The Power of Human Connection in 2025: A Lesson from Rosali
As we enter 2025, let’s pause to think about the power of connection—not the kind facilitated by screens and devices, but true, human-to-human connection. In an era where we are supposedly “more connected” through technology, it feels like we’ve become less connected on a human level. What do I mean by this? It’s about the simple yet profound impact of eye contact, tone, touch, and being fully present with another person—something we’re losing in our text-based, efficiency-driven world.
Let’s take a seemingly mundane example: checking out at a store like Target. Are you a self-checkout person? I am not. For me, this small moment became a highlight of my day, thanks to Rosali.
Rosali was a cashier at the Target just down the street from my house. She wasn’t your average cashier—she was a force of warmth and joy. She had a knack for turning a routine checkout experience into something memorable. Serenading customers with goofy songs like “Show me the money, honey,” or breaking into laughter-filled conversations, she made you feel seen. Rosali was retired and not in the best health—on dialysis—but that didn’t stop her from being a bright spot in so many lives. If you passed her in an aisle, you got a hug. At checkout, you got a smile and a silly song.
I started timing my trips to Target around her shifts. Why? Because it wasn’t just about buying groceries; it was about connection. Rosali reminded me of something profound: the value of slowing down to engage with the people around us.
This realization became even clearer during a trip I recently took to Terlingua, Texas—a ghost town near Big Bend National Park. It’s the kind of place where time slows down. My friends and I put our phones down (only picking them up for pictures) and immersed ourselves in conversation. We sat outside the iconic Starlight Theater, chatting with locals, cheering on kids hula-hooping in the parking lot, and getting to know the stories of shop owners and park rangers. It was simple, yet transformative.
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These moments reminded me of how rushed and disconnected our lives can feel. As an executive, I live by a productivity-driven mindset: efficiency at all costs. But visiting places like rural Texas—or meeting someone like Rosali—offers a detox from the hustle. It’s a slower pace, yes, but it’s also richer and more fulfilling. It’s about being present, listening, and truly connecting.
My challenge to you this year: take a step back from “technology connections.” Put down your phone, make eye contact, and start a conversation. It doesn’t have to be monumental—a smile at the checkout line or a chat with a stranger on a porch in Terlingua can make all the difference. These small acts of connection pay dividends for your emotional health and soul.
So, let’s make 2025 the year of rediscovering what it means to be human. Start with something small. Who knows—you might find your own Rosali.
#HumanToHuman #H2H #HumanConnection #Relationships #Connection
