Rambling on about relationships and connections in the world…

Relationships remain a cornerstone of human happiness. Finding positivity in life often means actively seeking out those moments of connection that bring joy and meaning. In today’s fast-paced world, building and maintaining relationships can often feel overwhelming. The constant hum of society—its expectations, its judgments, and its endless chatter—can make connecting with others seem more like an obligation than a source of joy. This reflection explores how to find the positive in life through relationships, even when “peopling” feels like a chore and the noise around us is deafening.

I have not been immune to the struggle to find positivity among my relationships. I admit that even my familial relationships have been strained in the last few years. I am blessed to have family living with me and next door. Still, I spend most of my time alone. I have some work family that gives me positive vibes, an ole’ woman friend that shares with me wisdom, jokes, and truths, along with support for the bad and sad days and things. My Kid sister and I are each other’s “person.” I miss too many that were positive in my life at this age… Sadly. But I try to be the good, the positive, as best I can at work and just in the walk of life. You would be surprised at the positive things you can find in strangers.

Many individuals find themselves exhausted by social interactions, particularly when the demands of daily life pile up. The term “peopling” has come to represent the effort required to engage with others, navigate complicated social dynamics, and maintain meaningful connections. For some, this effort becomes draining, making it difficult to appreciate the good that relationships can bring.

Society today is louder than ever—not just in terms of literal noise, but also in the form of social media, news outlets, and public discourse. This constant bombardment can stifle the quieter moments of genuine connection. It can be easy to feel lost in the crowd or to withdraw into oneself as a way of coping with the overwhelming volume of opinions and expectations. I have found that finding genuine connections has led me to see the value of quality over quantity of relationships I have. I have learned that boundaries are necessary and help to create a buffer for the negative. Also, I have learned that taking a break from the news, social media, and other sources that stress me is vital to maintain the positive.

The noise of society can make relationships feel like a burden, but by intentionally seeking positivity and focusing on meaningful connections, I am trying to rediscover the joy of being among others. It takes effort to filter out the distractions and pressures, but the rewards—companionship, understanding, and shared happiness—are worth it. In the end, finding the positive in life among people is not about escaping the noise, but about choosing where to listen and who to connect with. You Must Pick Your People…