Connect: 12 Vital Ties That Open Your Heart, Lengthen Your Life, and Deepen Your Soul

by Edward M. Hallowell

That last raise may be fattening your bank account, but it did nothing for your soul. The talk you had with your boss about your kids' schools, however, did. Although our culture is focused on achievement, it is not our accomplishments that sustain us. It is the connections we make along the way.
What are these connections? They are the feelings of being part of something that matters, something larger than ourselves, whether it is a friendship, marriage, team, company, or even a set of ideals. They can enrich your life, and their absence can shorten it. They are the key to what counts in life, and they are becoming harder and harder to make.
Now a noted psychiatrist outlines the steps we can take to make or reaffirm the connections that nourish the hungry heart. Through his own life experiences and those who have shared their stories with him, we learn of the great joy and peace that come from connecting, and the consequences of remaining detached. And we learn how to nurture that part of us which is so often neglected, and so very crucial to our emotional, psychological, and physical well-being -- our connections.

Genres: Psychology, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Self Help

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Edward (Ned) Hallowell, M.D., is a child and adult psychiatrist, a NY Times bestselling author, a world-renowned speaker and a leading authority in the field of ADHD. He has authored twenty books including the 1994 ground-breaking New York Times best-seller on ADHD, Driven to Distraction. In aggregate, Dr. Hallowell's books have sold more than 2 million copies on various psychological topics including how to: raise children into happy adults, manage worry, develop focus, forgiveness, connecting on a deeper level and how to inspire the best from employees. His most recent book was his Memoir, Because I Come From A Crazy Family The Making Of A Psychiatrist. His next book, ADHD 2.0 releases on January 12, 2021. Pre-order your copy today.

He is the host of “Distraction,” a weekly podcast that offers insights, strategies and tactics for coping and thriving in this crazy-busy, 24/7 over-connected modern world.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so great. I loved the suggestions in the book. I read it during a time that I was not real close with people. This helped me to realize that I need to have connections. I've been trying to apply as much as I can his suggestions. It's a great book.

[Chu Qiao · Rating 4 out of 5]

It lists areas you should consider on developing or strengthening connections. I never realize I have missed so many connections: connection to my relatives, to my friends, communities and organizations. I did feel they were just burdens.

The book shifts my perspectives on these topics. I realize that life is not being a super star but a hero surviving from trials and tribulations.

We are happy because of both emotional connections first and tangible successes next. That's why we are always asked by the question: what matters when you are on the dead bed? Yes, your family, friends, and communities. Did I live and love? .

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle does sum it up. Connect talks about human moments (being in the same physical space and paying attention to one another), how frequency of visiting friends and attending meetings of organizations is important to one's well-being, and some more specific things about nurturing these vital ties: family of origin, immediate family, work/activities, beauty, history, nature/special places, animals, ideas, organizations, spirituality, and self. One could find fulfillment from any of these areas, not necessarily all, but any that one deems important.

[Karen Leonard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read only certain chapters that appealed to me when I was staying at someone's house who owned this book. While I appreciate/agree with the premise of the book (i.e. connection is very important in life and it takes work), I didn't really learn anything new. Some chapters (like, the one being a parent to children, or on education) were just the author telling his story, and not really anything useful/helpful for the audience.

[Lain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am big on connecting for survival in our "crazy-busy" life. Hallowell gives reasons why to connect and how to connect in different ways for different purposes.

[esther]

felt drawn to this book, in a weird way, probably about time to read it. really "connecting" to the intro...

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this hopeful book, but it made me lonely for the kind of connected lives (especially his life) that are described...

[Ylva]

recommended by lecturer

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's more of a skim than a real read, but it reminds us all of what is really important.