Feeling invisible, unappreciated or disconnected?

f you answered “Yes”, don’t worry, you are not alone out there! Those feelings creep up for me now and then, too. And what I’ve come to realize is that sadly a lot of that feeling is simply due to the busy, busy lives we are living. Most people are over obligated, over worked, and just doing the best they can to get from day to day with very little bandwidth left for anything outside of their immediate bubble. They barely take the time to check in and listen to themselves let alone having the energy to do that for others. Sound familiar?

It’s a bit ironic, because I feel like we were almost doing a better job at connecting during the pandemic than we are now as life resumes it’s “normal”, hectic pace.

For me personally, I’ve been dealing with the feelings of loss and disconnect from a lovely group of women who all came together to practice yoga with me during Covid, but who are now heading back out and into their “new normals”. What I remind myself when those feelings come up is that everything ebbs and flows in life. I focus on the lovely connections we did make with each other and the knowing that even though we aren’t together as often, the love we have for each other is genuine and we truly are a “tribe” of sisters. 

So how do you maintain those feelings of connection? How do you ensure that the people you truly do care about aren’t feeling unappreciated or invisible?

It takes effort, but not a lot! 

Here are a few ways you can become a great connector, listener & overall fabulous human being:

• Send a quick check-in text to a friend you haven’t heard from in a bit and set a coffee (or wine) date to catch up
• Plan a “date night” once a month with one or more friends who you are feeling disconnected from
• Invite a friend to join you for a class or activity you were already planning to attend (everything is more fun with a friend!)
• Invite a friend over to cook dinner, help you with some gardening, or sort thought your closet for things to donate (it’s always nice to have a second set of hands or eyes!)
• Organize a book club or discussion group that meets monthly either in person or virtually (zoom still works even though the lock downs are over!)
• Mail a cute greeting card to someone you haven’t seen in a while (guaranteed to create a big, warm smile on the receiving end!)

Sound do-able? Just pick one to focus on this week and see how it goes! What I can guarantee is that the recipient of your efforts will immediately feel the love and it will shine right back at you.
Sound good, but feeling a bit overwhelmed by life? Never fear! Next week I’ll be hitting you with my tips for SIMPLIFYING your day to day life. Hint…it starts with the word “No”…
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Have a lovely week, my friend! Ok! Start connecting!