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MAKING MY PEACE … with connecting the dots and reaching for the stars

Thoughtful connections in life ...

MARTINA NICOLLS

Dec 20

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In life, we often find ourselves at crossroads, faced with choices that may seem disconnected or uncertain. The beauty of these moments lies in the possibility of creating new pathways through which we can discover meaning and purpose. Just as an artist connects brushstrokes to form a masterpiece, or a scientist connects data points to unravel the mysteries of the universe, we, too, have the power to connect the dots of our lives – and in doing so, reach for the stars.

Thoughtful Connections

"Connecting the dots" is a phrase often used to describe how we make sense of seemingly unrelated events, ideas, or experiences in our lives. In many ways, it’s about seeing the bigger picture – the way the different pieces of our journey form a cohesive whole. At first glance, the events in our lives may appear to be random, disparate moments: a fleeting conversation, a chance meeting, an unexpected setback. But when we step back and reflect, we begin to see how these dots connect to create a narrative that is uniquely our own.

Steve Jobs, co-founder of the tech company Apple Inc., spoke about the importance of "connecting the dots" in his 2005 Stanford commencement address, where he explained that it is only in hindsight that we truly see how past experiences led us to where we are. He said, “you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So, you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.” He described how dropping out of college and studying calligraphy influenced his design decisions leading to the creation of fonts that would be unique to Apple. Looking back, the connections were clear to Steve Jobs.

In our own lives, thoughtful connections emerge when we reflect on the seemingly minor events and experiences that have shaped us. By making these connections, we gain deeper insight into our path and purpose.

Reaching for the Stars: A Metaphor for Ambition and Potential

"Reaching for the stars" is another powerful metaphor that evokes the idea of striving toward something grand and meaningful, often beyond what seems immediately achievable. It is a reminder that our goals, however distant, are within our grasp if we remain focused, persistent, and open to moving towards them. These metaphoric stars represent our highest aspirations, the pinnacle of success, love, or personal growth that we dream of attaining. They serve as a beacon of possibility, encouraging us to aim high.

Reaching for the stars is not about perfection, but about embracing the pursuit of excellence, growth, and the unknown. The most successful people in history – in business, science, or the arts – have often spoken about their dreams and the seemingly impossible goals they set for themselves. American Katie Ledecky, Olympic gold medallist in swimming said, “Set goals that, when you set them, you think they’re impossible. But then every day you can work towards them, and anything is possible, so keep working hard and follow your dreams.”

Reaching for the stars also requires us to remain grounded. In dreaming big, we still need to build a steady foundation. It's about combining vision with practicality, and inspiration with action. As Theodore Roosevelt, former president of the United States said, “Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.”

Connections and Aspirations

When we combine "connecting the dots" with "reaching for the stars," we arrive at a powerful synergy between making thoughtful connections in our lives and daring to aim for something greater. Each dot we connect becomes part of a larger constellation of experiences that help us move toward our dreams. These connections may guide us in unexpected directions, revealing new passions or opportunities we may never have anticipated. Along the way, we learn more about ourselves and what we truly want to achieve.

The individual pursuit of reaching for the stars also involves connecting with others, especially people who offer wisdom, encouragement, and new perspectives that deepen the understanding of our own journey. These can be mentors, friends, or collaborators. The stars are not just distant light-points, but also the milestones and experiences that define our personal growth. As we make connections with people, ideas, and places, we chart our course forward, even when the road ahead is unclear.

Cosmic Journey

Connecting the dots and reaching for the stars are not just metaphors – they are the keys to navigating an ever-changing world with purpose and clarity. For most of the time anyway, because there will always be times when we veer off course, either unexpectedly, purposefully, or by way of circumstances out of our control. When we thoughtfully connect moments, experiences, and people, we gain insights into how to move forward with intention, while still discovering new potentials and opportunities.

By connecting the dots and reaching for the stars, we create a life full of meaning, growth, and possibility. Our journey may not always follow a straight line, but as we keep our eyes on the stars and our feet on the ground, we discover that we learn more from the journey than we ever intended.

Making my peace with connecting the dots, reaching for the stars, I learned the following:

To reflect on past experiences that influenced my current path

To build a network of inspiration by connecting with mentors, peers, or role models to fuel ideas, energies, and ambitions

To stay open to opportunities especially if the dots aren’t clearly marked because they might be tangential to my goals and lead to unexpected breakthroughs

To set big, bold goals, acknowledging that the stairway to the stars may have challenges, detours, and delays

To learn from every dot, every step along the way, knowing that each small step brings me closer to my goals

To take action by really reaching for the stars and not just thinking about doing it, by putting in the effort to learn new skills, working on a passion project, or taking a risk

To find meaning in small moments and small movements, with every connection – with a person, idea, or experience – a step towards my aspirations