From the Editor
As I look back at the last several decades of my life, I recall the invisible checklist I had in my mind that I just knew would equate to happiness. I truly believed that my happiness could only be found in checking off enough of these imaginary boxes.
After college, diving headfirst into the real world, the checklist included my career, my marriage, the house I’d buy, and how many children I’d have. In my 30s, the list evolved to include an even bigger house, a dog, a new car, the latest gadget, and so on.
By the time I reached my 50s, I had a lot of boxes checked. I’m very thankful for my home, my husband, our business, and our beautiful children. Looking back though, I can see that this checklist was nothing more than a ridiculous pressure I put on myself and those around me.
What mattered more than anything was the relationships. It was never the house, car, or latest fashion. The best moments were centered around the people I loved and connected with.
What makes a good life?
“The Good Life” by Robert Waldinger, MD, and Marc Schultz, Ph.D., tells the story of a Harvard study of thousands of lives over eight decades and three generations. Beginning in 1938, the study has tracked individuals and their families, asking thousands of questions and taking hundreds of measurements from brain scans to blood work with the goal of discovering what really makes people happy.
Through all the years of studying these personal stories, strong relationships stand out for their impact on physical health, mental health, and longevity. Waldinger and Schulz boil it down to one simple thought:
“Good relationships keep us happier and healthier.”
As it turns out, happiness does not correlate with income, status, power, or conformity. Rather, happiness is dependent on social connections and the quality of relationships.
It’s no wonder so many struggled during the pandemic with mental health. Forced isolation, remote work, and school with a lack of face-to-face interactions are the exact opposite of what humans need to thrive.
I am so thankful to be engaging in social activities once more, both personally and professionally. Sometimes I run into someone that I feel like I know well online but have not yet met in person. Putting a face and a personality to a profile picture or email persona means so much. It makes relationships more meaningful and lasting.
We have heard A LOT about AI (artificial intelligence) recently. Where does this fit into our lives?
AI may be able to make our lives easier, completing mundane tasks and complementing the creative process, but AI can only take us so far. The human connection is the piece of the puzzle that is irreplaceable and makes all the difference.
At Shore Local, we thrive on the relationships, connections, the “humanness” that keep us inextricably connected. Whether it is attending a school event for a very special boy (page 13), meeting with students who won national recognition (page 24), sitting down with new businesses owners ( The Paint Place, page 18), or catching up with legendary business owners (Gregory’s, page 54), AI can NEVER replace that.
The connections and relationships that we have made at Shore Local are at the core of what we do and who we are. We are committed to maintaining that no matter how much new technology is thrown our way.
This week I challenge you and myself to create new connections and strengthen existing relationships. At the end of the day, those we love and interact with are always what matters most.
Peace & Love,
Cindy
