Welcome back Unleashed Listeners… the title of Today's Podcast is: Connection.
Are you in a place where you're feeling a bit lost? A bit alone? A bit disconnected? It's interesting to me because our world is becoming increasingly connected - we literally carry everything we need in the palm of our hand. We can text people, we are constantly bombarded with our friends lives on social media, we can order anything that we could possibly need and have it delivered same day. We are innately and constantly connected.
And yet - I find that the people in my life share that they are increasing DISCONNECTED. Do you feel less heard? Less seen? Less acknowledge?
A few weeks back, I was speaking at an event - I was in a room with amazing, accomplished leaders. And - I had the chance to chat with a number of them after my speech. One of the leaders came up to me and said: "Thank you so much… I've never felt more seen and acknowledged in my leadership journey."
My first reaction, you might think was gratefulness - gratitude that I as able to deeply touch this person in the small amount of time we had together. But… it wasn't. Instead - it was grief. Grief because, while I do appreciate that I was able to connect with this leader in a meaningful way - I was more concerned that this individual was walking through their adult life, leading other people, and feeling alone… feeling as if they were not surrounded by like-minded people who understood her unique talents and gifts. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to have access to that kind of support and acceptance. And yet, I'm acutely aware that… despite the fact that we are an increasingly connected world… our experience is often quite the opposite… one of disconnection and loneliness.
Shortly after this event, I was having coffee with a former colleague of mine and he commented on how good I am at keeping relationships going - that no matter where we go, or how long it's been… I've continually remained invested in his life - both personally and professionally. And… I was reminded of this one important piece of connection - we reap what we sow.
I think, sometimes we plant seeds and then we expect them to bloom - without water, without weeding, without any intention or attention. And, truthfully, sometimes they do. Sometimes plants require very little attention and you're able to get a beautiful result.
But - more often, they require your effort… and relationships are no different. I'm not sure where we got the idea that relationships are easy… but I'm here to tell you they aren't.
I've been married for 17 years… and we have an amazing relationship… a marriage that I only aspired to when I was younger. But- if you think that it's because we're just a "good match," you crazy, girl. No - our marriage is what it is because we tend to it. We water it, we weed it, we replant it. We pay attention to it.
That's how you build and create community. You can't just call on relationships when you need them - you have to be proactive with their care. You must invest in them, give them time and attention. Water them as you would water any other living thing in your life. Then they will bloom.
And, here's the tricky thing… we're busy. So… one of the first things that we tend to ignore are our relationships. It feels easier to just check things off our list and not put in the hard work of building and tending to the relationships around it. That requires REAL effort. But - when we ignore them… we find ourselves alone, disconnected.
As we navigate through the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to overlook the importance of nurturing our connections. We get caught up in the never-ending to-do lists, the demands of work and family, and the constant distractions vying for our attention. But in the midst of this chaos, it's crucial to remember that our relationships are the bedrock of our well-being.
Think about it: when was the last time you reached out to a friend just to check in, or took the time to really listen to someone who needed a sympathetic ear? These small acts of kindness and connection may seem insignificant in the moment, but they have the power to transform lives. They remind us that we're not alone in our struggles, that there are people out there who care about us and want to support us.
And here's the big truth - we, as women, are not meant to do life alone. We are hard-wired to be in community with each other. It's these connections - with others and with ourselves— give meaning and purpose to our lives. They remind us that we're part of something bigger, that we're connected to a community of women, of people, who are all focused on changing the landscape of how women experience this world.
When we come together to celebrate each other, to support each other, to encourage each other, to speak up for each other… we are creating space for a new definition of female leaders in the world. One that isn't grounded in competition or cattiness… because ladies… there's plenty of room for all of us at the top. Instead, we're showing the world and the men around us that kindness and success can coexist… and, in fact, when they do… everyone rises to the challenge and we achieve more.
So let's commit to nurturing our connections, to tending to the garden of our relationships with care and intention. Let's water them, weed them, and watch them grow into something beautiful and enduring. And together, let's create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued—a world where true connection is the norm, not the exception.
Until next time, lead with courage and confidence and remember you deserve to be unleashed.