Connection — Blog — Courage to Caregivers

Beating Loneliness Through Self-Connection

“Loneliness is a subjective feeling where the connections we need are greater than the connections we have.” – Dr. Vivek Murthy

You don’t have to be alone to feel lonely.

Caregivers often feel alone when the loved ones we care for are withdrawn or unable to connect with the rest of the world in traditional ways. We also can get caught up in always trying to do something for someone else. This can lead to a feeling of loneliness as we disconnect from the rest of the world … and even from ourselves. Unchecked over the long term, this disconnect can make it hard for us to identify our own needs and seek support from others when we need it. To break through the loneliness, we need to find healthy ways to reconnect with others and ourselves.

Common HumanityKristi HornerApril 18, 2024Loneliness, Breaking Through Loneliness, Connection

You’re Good at Compassion – Save Some for Yourself

We can be so hard on ourselves at times. You know the feeling – that we’re not doing enough or we’re not good enough. But what would you say to a loved one who felt that way? You’d give them love and support, and you’d let them know it’s not true.

MindfulnessKristi HornerMarch 11, 2021Self-Compassion, Self-Kindness, Connection, Mindfulness, Notice

Compose Social Serenity - August 2020 Newsletter

August’s Newsletter is focused on Composing Social Serenity!

Read our August Newsletter here.

SocialKristi HornerAugust 27, 2020Monthly Newsletter, Connection

Solidarity at a Distance

Connecting with others is a basic human need that is hardwired within us from birth. As caregivers, we gain a lot from our social connections, including emotional support, respite care, and a sounding board for our concerns, just to name a few of the benefits.

RelationshipsKristi HornerJuly 9, 2020Connection, Relationships

Connecting Is Critical; Disconnecting Is, Too

“Understanding begins with all of us looking inward, reflecting on our own attitudes, and of course, having difficult conversations with family and friends.”

That quote comes from the introduction to this antiracist reading list, and it’s a great lead-in to our topic this week on the importance of disconnecting (looking inward to reconnect with ourselves), and then reconnecting with others.

Physical WellnessKristi HornerJune 11, 2020Disconnecting, Technology, Connection, Antiracist

Self-Care is Not Selfish

Happy International Self-Care Day! That’s right, July 24th has been declared as a day just for us!

RelationshipsKristi HornerJuly 24, 2019Connection, Self-Care

Go Outside When You Read This (If You Can)

Last week, I mentioned that being outside is a sanctuary for me. Working in my garden, taking a walk in the park with my dog, or just getting a breath of fresh air always rejuvenates me.

Environmental WellnessKristi HornerJune 6, 2019Connection, Nature

Having the Awkward Conversation

Maybe you’ve noticed that a friend or loved one seems to be feeling down or acting differently from the way they usually do. You might wonder if it’s better to say something or let it go. …

RelationshipsKristi HornerJuly 9, 2018Connection, Suicide Prevention