Courage and Connection…I See You!
Courage and Connection…
We are in the midst of uncharted waters as a human race. How can we help our fellow humans make it through the COVID-19 pandemic? To make it through this together, we have to be in this together. We can begin by embracing our Courage and Connection.
What do I mean by Courage and Connection?
Let me provide you with a couple of Courage and Connection definitions.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Courage is defined as “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.”
Brené Brown defines connection as, “the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
When we allow someone to see us, the impact can be profound. To see others, we must learn to listen and to be present with each other. This takes effort, yes, but the end result of truly connecting with someone is priceless. An invisible, palpable bond comes to be.
Since March 2020, we have been collectively experiencing loss of some sort, which leads to isolation, grief, depression, and hopelessness. It is vital for us to stay emotionally connected to those we care about even if it takes extra effort and creativity to do so.
Making the effort to connect with each other helps us feel less alone. We exhibit courage as we lean in to learning new technologies in an effort to connect with friends, family, and neighbors.
How are you embracing your inner courage? How are you finding connection in your life?
Before COVID-19, we had few limitations in regard to human connection. We have become more creative in connecting with others virtually, but that does not replace in person connection. For instance, we could do all the following in person with little worry of being infected. We were able to visit our friends and family, celebrate birthdays and graduations, attend funerals and weddings, shop at the grocery stores or go to the mall. Shaking hands, hugging, and gathering in large groups were ways we physically and emotionally connected to each other. All of these seem so far away right now, so we must be creative in finding ways to stay connected.
How are you staying connected with your loved ones?
Courage and Connection are vital for the health of our mind, body, and spirit! As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and lean into our inner courage, we become comfortable with the uncomfortable. If we allow ourselves to adapt rather than fight change, we enter an area of growth! On the surface, this growth may not be apparent, but when we emerge from the pandemic, we will be stronger and more adaptable.
What are you learning about yourself during the pandemic? How do you want to emerge on the other side of the pandemic?
In typical, everyday circumstances, the loss of a loved one cuts deep. During a pandemic, it’s the absolute worst kind of loss. I know this firsthand. I lost one of my mothers on April 1, 2020 to pancreatic cancer. I needed to find a way to process my feelings of sadness yet honor her bravery and warrior spirit. I decided to shave my head on Mother’s Day 2020 and create a tribute video, in honor and memory of Rita Yzquierdo. Creating the video helped me begin the grief process. As of this blog post, I have not been able to travel to Texas for closure.
For your own well-being and that of those you care about, I encourage you to embrace your own courage in an effort to maintain and deepen the connection with family, friends, and neighbors. Let’s help each other navigate these uncertain times together.
