How can we overcome loneliness?

How can we overcome loneliness? I have just watched this lovely TED talk by Baya Voce about loneliness. As someone who has struggled with this from time to time, I was interested to find out more.

Baya explains that we feel lonely when we feel disconnected. We are spending more time online, and less time on meaningful in-person connections. So, when we are going through difficult times in life, we often suffer alone.

When Baya was young, she wanted to fit in, however this fuelled her need for approval and attention. She went on a reality TV show, but realised this wasn’t the answer. In order to feel connected, we need to feel seen, heard, and valued.

In Blue Zones around the world, people live the longest and happiest lives. They focus on their relationships, and prioritise connection.  They create rituals that allow them to spend quality time with people who see, hear and value them. Baya calls these “anchors of connection”, and the rituals do not have to be religious or sacred. Instead, she suggests we use something we are already doing on a day-to-day basis, combining repeated action with intention.

The best rituals involve friends and family, partners or communities. We gather to tell stories and connect. Arranging a regular set time for this is the key to building a ritual, and in both good times and bad, these rituals can keep us connected.

Project 365

I set up this website after deciding that I want to build a more creative life for myself, so I can give up my job and be in control of my own destiny.

I have set myself a goal of publishing an article on my website every day this year, to document my journey from employment to self-employment.

The name I chose was Project 365 because I see this as a year that I have dedicated to learning and self-development, as I countdown to freedom. It started on 1st January 2021, so I have 185 days to go!