Forcing my family into bonding.

Creating connection, meaning, and joy in your life doesn’t happen by accident – it happens on purpose. That’s why in the Engineering Enthusiasm module of my LIFE AT A TEN® Program, we focus on building rituals that reinforce your vision, values, and vibe.

Connection Comes from Time Spent Together

I just got back from what might have been the greatest trip of my life. We did Milan, Lake Como and (surprise to me), The Swiss Alps. ???? (My soon-to-be-sister-in-law planned it, and I didn’t pay attention to the details…)

Every single day was a 10 out of mother truckin’ 10.  Not just because we were in some of the most beautiful places on the planet, but because we chose fun, laughter, connection (and wine?!?) every chance we got.

Every year, I force my brother and sister-in-law to take a trip with ?Chaddie and me. It’s become this amazing tradition for us – nine years running now. It’s something that we all look forward to because it’s time carved out just for us to be together and bond. Each trip gives us new inside jokes, new memories and a deeper sense of connection:

• A new song that became our trip theme song (revised with dirtier lyrics)
• New funny phrases that must be made into custom christmas gifts, either t-shirts or sweatshirts (I’m a big fan of Canva + RushOrderTees for creating ‘on brand’ family merch)
• Recreating photo’s of past trips:

We now have so many more little funny / weird little moments that are now locked in as memories:

• Like, how Ken was a total creeper in our Spa pic
• How after Swiss Fondu they lit a firecracker in the restaurant and out exploded clown wear
• How we were served the equivalent of an entire extra large jar of olives each and every beverage we ordered… and we ordered a lot of beverages…
• Or how we ran like the kids from Weapons down a little Italian Alley way.

It was exceptional and I can’t wait to force everyone into it again next year.

But here’s the truth…Yes, this was an extravagant trip. 
But I know firsthand that joy doesn’t come from money or grandeur ? because I’ve been miserable in plenty of lavish moments, too.

Living LIFE AT A TEN^® doesn’t come from where you are. It comes from who you are ? when you’re fully yourself, connected with others, and awake to the novelty and magic of life (aka: fun). True wealth has nothing to do with money; it’s about purpose, connection and fun.
It’s not the setting; it’s the feeling.  Whether it’s on a Riva in Lake Como or a picnic in your own backyard, you can make the moments you’ve been gifted a TEN – or at least strive to make them 10’s. 

And I’m not trying to tone deaf here, I get some shxt in life is real rough and tough.Those moments take real grit to get though… But that’s not the main point I’m making in today’s ramblings… It’s this:

Traditions Matter!

Not necessarily the holy/holiday ones that show up on the calendar (those matter too), but the ones you make up yourself. In my Program we talk about how Traditions are repeatable rituals that create 3 powerful things:

1. They create Connection.
They pull people closer together. ? They create that sense of “us” –  a shared history that belongs only to you and the people who are in on it.

2. They create Anticipation.
They give you something to look forward to. ?  When life feels heavy, traditions remind you that there’s fun, laughter and togetherness waiting on the calendar.

3. They create Legacy.
They become part of your family story. ? The inside jokes, the special spots, the “remember when” moments that you’ll still be laughing about twenty years from now.

One of my favorite exercises in the Engineering Enthusiasm module of my LIFE AT A TEN® Program is to create your own made-up holiday or repeatable ritual that fits your vision, values and vibe.

It doesn’t have to be elaborate, it just has to be yours. Maybe it’s:

• An annual best-friend trip.
• A old fashioned ‘Sunday Roast Family Dinner’ 
• A Friday night playlist and wine ritual with ‘Your Person’.
• Or even forcing your family to celebrate you in some annual way, like I do.

Because celebrating who you are and who you’re becoming, reinforces the life you’re building.

And the truth is, if you don’t make being together a big deal… no one else will.
? Relationships are only created through spending time together.  If you don’t do that, you don’t get to go deep.
So my challenge for you is to start something!
Make it small, make it silly, make it meaningful, but make it yours with Your Person or Your People. That’s how you start building connection, anticipation and legacy on purpose.
That’s how you live LIFE AT A TEN^®. (I feel like that’s a mic drop ending?!?! Am I right?!? Did I make up for missing a week? Let me know.)