Today we’re getting into a more serious topic that continuously pops up in this day and age — living in the midst of a loneliness epidemic. 

Despite our never-ending access to technology and being online, we’re more starved for connection and intimacy than ever before, and I want to get into how we can start strengthening our connections.

Now most people don’t understand or recognize what loneliness is because they’re never physically alone, they’re in a solid marriage, things look fine on paper, and so on. But rather than just simply being alone, loneliness is oftentimes the pit in your stomach, the feelings of emptiness, the struggling in relationships, or the hanging on for dear life for your next break or trip.

Loneliness is really the lack of being seen, heard, or unconditionally loved. 

What I want to share today is first and foremost that you are not wrong or bad or flawed if you have moments of loneliness. It’s a normal feeling that we experience, and it’s not because of you. Instead, let’s start normalizing these moments and work to rebuild our connection.

Here are 8 ways to strengthen connection in your life, starting now:

1. With anything that you want a different outcome around, you’ll first want to set your intention. Set your intention to connection. What do you want to strengthen your connection to? Make the intention your priority. The more you take care of yourself, the more you can serve everything and everyone around you. We are hardwired for connection, so in order for you to take care of yourself fully, you have to prioritize it. Mark it on your calendar. 

2. Choose wisely. Oftentimes we are barking up the wrong tree for connection and it’s not an equal exchange of energy. Make sure that you choose a healthy connection that serves you and respects your boundaries. Who are you currently giving your time and energy to, and are they people that elevate you? 

3. Engage in deep and meaningful conversations. You aren’t going to connect authentically if everything is solely surface level. Be curious and seek to understand. The quality of your life is dependent on the quality of your questions. 

4. Pick up the damn phone. Make the call. Facetime your bestie. Skip the text because there is so much more connection this way. 

5. Swap likes and follows for one quality friendship. Who gives a shit about how many likes and followers you have on social media? Put your energy into one meaningful ride or die connection. It’s not about quantity – it’s about quality.

6. Join groups and communities. Get involved. Join a mama group, a support group, a pottery class, a yoga class – go where people are coming together. If you don’t know what to join, identify what you need or what you’re curious about.

7. Listen to podcasts. I cannot tell you how seen and connected to humanity I have felt by listening to other people’s experiences. 

8. Connect with yourself first. You will only connect with others as far as you have connected with yourself. You will only love others as much as you have loved yourself. Show up for yourself and sit in stillness. Your relationships will transform once you do this. 

Even though we've found ourselves stuck in a loneliness epidemic in recent years, we have the power to turn things around.

I hope there's something you take away from this episode and that you find inspiration in building the connections around you. 

Take care of yourselves and therefore each other!

xo, brooke jean