Life Lessons:
Matthew Connell
* Are you happy at the moment?
I am generally happy at the moment. My family; amazing wife and awesome kids (4 and 7) are all healthy. My wife and I seem to be in a grove and are generally interacting at a great level. The communication between us is fantastic and the kids seem happy. As we are both small business owners, money is often a stress. This is the one area of life that could be more stable to increase my overall happiness.
* If you could go back and say anything to your 16 year old self now – what would it be?
I would say a few things. Appreciate the sacrifices and efforts of your parents, and stop getting into trouble and adding to their stress. I would say be yourself and do not try to be someone different for anyone else. Save your money! Now this does not mean be frugile, it means think about what you need and want and make better financial decision. Just because it is in the wallet, does not mean you need to spend it.
* What is the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
That the health and happiness of my wife and children is paramount and that all else is secondary to this. That if the communication between partners/spouse is good there are no obstacles that can derail the journey. With passion comes success.
* What do you want to achieve in the next twelve months?
I want to see the Yellowbrick.me online parenting community grow to thousands of members using the forum for conversation, bouncing of off the community experts and utilizing the research for strategies to help make the journey of parenting easier. I want to see community grow and I want the community to dictate the growth and direction of the community.
* What’s your secret to happiness?
Appreciating the small things and the little successes. Keeping focus in my accomplishments and not focusing on the things that are moving too slow or are not moving well enough. Being at peace with who I am.
* What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?
Every morning while brushing my teeth, I take the 2 minutes to focus on my breath and my intention for the day. This 2 minutes in the morning and at night are my mediation times. I try to work out 3-5 times a week which also helps, but it is the morning and evening breaths.
* What’s your biggest regret?
My biggest regret is not staying in touch with people I have met along the way better. I feel like I have lost touch with some really amamzing people from all walks of life.
* What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kids?
To be happy, honest and a good member of society.
* What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?
I would love to not wake up at 2am hungry and “raid” the snack cabinet. If I could change this I could probably afford to work out less:)
* Aside from fatherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?
I always do what I set out to do. I graduated High school early. I have traveled both internationally and domestically extensively. I have started numerous businesses and earned various degrees. I am most proud that when I put my mind to something, i seem to make it happen.
* When were you happiest?
I was happiest at the birth of both my children. Both children were born at home and the experience was absolutely amazing. I had a glow about me for weeks after both experiences. The second happiest moment (which before my kids birth was the first) was when my wife agreed to marry me.
* What ten words best describe you?
Giving, devoted, loving, kind, helpful, determined, passionate, sensitive, intelligent, strong
Matt has owned and operated numerous businesses through his life; currently owning a consulting company. His undergraduate education focused on the study of sustainable agriculture and energy as well as business. He taught special education to at risk students in the Hartford, CT public school system. His doctoral work was on group emotional intelligence and building teams. He has had the great fortune of traveling extensively; both domestically and internationally. He has had the even better fortune of marrying his amazing wife, Ayelet and having two amazing kids.
Matt recently co-founded www.Yellowbrick.me, the online community for parents. A place for parents to connect, converse, interact with experts, and with research. Yellowbrick.me strives to educate, entertain and provide resources to make life easier for parents.
