According to research from the University of Washington, “A wealth of recent scientific literature has shown that people who lack social connection suffer impairment of numerous bodily systems, from immune to cardiovascular, and face an increased mortality risk equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes per day.”
Whether you prefer the couch or being more social, in this post-pandemic period, we can still move towards a balanced and healthy approach. Not forging relationships, smoking 15 cigarettes a day? You have my attention!
It’s so easy to take our friends and family for granted, those we see more often. The same can be said in the workplace. It’s “5:01 and Done: No One Wants to Schmooze After Work” according to a September 13th, WSJ article. How strange considering not long ago we weren’t allowed to socialize!
Let’s tip the “alone versus social” see-saw towards the middle! How?
Start with “Cead Mile Failte”, 100,000 Welcomes in Irish (Gaelic)!
At every meeting, chance or planned opportunity to greet someone, begin with a hearty, heartfelt, sincere Welcome, like the Irish. The Celts offered hospitality to strangers on the road. It was a cultural norm and continues today!
So grab these Welcome Tips and live as if you are Irish:
1. It’s a little bit of “fake it until you make it” psychology. Even if you have the “it’s Friday and you feel “beat” and can’t imagine attending a small neighborhood gathering” feeling, go anyway. Pretend otherwise. You’ll begin to feel good about showing up.
2. Start with the handshake and clear greeting! Reach out and make eye-contact. Be intentional in meeting everyone with sincerity. Offer a hug if it makes sense. Let the other person know that you’re glad to see him/her”.
3. Say “YES”. Unless you’re ill and or emotionally unwell, make a habit of saying “YES” when invited. Appreciate that someone has expressed interest in your presence! How awesome! Rarely will you regret accepting a kind invitation.
Set a “Cead Mile Failte” intention and transform your community!
Ireland is known for 100,000 Welcomes and next week I’ll experience the hospitality firsthand!
THANK YOU, #TourismIreland and #Virtuoso for inviting me to travel to Ireland on #AerLingus to convenient #ShannonAirport and visit all four regions of the Emerald Isle: The Wild Atlantic Way, Northern Ireland, The Ancient East and the Hidden Heartlands. We’ll see charming towns, ancient castles & abbeys, and stunning scenery, staying at lovely luxurious hotel properties along the way.
Check out some of the itinerary:
Galway and Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate,
Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands
Adare Manor in Limerick County,
The amazing Ashford Castle,
Dromoland Castle,
Culloden Estate & Spa
Belfast
Kildare,
Hillsborough Castle,
Dublin
and more.
Please join me along the way on Instagram @SpiritRoadTravel.
