Tag Archive for: lonely

Human Connections

All week long I’ve been building relationships, making new acquaintances, or catching up with people I hadn’t seen for a long time.
It felt like a lot.
Between 1-1 meetings, coaching sessions, presentations, associate team gatherings, new business relationships, family and friends, I reckon I have interacted with around 350+ different people this week, either face to face or online.
In my personal studies, I researched a lot about Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012.
Research shows that despite being the most digitally connected generation, Gen Z is also one of the loneliest.
Their online interactions often lack the depth and emotional nuance of face-to-face communication.
The isolation brought on by COVID-19 exacerbated this, leaving many feeling disconnected.
In my studies, I discovered a new term 𝒅𝒊𝒔-𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆
𝐝𝐢𝐬 – meaning “lack” or “absence” and 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 – meaning “comfort” or “well-being”.
Thus, 𝐝𝐢𝐬-𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 refers to a state of unease, discomfort, or tension.
It isn’t necessarily a physical illness, but rather a psychological, emotional, or even spiritual imbalance.
In my view, we are actually living in a time of massive dis-ease and disconnection.
Technology seems to connect us more than ever, but the reality is that the screens around us disconnect us from the marvels of nature, from our true selves, and from family and friends.
So, how do we overcome this dis-ease or malaise?
This week I had a discussion with a new friend about building connections.
In order to thrive, we all need human connections and face to face interactions.
Those “horizontal” connections are the foundation for our emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing.
But there is also a “vertical” connection that is equally important, with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, that nourishes our spiritual wellbeing.
Jesus said, “Learn of me … and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
Connection with deity is vital to our sense of meaning in this life.
When we build a relationship with God, we better understand the plan He has for us.
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” —John 17:3
How have you felt “rest unto your soul” recently?

Someone to lean on

Yesterday, I spent some time with a dear friend and sat with him in the hospital for a while.
It struck me how important it is that we all have someone to 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒏 on.
In life, we all face moments of challenge, uncertainty, and even joy that are made better by having someone to lean on.
Whether it’s a friend, family member, or partner, the presence of a trusted person provides emotional and psychological benefits that are invaluable.
At the very core of our well-being is the need for connection.
My experience is that as we share our burdens and joys together, it not only lightens our loads but strengthens the bonds between us.
When life feels overwhelming, knowing that there’s someone to lean on brings comfort and peace.
This sense of support reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles.
It’s more than just having someone to talk to; it’s about having someone who listens, cares, and stands by you.
Simply stated we all need that connection and support from one another, to help us navigate our way through tough times with greater confidence.
In fact, those were his words to me yesterday.
“Thanks for being here, you give me confidence.”
Everybody needs others.
And not just in tough times.
When we experience positive results, no matter how big or small, sharing those moments with someone else magnifies the joy.
Knowing that others are there to cheer us on when things are going well can add meaning to our accomplishments.
Being that person someone else leans on creates a sense of purpose and somehow it can strengthen our own resilience too.
In essence it feels good, just to be able to do some good – that warm fuzzy.
It’s a reciprocal relationship that makes everyone involved feel valued.
In our world today it can sometimes feel isolating and lonely.
Having someone to lean on, is now crucial for our mental and emotional well-being.
In the end, life becomes richer and more meaningful when we have that essential support from one another.
Step forward today and be someone to lean on…

Feeling Forgotten?

𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞?
I am comforted by Matthew 10:29, their the Lord said that not even a sparrow falls unnoticed by the Father.
If not one sparrow is forgotten before God (Luke 12:6), how much more will our Heavenly Father remember and want desperately to sustain you and me, for “ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:7)
Sometimes I wonder if anyone really knows what we are going through, or for that matter if anyone really cares.
Occasionally that thought crosses my mind, but then I remember the story of Zacchæus from Luke 19:1-4, who simply wanted to see the Saviour.
You will recall that the crowd was large, so he decided to climb a sycamore tree, hoping that he’d see Jesus. “And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchæus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house” (Luke 19:5)
The Saviour knew not only his name, but also knew his heart as well, see – Luke 19:6–9.
Zacchæus was a man who was reviled, rejected, and cast out by many. But the Saviour knew him. He knew his heart, and He loved him.
Jesus Christ came into the house of Zacchæus and into his heart.
I know and believe that our Lord Jesus Christ is just as aware of you and me, remembering our individual needs, just as He was of Zacchæus, or for that matter a tiny sparrow.
I believe He even knows us more personally and intimately than we know ourselves.
His eyes are not only on the sparrows, but on you and me – always.
I know that and know that you can know that too.
Jesus Christ does love us.
You are not alone.