Do You Feel Lonely While Being Surrounded With People? Here’s Why.

Hi there! I can hardly believe it, but August has come and gone. As we step into September, I’m filled with a mix of excitement and reflection. This month marks a bit of a milestone for me – I’m venturing into something new, something I’ve never done before. I’ll be sharing my first ever scripted YouTube video, diving deep into a topic that’s been on my mind for quite some time.

Weekly Inventory Check

September is here, and with it comes the usual reflection. We’ve been at this for almost two years now, can you believe it? It’s become a bit of a ritual, hasn’t it? As you look back on August, I encourage you to think about what you’ve achieved. Did you hit the goals you set for yourself? Or did some things fall through the cracks?

I’ve been asking myself the same questions, and to be honest, some of my own goals didn’t pan out quite as I’d hoped. But that’s okay. Life, as I keep reminding myself, isn’t a race. It’s more like a leisurely walk through your neighbourhood – sometimes you stop to admire a flower or chat with a neighbour, other times you just keep moving. There’s no finish line, just the small improvements we make along the way.

Loss of Community

This week, I want to talk about something that’s been on my mind a lot lately – the loss of community and the importance of compromise. If you remember, we touched on this a few weeks ago when we discussed compromise in relationships. But this time, I want to take it a step further and look at how this idea plays out in our communities.

Let me share a little story with you. Just the other day, I was having dinner with some colleagues, and I asked them a simple question: “When was the last time you hung out with your neighbour?” The responses were almost unanimous – most of them couldn’t even remember the last time they had a meaningful interaction with the people living next door. And this wasn’t just a one-off; I’ve asked this question many times, and the answer is almost always the same.

It got me thinking – no wonder we’re all feeling so isolated. We’ve built these walls around ourselves, both literally and figuratively. We’ve become so focused on our own lives, our own needs, that we’ve forgotten how to be part of a community. Social media might give us the illusion of connection, but it’s a poor substitute for real, face-to-face interactions.

I remember when I was growing up, community meant something. We knew our neighbours, we looked out for each other, and there was a sense of belonging that you just don’t see as much today. Now, it feels like everyone is out for themselves. The idea of compromise – of giving a little bit of yourself for the greater good – seems almost foreign.

But I believe it’s not too late to turn things around. Imagine what our communities could be like if we all took a moment to reach out, to get to know the people around us, to help each other out without expecting anything in return. It doesn’t have to be anything grand – maybe it’s just saying hello to your neighbour, or offering to help someone with their groceries. It’s these small acts of kindness that can start to rebuild the sense of community we’ve lost.

Want More?

1. This article emphasizes how strong community ties can combat the loneliness that often accompanies old age.

2. This piece explores the global trend towards individualism, discussing its impact on societal structures and the decline of community-oriented values.

3. This article examines the complexities of compromise in relationships, offering guidance on when it's beneficial to concede and when it's crucial to maintain personal boundaries.

Podcast of the Week

This week, I’m excited to present my first ever scripted video, where I’ll be discussing the concept of individuality and the loss of community in Europe. Through extensive research, I’ve uncovered a lot of data and surveys that highlight a troubling trend: the rise of loneliness and the decline of community spirit across Europe.

Thoughts to Leave You With

As we step into September, I challenge you – and myself – to make a small but meaningful difference in your community. Think about it: what if each of us reached out to just one neighbour, started one conversation, or offered one small act of kindness? These little moments can add up to something much bigger – the rebuilding of our communities.

So here’s my invitation to you: this week, take the first step. Knock on a neighbour’s door, organize a small gathering, or simply introduce yourself to someone you pass by every day. Let’s break down the walls of isolation and start building bridges of connection.

And don’t keep it to yourself! Share your experiences, your successes, and even your challenges. Reply to this newsletter or post on social media with the hashtag #TheWeeklyVasl.

Remember, it’s not just about living your life – it’s about enriching the lives of those around you. Let’s make this month one where we all come together, step by step, to create the kind of communities we want to be part of.