7. Disconnect or Reconnect: It’s a Decision | #walkwithme
You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will live as one. – John Lennon About This Episode: During this pandemic, we’re being told so many things regarding how to social distance from each other.
“I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people.
Maya Angelou
About This Episode:
In this episode of “#WalkWithMe” I challenge the traditional definition of what it means to be a “hero” and share some
thoughts on how every single one of us can be a hero—right now.
During this pandemic, we’re being told so many things regarding how to social distance from each other. Don’t hug. Don’t touch. Stay 6 feet apart. But, let’s go in a different direction: Does physical distancing mean we need to distance ourselves emotionally, socially or mentally from others? I believe that right now is the perfect time not to disconnect but to reconnect with each other—which we can do without sharing the same space.
I believe there’s three ways we can reconnect: 1) with others, 2) with family, and 3) with ourselves. Connection isn’t about physical proximity; it’s about shared experiences. If you think about your closest relationships with others, I’m willing to bet they’re based not only on physical proximity but rather on the experiences you shared together. For example, you can be in a restaurant with a bunch of people at the table, but if they’re all looking down at their individual phones, there’s no real connection happening between each other.
It’s those shared experiences that bridge connection. I’ve seen more of my neighbors in the last week than I have ever seen in all the weeks prior. A few days ago my wife Karis had the idea of a Zoom dinner. We took a TV and put it at the end of the dining room table with dinner and started hosting Zoom dinners with friends.
During this forced pause, who are people you can reconnect with in creative ways? I challenge you: How can you use this time to not worry about being lonely and to instead shift the script to connect with people who are most important to you? Use this time as an opportunity to pause and think about who you’re becoming—and if that’s the person you’re ‘meant to’ become. Spend time in reflection, journalizing and reevaluating goals. Set 30-, 60-, and 90-day goals and map out how you can reconnect to the person you’re meant to be.
So, I’ll ask you: Are you using this time in quarantine to disconnect or reconnect?