Remembering and embracing the power of close connectionsEarlier this past week, a business connection of mine posted on LinkedIn soliciting thoughts about how our lives have gotten better over the past year.After some reflection, I responded that I have been surprised to find that my connections with people have grown stronger.You may recall earlier this year, before everything shut down, I used this space to talk about the subtle difference between being connected to vs. connected with people. Then we all were told to quarantine -- and the face-to-face interactions we once took for granted quickly became more scarce.But a funny thing happened along the way -- we suddenly had more time to check in with one another.And, for me, it has been interesting to see how the connections we make with with people along the way can run deeper than we expect.Over the past two weeks, I have had the opportunity to reconnect with at least 10 separate people from my past on some level and for separate reasons. Most of them have been via text, calls, inbound email or video chat. This was not due to some sort of initiative I undertook or concerted effort. It has been 100% by coincidence or organic.In each case, I was reminded how these relationships have been enduring despite the passage of time, the distance between us or changes that have gone on in our lives. It can be really cool getting on the phone with someone you haven't spoken to in over 10 years and having a conversation pick up like the last time you spoke was yesterday.It truly speaks to the power of these connections we all make along the way. We really shouldn't take them for granted. And you never know how a simple interaction can blossom into a friendship, a partnership, or a life long bond.I'm lucky, and grateful, that in a small way I get to refresh my connection with each of you that opens this email each week.Until next time, enjoy this week's article selections, everyone.XOXODave