Following a week which has seen the celebration of International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day, the power of connection seems really strong at the moment and it’s something we can all build on…

I’m sure you’ve probably picked up by now that Holly and I are firm advocates of the power of reaching out and connecting with those around you, not just when you’re feeling lonely and down, but as part of building yourself a network that you can rely on for friendship, advice and to introduce you to other people.

On International Women’s Day, we saw a huge outpouring of support for fellow women in business and then on Mother’s Day, many of us were thinking of the maternal figures we have, or have had in our lives, who in many cases, have been instrumental in shaping who we are.

But these are just days, and they may or may not bear relevance for you personally…

How about if the spirit they engender becomes something that is a bit more consciously part of the everyday way we live our lives?

A few years ago, I asked a group of about 70 country loving people what they thought country values were, and the key words that came back were – supportive, authentic, community, approachable, kind, empathy and genuine.

I’m sure you would recognise many of these values as part of the countryside community that you live in.

For hundreds of years, farmers have helped each other out; working together to bring harvests in, turning out to help someone with an ailing animal or a stuck tractor and meeting together at Harvest Suppers to celebrate another farming season completed.

It’s second nature for us all to help out if someone asks, and to celebrate the special days that come along on the calendar. It’s second nature for us to celebrate the women that we work with when we’re prompted to.

But how about we all set out to nurture those connections all year round?

How about we turn up with flowers when the day doesn’t demand it?

How about we endeavour to notice something about someone when they’re not expecting a remark from us?

How about we actively look to lift the others around us and pay it forward when we have time?

How about we offer help just because we can – without expectation of a return favour.

Lastly, and most importantly, how about we ask someone if they’re OK and actually listen to the answer?

Imagine how any of the above would make you feel if you were on the receiving end of it?

You have the power to make someone else feel that good…