Life expectancies are declining. Mortality rates are climbing. Isolation and despair are killing more people than ever. Polarization is at a pre-Civil War boil. In any case, no study or statistic is capturing the scope of heartbreaking human suffering that is hyper apparent right now.

There is a terrifying lack of human connection. Our neighbors, friends, families and fellow citizens are lacking connection to themselves and those immediately around them. I am dedicated to changing this.

Two weeks ago, my Uncle Ron, a man who made always made me feel like I belonged in his presence passed. Uncle Ron didn't just provide this to me - he made all in his presance feel like they were part of his tribe. He would chat up the clerks at the store, he would hold the door open for strangers, and his door was always open to his friends, colleagues, partners and family members. The profound sense of belonging that Uncle Ron provided me in my most formative years, and modeled for all in his large network, hit me with clarity that one doesn’t usually have access to.

In the world I am working to create, we harmonize the gifts of the mind, heart, and body—a divine trifecta that unlocks our individual and collective human potential. In this world people experience more moments of joy, regularly have venues to share their gifts to something significant, feel safe enough to lean into their growth edges and feel a deep sense of belonging. I am committing to doing more of the little things that sow seeds of connection daily. I am committing to do more of the small acts that Big Ron did to make so many others feel like they belonged.

My list is just beginning. Will you help me add to it? Will you join me in these practices? Will you invite others to do the same?

Smile, wave and say hi to passers-by ~ Make eye contact and express gratitude ~ Pay for the person behind me’s groceries from time to time ~ Walk an old lady across the street ~ Hand out flowers to strangers ~ Make friendly conversation with people in line (grocery store, security, restaurant) ~ Actively seek to learn more about colleagues, friends and families (e.g. ask them open ended questions) ~ Leave a handwritten note of appreciation for a colleague or family member ~ Donate used books to a local library or community center ~ Offer your seat to someone in need when on public transport ~ Praise someone's work or effort publicly on social media ~ Send a 'just because' text to a friend or family member ~ Share an uplifting quote or story ~ Donate food to a local food bank ~ Offer to babysit for a friend who needs a break ~ Leave a larger-than-usual tip for good service ~ Offer to take a photo for tourists or a group of friends ~ Listen actively when someone is talking to you, without interrupting ~ Reach out to someone you haven't spoken to in a while ~ Help a neighbor with their yard work or snow shoveling ~ Bake cookies or prepare a meal for a neighbor or friend ~ Share more about what you really love to be, do and have ~ Carry someone else’s groceries to the car ~ Hold the door for someone ~ Invite someone a step removed to coffee/lunch ~ Buy someone else a coffee ~ Walk in and talk to nature ~ Give the benefit of the doubt ~ When tempted to make a statement, ask a question ~ Let a car merge in front of you ~ Give more compliments ~ Offer to share your umbrella with someone caught in the rain ~ Volunteer your skills for a community project or initiative ~ Help someone carry a heavy load up the stairs ~ Offer directions to someone who looks lost ~ Share your favorite book, movie, or playlist recommendations ~ Tell someone they've made a positive impact on your life ~ Share an article or video that you think someone would find beneficial ~ Surprise a colleague with their favorite snack ~ Spend time visiting or calling elderly relatives or friends ~ Make a donation to a charity in someone's name ~ Introduce people in your network who would benefit from knowing each other ~ Leave a kind review for a local business ~ Celebrate other people’s milestones, no matter how small ~

Let's support each other in our collective quest for belonging. Let's replace the current culture of isolation with simple, yet profound actions. We can transform daily encounters into catalysts for change. Never underestimate your power—through any of the above simple acts we can change days, open hearts, and even save lives.

Belonging & Going Beyond