This week I share with you Tip #8 from Ten Self-Care Tips: Looking for Sane Practices in Times of Insane Demands – Connect with Others.  This is a hard one to write; perhaps because this is a practice that takes a lot of work on my part. 

I can easily spend hours alone. Writing, reading, watching TV, listening to podcasts, meditating, exercising, taking walks— I’m in my comfort zone when I engage in these activities alone. Like I don’t really need anyone. Yet, I know that’s not true. I know that to be my best self, I need people, connection, community. And also true, when I am with people, I really appreciate not being alone. I appreciate sharing our lives, our stories. Learning together, growing together, looking to one another for support, knowing that someone has my back, and just knowing that someone cares about me.

Personally, I know that I have a need to reach out more to people I love and care about. Maybe you do, too. So, let’s do it. This week as friends and family gather to celebrate Thanksgiving (in the United States), it’s a good time to connect with that person who’s been on your mind – a quick phone call, a card, an email. Get that thought off your mind and put into action. Connect with someone, or several someones. Self-care includes maintaining a healthy balance between solitude and community.