The Loneliness Epidemic Got You Too?
How to Create a Community That Works For You
It seems as though everyone is lonely nowadays. Let’s deep dive into this terrible epidemic & what YOU can do when you're feeling lonely.
Human connection MATTERS!
In a world that's increasingly digital and often disconnected, the importance of human connection and community has never been more evident. As we navigate the complexities of modern life (especially some of us who are getting up in age), it's essential to recognize the profound impact that strong bonds and supportive networks can have on our overall well-being.
From creatinga sense of belonging to providing invaluable support in times of need, communities play a vital role in shaping our lives and helping us thrive.
Nurturing Belonging and Support
In an era where our way of checking up on one another is by texting, it's easy to overlook the significance of human contact. However, studies have shown that meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging are essential for our mental, emotional, and physical health.
Communities provide us with a sense of identity, support, and empathy, helping us navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and confidence.
The COVID Effect
It's not uncommon to feel 4 years younger than your actual age. The Pandemic took four years of our lives. And for most of us that was our early twenties. The age where we struggle to fully know ourselves but go through life experiences to help us figure it out. It was taken & often a lot of us don't truly know who we are and what we want out of life. The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the way we interact and engage with one another, leading to increased isolation and loneliness for many.
We are TIRED
Is it just us or is everyone tired?
The idea of reaching out to multiple people can be extremely overwhelming. On top of that some of us are at the age where we are starting families, in serious relationships, navigating our careers, and have extra responsibilities. This sometimes means that going on our phones is the only thing we have left to do. It's easy to just scroll on social media and check your friends' stories.
I want you to pull out your phone right now and look at your screen time. For some readers, you can easily see how these “quick little scrolls” through your phone can add up faster than you think. Those minutes easily turn into hours. It's like falling into a digital time warp!
All that time you spend on your phone is precious time that could be better spent elsewhere. Catching up with old friends, or creating new ones. For the most part, humans need community and connection. We are living in a time where we've never been more isolated. This is going against our biology! We are now starting to see the effects. The rates of anxiety and depression are increasing because of social isolation among young adults.
The Power You Hold
If you do not have a supportive family dynamic, it's up to you to build that community/ support group for yourself. Not everyone has the luxury of having that community from birth, but that doesn’t mean it's not possible to get one.
Building a supportive and fulfilling inner circle is like crafting a masterpiece. It requires intention, clarity, and a deep understanding of what you want to achieve. Before diving headfirst into expanding your social network, it's crucial to take a step back and get clear on what you want your inner circle to look like. How do you do it?
1. Define Your Values: Your inner circle should reflect your values and beliefs. Take some time to identify what matters most to you in friendships and relationships. Are you seeking loyalty, honesty, ambition, or creativity? Understanding your core values will guide you in selecting individuals who align with your principles.
2. Determine Your Goals: What do you hope to accomplish by surrounding yourself with a supportive inner circle? Whether it's personal growth, career advancement, or simply finding happiness, having clear goals will help you identify the type of people you want to include in your circle.
3. Assess Current Relationships: Reflect on your existing relationships and evaluate whether they contribute positively to your life. Are there people who uplift and inspire you? Do you feel supported and understood in their presence? Identify those who align with your values and goals, as they are the foundation of your inner circle.
4. Be Selective!!!: Building your inner circle is not about quantity but quality. Focus on cultivating deep connections with a select few rather than spreading yourself thin across numerous acquaintances. Choose individuals who add value to your life and reciprocate the support and care you offer.
5. Cultivate Trust: Trust is the cornerstone of any meaningful relationship. Nurture trust within your inner circle by being authentic, reliable, and transparent. Encourage open communication and vulnerability, allowing for deeper connections to flourish.
6. Set Boundaries: Boundaries are essential for maintaining healthy relationships. Communicate your needs, expectations, and limits to ensure mutual respect and understanding within your inner circle. Establishing boundaries encourages a sense of security and trust among members.
7. Regularly Evaluate: As you evolve and grow, so too may your inner circle. Periodically evaluate your relationships to ensure they continue to align with your values and goals. Be willing to let go of connections that no longer serve you and welcome new ones that resonate with your journey.
By taking the time to define what you want your inner circle to look like, you lay the groundwork for building a supportive and fulfilling social circle. Remember, your inner circle should uplift, inspire, and empower you on your path to personal and professional fulfillment. Choose wisely, invest deeply, and watch your relationships flourish.
Being unhealed is not fun, takes time, and extreme patience.
We are all here on this journey together, supporting one another to power through the storm that lies ahead. Here's to initiating the beginning. Let's heal together💓
Join the community that’s committed to seeing you win!
Internal hopes to create a community of like-minded individuals on a path to healing and cultivating life as their ideal selves.
Let's reflect on what you learned. In the comment section below answer some of these questions from today’s post.
How has the digital age impacted your sense of human connection and community?
Are you finding it increasingly difficult to maintain meaningful relationships offline?
Reflect on your experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. How has increased isolation and loneliness affected your mental, emotional, and physical well-being?
Take time to define your values and goals for your inner circle. What qualities are essential to you in friendships and relationships? How can you align your social connections with these values?
