Everyone views connection differently. To me it’s a hug, a smile, eye contact, connecting with loved ones. What does connection mean to you? What do you miss?
During this time finding connections can be challenging. We have to search for it in ways we haven’t had to before. We can still maintain some connection in ways we know, however there is a lot we need to alter.
I’ve struggled with feeling connected to my girlfriends, the studio, and the community.
I’ve definitely had to do a mindset shift and focus on all of the ways I can feel connection during this time.
- Virtual Connection: Thank God for technology! Virtual connection has been HUGE for me. Coffee dates, happy hours, virtual game nights with girlfriends on FaceTime, Houseparty and Zoom are saving me. Don’t forget to celebrate the milestones that happen during this time – have a virtual birthday party!
- Keep your workout buddy: Not being in the studio has been a real challenge for me. I miss you guys!! I am grateful for the opportunity to have live-streaming classes where I can see familiar faces and to be able to connect back and forth. Grab a friend and set up a weekly workout schedule where you hold each other accountable and you still have the connection of the studio. Turn your cameras on – you might even feel like we’re all in a room together!
- Check-in on your people: Regardless of how close or far you loved ones are, call and text them. Don’t lose it, call your parents, your grandparents. Reach out to old friends and reconnect. Make this a priority because we all need it so much.
- Create a Book Club: Get together with a group of friends and pick a book you’ve been wanting to read. You will find connection knowing that you are a part of something larger than yourself. Pick a date to finish the book and have a virtual date with your friends!
- Find your hobby: What do you love? What sets your soul on fire? What is something that you have been putting off? What is something that you used to do and then lost the “time”? What is something you have always wanted to do? DO IT. You have the time. Get uncomfortable and paint when you think you’re bad. Build that 2,000 piece puzzle with your kids. Start that blog. Garden – plant some new veggies. Find connections within yourself. When your heart and your mind align, beautiful things happen. I promise to not call it a “hobby” but I’ve been connecting with my son our TikTok. I never really understood it before (still kind of don’t) but it’s been a great way for me to bond with him while dancing, singing, being silly. Doing something he enjoys doing.
- Set a goal: Set a goal during this time. Or create a 30-day challenge with your friends and try something new everyday. For example, learn something new like baking bread, journal, learn a new game, do a crossword puzzle, put a facemask on and send pictures in a group message, etc.
It’s hard and challenging to be where we are right now in the world. There is a lot of fear and anxiety but there is also a lot of love. I encourage you to take the time to do the things you have been wanting to do. Don’t look back on this time and think, I should have done that. Connect with your family, cook and eat dinner together every night. Laugh with your kids and spouse. It is tough being in the house together but try and be grateful for the time. Accept the challenges and turn them into opportunities to grow yourself personally and your relationships with others. As humans, we need connection, we need to feel loved and to laugh. Find it in ways that will work for you – you’re worth it!
Sending you love!
Jill