Awareness, Acceptance, and Alignment. This is one definition I came across while researching the subject of self-connection. In simpler terms, self-connection is a state of being. A condition in which one would regularly check in with their emotions, both physical and spiritual needs, to achieve a higher level of wellness. In the process, honoring those needs would become more intuitive as one occupies their physical body. Sounds wonderful!

How often do you check in on your emotions, self-worth, and that “good place” where you can grow as a confident person with purpose? When we are in that good place emotionally, does that advancement allow us to navigate how we interact, conduct daily conversations, and communicate feelings? Does true self-connection secure how grounded we are?

Instead of having total strangers validate us, if we face the mirror, feeling centered and conveying value to ourselves before trying so hard to please others, could we genuinely be our authentic selves?

Would that purpose shape robust mental health and well-being?

Our positive social connections support better sleep and immune and metabolic health. Yet, in a time of social media capturing every “perfect” moment, our country is dealing with more depression and isolation than ever. We live for the acceptance, the followers, and the likes as we tune in daily to see how we rank. Looking for approval from acquaintances and strangers on these outlets is not ideal when dealing with the pitfalls of loneliness and isolation. Preferably, social media is not your go-to for validation of self-worth. However, if social media is not your retreat, that doesn’t mean you cannot become a victim of difficulties associated with disconnecting from your true self.

Staying in touch with what makes you an individual goes back to self-care 101.

• Becoming comfortable with being alone can be an excellent activity for those looking to reconnect with their true selves.

• In addition, kindness extended to oneself as you would to another is equally important.

• The art of saying no.

• Daily movement.

• Gratitude.

• Creating a meditative space somewhere in your home to rest your mind.

A meaningful and happy life is often clouded by obligations, misguided experiences, and conditioning going back to our youth. For example, some of us are very good at being caregivers. However, most caregivers are detached from the concept of self-connection.

We can also work very hard to prove ourselves to the world. In the process, we can lose touch with our true purpose when allowing someone else to put value on our self-worth.

As we become more acquainted with who we are and what makes us happy, our purpose, and relaxed in our skin, we can test the water around friends, family, and those we encounter in everyday experiences. If we become more vulnerable and feel like ourselves around someone who accepts our feelings and who we are, we are on our way to a joyful recognition every time we look in the mirror. If someone makes you uncomfortable for who you truly are, veto that associate, friend, or acquaintance. Or at least smile, walk away, and keep them at an arm’s distance.

A newfound and sharpened intuition is awareness, acceptance, and alignment. Authentically, you are on a journey to shape and improve, likely to change over time with learned experiences, but anchored with a nod and smile every time you see your reflection in a mirror.

In good health! ~ Ellen