Connected, but lonely

In a world of smart phones, smart watches, smart houses, smart cars, and smart people – we’ve never been more connected.

We have dozens of ways to contact one another. We have nearly endless ways to keep in touch.

All of the world’s information is a click away.

Even a majority of the world’s people are a click away.

Something you share online has the ability to reach millions of people across the globe.

We even go as far as digitally interacting with old and new friends every single day online.

Yet, why do I still feel so lonely?

Humans Need Other Humans

I had a call to catch up with a friend this week.

After chatting for a few minutes, we both highlighted the importance of people.

In life, in work, in creativity.

I mentioned how refreshing it is to collaborate with friends on projects. To hop on a 1-on-1 call and chat about something you’re both invested in. No fluff, no flattery, just human connection.

A like, a comment, or a DM will never live up to the satisfaction a real conversation brings.

A video chat is good, but in person is even better.

We’re meant to be connected with community. Through social media, we get a false sense of this connection – yet it always falls short of fulfilling our human need.

You’re Not Alone

I’ve always considered myself an introvert.

With the friends and connections I do have, I’ve always kept a small circle. Being the instigator of connection has not always been my strong suit.

And as an entrepreneur, it can be easy to shrink into my own world.

If it were up to me, I’d typically put my head down and do the things that excite me – even if it meant doing it alone.

But recently, this has changed.

As I’ve gotten older (and hopefully wiser), I’ve realized that we’re all searching for many of the same things.

Some days, regardless of how badly I want to believe it, I’m not the only person feeling alone. Feeling out of place. Feeling like nobody understands who I am.

I believe we all feel this way at times. That feeling of loneliness doesn’t eventually go away with time. It’s a signal that we need connection.

Sometimes, It’s Up to You

The creative industry is all about connecting with the right people and building your network. In fact, most professional industries work this way.

As the saying goes, “it’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know.”

Living in a small mountain town in Montana doesn’t always provide the network I dream of – so it’s important to be intentional about the connections I do make.

So this month, I’ve gotten very specific about talking to people, scheduling time to chat, and investing time into relationships.

If you feel like “opportunity” isn’t out there for you, or you’re not attracting the things you want to be – remember that it might be up to you to take the first step.

Go to the event.

Send the email.

Shoot the DM.

Schedule the meeting.

And remember that people are (almost) always excited to connect with other people.

Although intimidating, or scary, or awkward – it never hurts to reach out.

You never know where one more connection will lead.

And if you ever need someone to chat with, bounce ideas off, or brainstorm a new project… you know where to find me!

Happy Sunday, have a blessed week!

–Eric

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