When listening to friends and family I realized that many of us are missing out on some of our most basic wants and needs. I started thinking about what we, as people, need to feel positive.

Personally, I have a really have a hard time placing my needs before others. I forget to figure out what I need and worry about fulfilling what others need.

I thought about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, of course that is the most popular, especially in psychology. In the basics we need physical well-being, such as being able to breathe, sleep, and eat. We also need shelter and a feeling of safety.

Of course these basic physical and safety needs have to be fulfilled before we can focus on deeper emotions and building self-esteem. Lets look at the need for connection today.

Not every person we meet will help you with these needs and that is vital to remember. The most important people in our lives need to contribute to your needs.

In a world where technology has brought people together yet made them feel less connected we can find it a strange world to navigate. We can play games with our friend in Japan but at the same time we sit at a table with friends and family and find ourselves distracted by our own phones. The key here is to find moderation. Find ways to limit technology. When out with people try to connect with them without a cell phone.

Humans have a need for connection. We need to feel loved and accepted. Positive people in your life will help you feel this connection. They will contribute warmth, love, and belonging. Those who add to the feeling of connection will help you gain self-respect. We all want to be seen for who we really are inside, this means finding people we can trust and ones who are positive influences in our lives.

What about your needs? What makes you feel appreciated, supported, and like you belong? Is feeling a connection important to you? I would love to hear from you on what needs you would like to have filled to feel connected. Please post in the comments below on your thoughts.