Over the past few years, I have watched the drastic decrease of basic human connection. It feels like we have never been more isolated; more alone. Loneliness tells our mind that we need social connection and without it, something is wrong. In our closest relationships, we are more disconnected than ever. It’s lonely.

From the incredible advances in smart phone technology, expansion of high-speed wifi technology, remote work, online ordering, expansive social media platforms, and the covid pandemic itself; We as a people, have never been more isolated.

Turns out that research has proven that Loneliness is a greater predictor of “early death” than smoking a pack of cigarettes a day or severe obesity. Loneliness is a huge predictor of mental and physical health problems. I’m playing out the sadness of the Robb Elementary School Shooting in Uvalde, Texas in my mind. As a human, my heart hurts for all that were involved in this tragedy.

As the reports began coming out about the shooter, we heard similar profiling words like “loner”, “isolated”, “few friends”, “few relationships”. Relationships matter. People matter. Respect for each other, matters.

We all go through the valleys of loneliness. Life is incredibly difficult. We are knocked down and constantly challenged to get back up. People are incredibly difficult. Friends, family, co-workers, and simply acquaintances, can hurt us profoundly to our core. As a coping mechanism, we isolate. We go at it alone. The idea is that it saves us from being hurt again. In reality, we move from autonomy, to isolation, to loneliness, to suffering, to despair.

Today I challenge you to simply engage in someone’s life. A spouse, a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker. Ask them questions with genuine interest. Actively listen and enjoy engaging in human connection. Find something (any little thing) in common, and share a story or two. We were made for human connection, relationships, and to belong. We were made to Love. Love others well.

If all else fails, stop in one of our shops. We will engage you. Hopefully we will laugh and connect, and enjoy each other’s company. We will show each other some grace, and at worst, you can talk to Beau! He will genuinely love that you popped in as much as we will!

Peace!

Matt Wright