"...feeling suicidial since the age of 9..." - Joyner Lucas
This is my 1st time being exposed to this artist and his visual. The pain, the excruciating emotional pain some of our fellow travelers are feeling, some of whom are in your friends list, on your timelines, your colleagues, church members, classmates, neighbors, family members, etc. People you know both on and offline may be experiencing pain you are unaware of. Pain they mask with pretty pictures and very articulate posts. Pain, that lives with them daily.
If you know me on or offline you know I am an advocate of connecting offline. My need to connect with people and look into their eyes and feel their energy. Some view this practice as an ancient art...the art of reading eyes which serve as the windows to the soul. Even within my business, my decisions involve this practice...I must 'see' you and allow my heart to weigh in on the decision.
If you are in my life both inner or within one of the outer circles you have received some form of the following from me:
I'm calling - texting - connecting with you to ask how his your heart? Your mind?
If you received this it may appear random, but nothing I do is random, I connect because I felt something.
Social media is a great platform for many things but replacing or being a surrogate for human connection it is not.
▪ When is the last time you connected with and listened to someone without your device? Without checking every ring, ding, buzz?
▪ The last time you grabbed your significant other who is in the bed with you before your device?
▪The last time you listened to your children without checking email, texting, scrolling social media, checking in, etc?
▪ The last time you sent a real card, flowers, etc instead of an electronic one?
▪ The last time you wished happy birthday in person instead of on their timeline?
▪ The last time you called someone or met in person instead of texted?
All of this technology provides a false sense of connection, which leaves people feeling more disconnected than ever.
Today I implore you to get offline and connect in real time. Put your gadgets down and instead of staring into a screen, look into someone's eyes and let them know you see and appreciatethem.
You do not have to handle everything on your own. There is major strength and courage in asking for and seeking help. - Misha N Granado, MPH, MS