connection

Finding Your Compass in a World Gone Wild

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

Let’s be honest: life’s gotten a bit… noisy. Between emails, endless to-do lists, and trying to remember if it’s trash day or recycling day, it’s no wonder we feel like hamsters on a wheel. We’re sprinting but not necessarily going anywhere.

But here’s the thing: the wheel doesn’t stop unless you do. So, let’s talk about hitting pause, stepping off, and reconnecting with what truly matters. Spoiler: it’s not your inbox or that new streaming show everyone’s talking about.

Take a second and ask yourself: Who am I outside of my responsibilities, my job title, and my Wi-Fi connection? It sounds deep, but it’s really about rediscovering what makes you tick. What lights you up? When was the last time you did something just because it made you happy?

Maybe it’s cooking, dancing like nobody’s watching (even if they are), or painting even though your best work looks like Picasso’s toddler phase. The point isn’t perfection; it’s joy. Reconnecting with these moments of bliss is step one to finding your way back to yourself.

Look around—who’s in your circle? Are they lifting you up or dragging you down? Life’s too short to spend time with people who drain your energy. (Yes, faceless keyboard warrior, I’m looking at you.)

Surround yourself with those who make your soul feel like it’s at an all-you-can-eat buffet of laughter, love, and support. These are your people—the ones who remind you of what matters when you forget.

This one’s a toughie, but hear me out: turn off your phone. No, seriously. The world won’t implode if you’re unreachable for an hour.

Go for a walk without headphones. Sit in the park and people-watch. (Bonus points if you guess their life stories.) Journal your thoughts. Meditate. Or just stare at the ceiling and let your mind wander. When you’re not constantly consuming, you create space to connect with yourself and your surroundings.

Here’s a wild concept: you don’t have to do everything. Not every party, project, or PTA meeting needs your RSVP. Saying “no” isn’t selfish; it’s strategic.

Every time you say “yes” to something that doesn’t align with your values, you’re saying “no” to something that does. Protect your time and energy like it’s the last slice of pizza—it’s precious.

At the core of reconnecting with what matters is figuring out your “why.” Why do you do what you do? What’s the point? It’s easy to get stuck in the day-to-day grind and forget the big picture.

Take some time to reflect on what gives your life meaning. Is it your family? Your creative passions? Making a difference in the world? Whatever it is, let it guide your decisions. It’s your internal compass in a world full of distractions.

Life’s a mess—you’re a mess—we’re all a mess. And that’s okay! Laugh at the chaos. Celebrate the little wins, like remembering to water your plants or finally folding that mountain of laundry. Humor keeps things light and reminds us not to take it all too seriously.

Reconnecting with what matters isn’t a one-time thing; it’s an ongoing practice. Some days you’ll nail it, and other days you’ll eat cereal for dinner and scroll Instagram for hours. (We’ve all been there.) The point is to keep coming back to what’s important.

So, take a deep breath, step off the hamster wheel, and start living a life that feels like yours!

And that’s exactly what I’ll be doing. I’m stepping off the hamster wheel to connect with family over the holidays. I’ll be back in the new year with fresh ideas and strategies to help us work toward our successes. I’ll also be spending time in the new year studying for a new license so I can help my clients even more!

Here’s to the holidays—a time for joy, fresh starts, chasing bigger dreams, and embracing the renewed hope that comes with new beginnings!!

Communicate To Connect

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

In a world where information bombards us from every angle, the art of communication has taken center stage. Every day, entangled in the relentless flood of advertisements, texts, emails, calls, and conversations, we find ourselves inundated with over 35,000 messages in an incessant attempt to grab our attention.

Communication is an omnipresent force in our lives. Whether we are aware of it or not, we are constantly engaged in the act of conveying messages. It’s not just about the words we speak or type; it’s a culmination of body language, facial expressions, emotion, and the nuanced art of expression that is all a part of expressing ourselves.

In this era of hyper-connectivity, you might assume that genuine connections are flourishing. But reality often tells a different story. While communication is a surplus, true connection remains elusive for many. It’s a contradictory situation where the quantity of messages doesn’t translate into quality connections.

In this communication chaos, the essence of genuine connection is often lost. We send messages without truly understanding or empathizing with the recipients. It’s as if we’re speaking into a void, with the hope that our words will resonate, but more often than not they are drowned out by the noise of countless other messages.

The key to effective communication lies not just in the act of conveying information but in the ability to connect with others on a deeper level. It involves active listening, genuine understanding, and a willingness to connect words and emotions. Communication, at its core, is a two-way street where both the sender and receiver play integral roles.

Often overlooked in the digital realm, body language and facial expressions remain powerful tools in conveying unspoken messages. A smile, a nod, or even the subtlest change in expression can speak volumes, going beyond the limitations of words. In a world dominated by screens, preserving the authenticity of human expression is paramount. We are so used to electronic exchange that we have become emotionless when face-to-face.

To truly connect, it’s essential to break free from the superficiality of the constant communication barrage. Instead of simply transmitting messages, we must strive to build bridges between hearts and minds. It requires patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to understand and be understood.

In a society where everyone is vying for attention, the ability to genuinely connect becomes a rare and precious skill. A skill that goes beyond the mere exchange of information; it includes shared understanding and mutual respect. As we deal with the numerous messages we receive every day, let’s not forget the power of true connection in the overwhelm of communication.

And if you’re interested….Coming in January I will be offering a free lunch & learn on communicating with connection (More details to come). Until then, take advantage of my December offer of having me host a free round (online or in person) of The Leadership Game! Go to https://tulincu.com/ to schedule now!