1) Connect Connect is the first of the 4Cs: the Fierce Kindness philosophy that helps us lead a joyful and meaning-filled life. Connect is about building a deep connection with yourself, others—and something bigger than yourself. CONNECT is essential for self-worth, resilience and a fulfilling life! 1) CONNECT to yourself, others & something bigger It hurts to be disconnected from who we truly are. If you feel distant from yourself, or wish life was more fulfilling, Connect may be for you. Connect has 3 elements: A deep connection to ourselves. Self-connection is how we know what we really want and need, who and what matters. It allows us to be our best and most authentic self in the world—and create a life of meaning. A deep connection to others—we all deeply want to belong (not just fit in) and be seen for who we truly are. Connect helps us build meaningful relationships, and allocate our time and energy to those who matter most. Lastly, a connection to something bigger than ourselves helps us find awe, wonder and joy. It stops life from feeling flat, empty and uninspiring. The Big Takeaway Connecting deeply to ourselves is at the root of a meaningful and happy life. Self-connection is the first and most important step towards a more fulfilling life as it enables us to: Build our life around our deepest desires and what matters most. Take care of—and truly value—ourselves. We know what we want, what we don’t and set boundaries accordingly. Experience more inner peace: we’re no longer one person on the outside—and another on the inside… Find belonging—where we make meaningful connections with others from our authentic self, not just ‘fitting in’. What a well-CONNECTED life looks like You value yourself. You feel fulfilled, confident, resilient and strong. Life is fulfilling because you know who you are, what you want from life and you have meaningful relationships—people in your life you can be your true self with and feel a sense of belonging with. You have more confidence and self-assurance because you live your values, know your strengths and you’re not wasting energy trying to be someone you’re not. You pay attention to what you need and how you feel. When you feel stressed, tired or overwhelmed, you’re not afraid to put yourself first and take care of you. Core Practices for CONNECT INSTANT BREATHE DEEPLY: Deep breathing is the perfect practice to instantly reconnect to yourself. Place your hand on your stomach and take 3 deep, slow breaths into your tummy (not your chest—this is shallow “stress” breathing). You may also like this 1 min Tree Roots Calming Meditation START A HABIT JOURNALING: I journal most days, with a beautiful notebook. Journaling helps us build a relationship with ourselves. It helps us explore who we are, what we’re good at, what we want, what matters, what’s going on with us—and even identify solutions… Check out these 5 Questions to Identify Your Unique Strengths & Talents! (Printable Graphic) A NEW WAY TO BE 1) SLOW DOWN: Stop rushing and take everything more slowly. Here are 5 Easy Ways to Slow Down – and Be Kind! 2) DO JUST ONE THING AT A TIME. Yes, you busy multi-taskers out there. This one is for you. Do. Just. One. Thing. At. A. Time. Click the link for more on why to avoid multi-tasking with 9 Ways to “Solotask”. FUN DAILY PRACTICE Connect with yourself by Wearing one thing you love every day! Now, Get Started! What one action/thing will you do to connect more deeply to your true self? What Next? You’ve just learned about: C – CONNECT: Connect to yourself, others—and something bigger than yourself. Coming up next: C – CREATE a life you love and learn to love the life you already have… C – CONTRIBUTE. Do something (however small) to make a difference. C – CHOOSE (Fierce) Kindness always—which sits underneath everything we do. Do you want a life of meaning? Are you willing to commit to yourself? To help make our world a better place? Well, these 4 Cs are at the heart of Fierce Kindness. I am always working towards them, and I hope you will too.