The Power of Connection
In this week’s Mindful Musing, I’m diving into the beautiful and sometimes painful truth about connection, and how both the presence and absence of it can deeply impact our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Have you ever craved connection so deeply it felt like hunger?
Not just surface-level interactions but real, soul-aligned, heart-centered connection? With others? With yourself?
What fosters connection in your life, and how has it shaped the way you show up in the world?
Recently, I was having a conversation with a friend and fellow coach about core values (more on that at another time) and I realized that connection has become a new core value of mine. It’s one I’ve been trying on—and it fits. In fact, it feels like home.
For so long, I lived in a state of disconnection—from others and from myself, especially in early sobriety, I was just beginning to learn who I was without substances. I found myself isolated, armored, and unsure of how to show up. I had worn a mask for years—hiding in shame, guilt, and fear of being seen.
In social settings, I spiraled:
“Do I even have anything to offer?”
My words felt jumbled. My confidence was low. So, I chose to protect myself the only way I knew how - I withdrew, isolated and avoided connection. Even with myself.
Then coaching came along. And with it, a slow unraveling of the isolation I created for myself. I started to see connection as something sacred that I could cultivate. I learned to honor my feelings and name my fears. I started to recognize how much I was craving connection. It wasn’t just a desire—it was a need.
A smile.
Eye contact.
Holding the door for someone.
Saying yes to a gathering.
Volunteering.
Each of these small acts opened a portal in me. A passageway back to my humanity, back to the world, and back to myself.
I began to realize that connection was never my weakness, rather it was my medicine. It was the antidote for the addiction, the isolation, and the shame. And it reminded me of this quote that speaks straight to the soul:
“To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” – Dr. Seuss
But let me be clear:
Connection doesn’t mean saying yes to every invite.
It doesn’t mean abandoning your boundaries or shrinking yourself to be seen.
True connection comes from noticing when something lights up your soul—and honoring that. It’s a feeling of being seen, supported, and understood.
If you’re feeling alone or disconnected, please reach out - to a friend, a loved one, a trusted sounding board. Someone who makes you feel like you. And, in return, if you can offer that same space to another—do it. You never know the ripple effect your kindness could have.
Because when you’re connected to yourself, everything changes. There’s a quiet, powerful sense of peace. Wholeness. Authenticity.
Ways to reconnect (with self and others):
Acts of kindness
Volunteering or being in service
Simply listening
Giving and sharing your time, presence, or words
Connection comes in many forms.
Sometimes it’s a deep conversation with a friend, and other times, it’s simply sitting in stillness with a furry companion. Moments with my dog Janet remind me that connection doesn’t have to be complex—it can be quiet, unconditional, and healing. Whether it's a wagging tail or a soft nuzzle, these small gestures carry big meaning. Don’t underestimate the power of presence—even the four-legged kind.
Thank you for being a part of my journey into deeper connection.
This community, my clients, my friends and family, my church—you all helped me find my way back to myself. You saw me when I couldn’t. And for that, I thank you and see you. I stand with you. I’m grateful for you.
With love & deep appreciation,
Angie
