What's LoveTap got to do with Tuesday? Eight ways to add more connection into your life.

What's LoveTap got to do with Tuesday? 

Eight ways to add more connection into your life.

Let me take you back to how it started.  I received a message from my friend Stephanie, saying thanks for the love tap.  A response to a message I sent her to check in, see how she was, and just connect.  

“Thanks for the love tap,”  came Stephanie’s response.

I was instantly overcome with feelings, like a tidal wave of sisterhood love.  

What’s Love got to do with it?

I have been taking on a new direction.

But I have to say

I have been thinking about my own connection(s)

And it scares me to think this way. (Yes, I imagined Tina Turner in a fringe dress and high heels, her incredible legs tapping to the beat while writing this to take my mind off of the uncomfortable, bordering on scary moments of starting a conversation).

I do not think I am alone in saying that I have had friends or those that I thought were friends that did mean girl things.  Snide remarks, friendly to my face only to talk behind my back, not supporting me, to name a few.  You know, girls that create comparisons, live for drama and give us darn good reason to be scared of opening ourselves up to connection

But then there are those people who truly show up for us in the good and the bad.  Giving us a love tap to cheer us on or strengthen us.  A love tap to let us be seen and feel a connection. 

I am not talking about wanting to have likes or loves on social media.  Reposts or reshares.  Not external validation to make us feel better but a true reflection of who they are, which in turn makes us feel better with true connection.

I had recently received the devastating and shocking news that one of my longest and best friends, Lorianne, had passed away.  I knew she was in a medical battle. I knew this was indeed a huge challenge, and even though she was private and shared only small pieces of her journey, I knew she was not well.  How did I know she was not well and worried she was seriously ill?

I hadn’t had a love tap in my last few messages.  

There was no thoughtful reply or even a heart emoji back. And that was not Lorianne’s style.  Not in her DNA.  

I did not “need” her love tap, heart emoji, or caring messages. But make no mistake, I appreciated them. And they sure weren’t scary. I adored the subtle reminder that I have people out there who are in my circle, showing up and affirming who they are.  Lorianne lived in such a way that I knew her character and sisterhood friend love because she consistently showed it.

That is true sisterhood.  A love tap.  One that you know is being shared from a place of genuine caring, a heart-centered act of connection and love.   A lovetap looks different for everyone because everyone is different.

Stephanie's response was concise, direct and profound. Stephanie’s unique DNA. Lorianne’s responses were always thoughtful, grammatically correct and kind. Lorianne’s unique DNA. What is your DNA? Embrace it. Let love win over your fear of trying something new.

Ideas for sending a Love Tap

On social media:

• Set a timer for 3 minutes, and give three heart emojis or three heartfelt comments.

• Search for a friend to see if you have missed a post, comment and love what they are sharing

For a distant friend or loved one (different than social media ideas)

• Send them a message, I was just thinking of you.  Have a happy Tuesday.

• Review their small business

• Send a favourite quote, meme or picture.

For a random stranger:

• Thank a store clerk by using their name.

• Hold a door open for someone while smiling

• Leave a positive review 

Why Tuesday? Why not? This started on a Tuesday; let’s keep it going.

I was just thinking of you. 

Love, Leanne

P.S. That is your clue to send it on.