Finding connectedness
Hop on board!
Welcome to September!
The topic this month is connectedness and I’m exploring the many benefits it brings. I have found that some of the most impactful times in my life have been when I have had positive influences around me. While there are countless benefits to fostering connections, I’ll focus on a few that have resonated with me.
Emotional Anchors - Life is a journey filled with highs and lows. It has always been easier whenever I’ve had someone to share the ride with—whether it was the insecurity of leaving home and moving 1800 miles away for college, grieving the loss of a loved one, or braving a new challenge for the first time. Finding others that might be going through similar experiences has softened the edges of the isolation or the feeling that I’m going it alone. It takes trust and openness in finding those in whom you choose to engage with but the support is worth it.
Navigating Digital Connections - Finding connectedness on social media is a whole different platform. My colleagues at Illoguild provide very helpful insights into how to make meaningful connections and find your tribe on social media platforms and I encourage you to check out their Substack this month. While I’m not a social media guru, I’ve learned that sharing ideas, collaborating and investing in relationships with like-minded individuals can ignite creativity and open doors to learning.
The Power of Belonging - Choosing to connect with others can significantly boost your self-esteem. I’ve always cherished being part of a team, starting with the earliest connection of being part of a big family. There was always someone to do things with, someone to call anytime, someone who would stick around no matter what. That sense of belonging was a cornerstone of my early life and continues to be a source of strength today.
When I first started writing and drawing, self-doubt kept me from sharing my work. In my first college creative writing class, I felt like I had enrolled in the wrong course when we exchanged manuscripts to critique. Somehow, I survived that course and my writing has improved. Today, I welcome critique and feedback. I’m not in pursuit of perfection but to grow realizing that being a part of community accelerates that growth.
“Color is the place where our brain and the universe meet.” Paul Klee
Cecelia and Sammi navigating friendship and community
(A sneak peak from my latest picture book, CECELIA SAYS NO when friendship and boundaries collide)“
“Perhaps the secret of living well is not in having all the answers but in pursuing unanswerable questions in good company.” Rachel Naomi Ramen
Some people feel connected by their community or church. Many churches have small groups that help the community with specific needs. Some offer mentors or leaders that can assist an individual dealing with a family crisis, grief, overcoming mental or physical challenges or just lend a helping hand. Other churches have outreach groups that one can volunteer in the community with the homeless or those in need by helping in the food pantry or shelter. Whenever I have volunteered, I experienced a deep connectedness and felt I have gained more than I have given. The sense of fulfillment, gratitude and shared purpose is a reminder for me that service can be a two way street to connectedness.
I would love to hear how you dear Reader feel connected? Maybe you feel just fine without it.
I’m inviting all of my Readers to a free Podcast with my illustrating group as they share different ways to connect. I would be honored if you join us.
To register:
https://lu.ma/enn8w8si
Click below to order a copy of CECELIA SAYS NO when friendship and boundaries collide.
https://tinyurl.com/Cecelia-Says-No-by-Noreen-Anne
Thank you for joining me this month. I’m wishing you a joyful start to Fall and an exhilarating September!
Until next month - be well,
Noreen Anne
I’d love to connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littleangelsbookclub/
Or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noreen.anne.359