Silencing Isolation with the Melody of Engagement
Everywhere I go, everyone I speak to—whether it's leaders or people delivering patient care— It seems like everyone is "keeping to themselves" and is "saddened by the lack of connection at work and in life." Loneliness, isolation, and burnout have surged to an epidemic level that I call the post-COVID blues. The U.S. Surgeon General's data show that our social connections have been dwindling significantly over the last 50 years.
Where are these problems coming from?
We can all talk about the various root causes like digital device obsessions, but the sheer number of distractions is enough to induce an oscillation between feelings of taking too many rollercoaster rides and being stuck on a malfunctioning elevator. One is exhilarating and leaves you wanting more, while the other leaves you with a new phobia.
"Eleanor Rigby" by The Beatles is a song that delves into loneliness and the longing for connection; telling the story of individuals who are disconnected and unengaged in life. While "All of Me" by John Legend offers a solution by engaging oneself completely, with all of one’s flaws and beauty, showcasing the answer: deep emotional engagement.
Engagement!
However, we often perceive engagement as being busy, but it's about something other than that. It's about the quality of interaction, thoughtfulness, listening, and participating in what's continually unfolding. It's about connection: risking what's essential about oneself, putting yourself "out there," reaching towards your colleagues, and—most importantly—ourselves. Ah, the first and most crucial step is engaging with yourself.
Years ago, when I encountered feelings of loneliness, isolation, and depression, I decided to give it a name and ask these feelings what they wanted. Eventually, they answered back with advice that gave me clarity and purpose. While keeping some things to yourself is essential, keeping all your feelings to yourself provokes the exhaustive narrator in your head. Developing and sustaining social connections creates a supportive network and the kind of (good) stress vital for emotional resilience.
Ultimately, when you engage, something magical will emerge. You'll feel a sense of resonance and be able to send your distractions packing. Your choices will start to feel like they have meaning. Meaning is the mediator of engagement in your life, transforming how we think about ourselves, others, and our work—paving the way out of the loneliness, isolation, and burnout epidemic toward a more engaged, purposeful life.
I'd love to hear from you!
I’d love to hear your stories about challenges with isolation or engagement so we can provide practical content to help in the future.
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