Reconnecting gradually

Solitude allows us to get comfortable being with ourselves, which makes it easier to be ourselves in interactions with others. That authenticity helps build strong connections.

~ Vivek H. Murthy

Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, which coincided with our move to cottage country, I have been very disconnected.

For the most part, I did not feel lonely in my isolation. I embraced JOMO, or, the Joy Of Missing Out.

In fact, before 2020, I tended to feel disconnected, even when surrounded by people. I felt like an outlier. 

Paradoxically, solitude has helped me overcome loneliness. I am now more comfortable in my own skin.

Missing out on events and activities became somewhat liberating, allowing me to focus on two of my core values—health and family.

Having become a grandma during that time, I was able to fully embrace my leadership role in prioritizing the needs of a growing family.

But, lately, the message that it’s time to reconnect has become loud and clear. I’m not yet sure what it’s going to look like, but I’ve set the intention, so the answer will come.

Loneliness can be hazardous to health

You cannot be lonely if you like the person you are alone with.

~ Wayne Dyer

According to Dr. Vivek Murthy, former Surgeon General of the United States, loneliness can be as detrimental to health as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. 

It's widely understood, that one of the most important factors in preventing and addressing distress is healthy social connection.

In older adults, loneliness is associated with a 50% increased risk of developing dementia and a 30% increased risk of coronary artery disease or stroke.

We are wired to connect. If we have nothing to look forward to on our calendar, how can we even know what day of the week it is?

To bounce out of bed in the morning, we have to have something to look forward to. 

But, for some of us, a little solitude paves the way to showing up more authentically. After all, the unexamined life is not worth living.