Finding Connection in Isolation: One Voice Note at a Time
Flipping loneliness on its head, with Waffle Wednesday
In my ongoing journey of self-improvement and personal growth, I've stumbled upon a gorgeous way to combat loneliness. Here's how a weekly waffle habit is changing my social life.
Life has a knack for hitting the reset button when we least expect it. In the past two years, the penultimate of the 5-year COVID slump, I've faced a trifecta of major life changes - a new home, the end of a long-term relationship, and a career shift. This whirlwind left me wrestling with solitude and questioning my path to happiness.
I needed to find a way to maintain meaningful connections with friends as we all navigated busy adult lives, while also addressing my own feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Did you know? Loneliness isn't just about physical isolation.
You can feel lonely even in a crowded room or surrounded by loved ones. This "emotional loneliness" is about a lack of meaningful connections rather than simply being alone. It underscores the importance of cultivating deep, authentic relationships over merely increasing social interactions.
The only meaningful conversations I was having were after a few beers at the pub with work colleagues, sharing trauma stories about work - which is obviously not the healthiest thing. Or with my pup, who would just give me a blank stare as she waited for me to throw the ball. After I lost my job and was no longer seeing my work mates every Thursday, it officially turned me quite a bit mad and dangerously towards a downward spiral. This forced me to reach out to my friends who I've known since we were pre-teens with an idea.
Enter Waffle Wednesday - a simple yet effective strategy I've adopted and since spread across 4 group chats because I love it so much. It sadly doesn't involve waffles (unless you want it to!)
Every Wednesday, my friends and I send voice notes or videos to our group chat, sharing highlights from our week. It's like a mini-podcast featuring the voices of my nearest and dearest. Waffle Wednesday has become the highlight of my week. It's brought me closer to my friends, even when we can't meet in person. When we do get together, we skip the small talk and dive into deeper, more meaningful conversations which I thrive.
This simple practice, along with my other strategies, has significantly reduced my feelings of loneliness. I've learned to appreciate my alone time while still nurturing important relationships.
Top Tip: When it comes to combating loneliness, a multi-faceted approach can be incredibly effective. In addition to strategies like Waffle Wednesday, consider incorporating these habits into your routine:
Daily Journaling: Set aside time each day for self-reflection, start simple with this prompt “one word that describes your emotions today”.
Mindfulness Practices: Regular meditation can help center your thoughts and reduce feelings of isolation, read my Mindfulness for Overthinkers for more.
Exploring New Hobbies: Dive into new interests or deepen existing ones to provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment. These practices, combined with meaningful connections, can significantly enhance your mental wellbeing and resilience.
If you're navigating your own "lonely chapter” as explained by Chris Williamson, I hope this inspires you to find creative ways to stay connected. Remember, small actions can make a big difference in combating loneliness. Want more tips on personal growth and wellbeing? Subscribe to get weekly insights delivered straight to your inbox. Together, we can turn life's challenges into opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Now if you excuse me, it’s Wednesday, so I’m off to get my waffle on!
In a while, crocodile! 🐊