The Upside of Craving Connection

I recently had the honor of sitting down with the amazing NBC Texas Today host, Kristen Dickerson, to share ways to connect and how design can help heal loneliness.

Perched on white stool beside her, I was struck by something she said that is still rattling in my head today – that loneliness is such a sad word. And, perhaps it is. I get it. No one wants to be lonely, and yet roughly 3 in 5 Americans are. Loneliness often feels like a personal fault, “what, no one wants to hang out with you?!” but that couldn’t be further from the truth, it is the trick that loneliness plays on our minds, and the way it grows in the darkness.

However, the truth is that loneliness is a craving like hunger, a signal from your body and mind, telling you “I want connection”. Sometimes we have this craving because we don’t see many people, other times, it is because we are around lots of people, yet never feel really seen. Whatever the cause, I want to normalize the struggle for us. We all go through lonely times, heck some of us spend our whole lives with a sense of loneliness; but I want you to know, you’re certainly not alone in that feeling. And there is nothing wrong with you if you’re feeling lonely. ??

Loneliness can have a cascade of toxic impacts on our physical, mental, and social health – so much so that it is compared to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. But that obscures the hopeful message that I want to sing from the rooftops, which is social connection is FABULOUS for our health!

Yes, it can be hard, yes, it takes time, but I am a firm believer that good things are worth the effort.

For design prompts and tips on 1. Three types of connection we need, and 2. Tips for cultivating connection, link here to sign up for the full edition of today's newsletter.

If you feel a craving for connection, what small action could you do to be the change you want to see, ask a friend out for a tea, attend a group meeting of like-minded or – missioned people in your area, or allow yourself to be seen by a friend to deepen your relationship.

If you never feel lonely, you are unique, and have a lot to be grateful for. What small action could you take this week to show those people you appreciate them, or to help others?

On that note, I wanted to say how much I appreciate all of you! Your support, sharing, and shared passion for making the world a happier, healthier, more connected place is so fulfilling, and I am deeply grateful for you! ??

In The News

• Erin’s interview with NBC- DFW on Design for Connection.
• Are you looking for ways to get more involved in the social connection movement? Check out the upcoming Building Connected Communities Action Forum.

Be a part the burgeoning movement of design for health, happiness, and social connection. For my full newsletter in your inbox, subscribe?here! ????