I need to get better at checking in on others and myself! Most of us are always on go go go mode and narrow focused on what we want to complete and sometimes forget to check in on others.
During stressful or uncertain times, I tend to pull away.
But through experience, I've learned that isolation usually doesn't make me feel better. Connection does. Here are a few ways I push back against the urge to hide.
Start with a loved one. When you're in extreme withdrawal mode, try to talk to someone with whom you feel safe. A small, supportive interaction can give you the momentum to check in with more folks.
Set a "reach-out reminder." Once a week, send a quick note to someone you haven't spoken with for awhile. I recently reconnected with a friend I hadn't seen in over a year, and it was lovely to catch up.
? Just press send. I used to overthink messages to the point where I sometimes never said anything at all. Avoid this! You never know how much even a simple "How are you?" can mean to someone.
Connection is comforting, especially when things feel up in the air. If you've been thinking of someone, take this as your sign to reach out.
But through experience, I've learned that isolation usually doesn't make me feel better. Connection does. Here are a few ways I push back against the urge to hide.
Start with a loved one. When you're in extreme withdrawal mode, try to talk to someone with whom you feel safe. A small, supportive interaction can give you the momentum to check in with more folks.
Set a "reach-out reminder." Once a week, send a quick note to someone you haven't spoken with for awhile. I recently reconnected with a friend I hadn't seen in over a year, and it was lovely to catch up.
? Just press send. I used to overthink messages to the point where I sometimes never said anything at all. Avoid this! You never know how much even a simple "How are you?" can mean to someone.
Connection is comforting, especially when things feel up in the air. If you've been thinking of someone, take this as your sign to reach out.
Naomi Midanik • 2nd
Therapist for Professionals | Ex-Corporate Leader | MBA | Masters of Counselling Psychology | Founder Bright Balance PsychotherapyI rarely hear anyone tell me they regret reaching out.
5 Replies on Naomi Midanik’s comment
Liz Fosslien Author
Work-focused storyteller, author, and keynote speakerNaomi Midanik love hearing this so much!!
Annabella B. J. • 3rd+
Software Integrator | Configuration Management l Tech Attachée l Communication and Technology linkages UG to Austria l Digital Vision Uganda l [UG Vision 2040 | Agenda 2063 | UN Global Goals| SDG 4,16 & 17Naomi Midanik - I have regretted on some occasions
Robert Ribciuc • 3rd+
Pricing & value creation for private equity, consumer & pet brands, e-commerce, software | Board member & advisor | Adjunct faculty & speaker | CFA, CPP, NACD.DC | DOBEThis hits home Liz Fosslien. To begin with, we sometimes notice someone else hasn't been in touch with us for a while, rarely thinking first we haven't reached out to them. And, isolating ourselves and self doubt and not checking on "ourselves and our assumptions" often starts or reinforces depressive tendencies ...
1 Comment on Robert Ribciuc’s comment
Liz Fosslien Author
Work-focused storyteller, author, and keynote speakerRobert Ribciuc agree that isolating ourselves usually causes us to lean further into our insecurities and self-doubt
Myntful
245 followersWe have more power than we think. Small actions can change someone's day and ours too!
Keely Siciliano, MS • 3rd+
Director of Digital Marketing @ Henry Ford Health Former Global Brand & Digital for Dawn Foods, Dart Container, Solo Cup | Idea Maker B2B & DTC | Optimist | Nice Gal | ListenerThis advice is spot on and something I’ve been trying to follow as well. I’m such a loner at heart that I can go eons without connecting with people I care about before I even realize it. I started putting time blocks/reminders on my calendar to visit family, call friends, and text to check in. I haven’t perfected it yet but I am improving.
Sylvie M Maury Ph.D, ACC • 3rd+
Executive, Resilience and Wellness Coach| Speaker|Liz Fosslien This is such a thoughtful and relatable post.
Your suggestions are simple yet powerful reminders of how connection can ground us.
Starting small, like reaching out to a safe person or sending a quick note, feels manageable even when we’re overwhelmed.
Thank you for your post-it’s an important reminder that even small steps toward connection can make a big difference.
Your suggestions are simple yet powerful reminders of how connection can ground us.
Starting small, like reaching out to a safe person or sending a quick note, feels manageable even when we’re overwhelmed.
Thank you for your post-it’s an important reminder that even small steps toward connection can make a big difference.
David T. • 2nd
Ethos-building team lead and thought partner | Behind-the-scenes strategic leader | Championing the development of impactful medicines | Former top-enrolling site coordinator and adboard memberI do this regularly and often as much as I can - esp if I think of someone in my head, I'll send a quick text/email/LI message. I am that one on the bottom left but I know appearances are never what they seem so always offer friends the opportunity to open up if they're willing to and I offer an open ear.
Leslie Bourdeau • 3rd+
Building Exceptional Teams Across Industries | Advocate for Strong Company CultureIt’s easy to isolate, but reaching out really helps. I love the "reach-out reminder" idea—sometimes we just need that little push. How do you find the courage to connect when you're feeling withdrawn?
Christina Stephenson • 3rd+
Freelance Consultant | Instructional Design | eLearning DevelopmentVery true. I was just reading about this the other day. When we isolate ourselves, our focus narrows on ourselves and what we're going through, and that affects our decisions. It could also cause us to push away the support we need from others.
Cedric Couvreur • 2nd
Professional coach, trainer & consultantReconnecting with someone you haven’t seen for a while is always so nice. I notice I sometimes go into deeper conversations and connect in a different way with them. Some friends I only see a couple of times a year and it always is a pleasure to catch-up. And receiving a message from a friend just asking how you are doing can really make a big difference.
Jennifer O. • 3rd+
The AI whisperer ...Thank you Liz I am almost out of the overthinking business...nearly there. Had a crisis of confidence yesterday so I reached out to a friend and talked it through. Friends can remind you how amazing you are, should you forget. Everybody - reach out and tell a friend how amazing they are to you today. Very inspired...
Tania Carvalho • 3rd+
Leadership & Career Coach | Financial Services Professional | Gender Equity & Philanthropy AdvocateI've found that connection doesn’t have to be big or complicated to make an impact. Sometimes just sending a quick "thinking of you" can shift everything. Choosing connection, even in small ways, matters more than we realise.
2 Replies on Tania Carvalho’s comment
Tania Carvalho • 3rd+
Leadership & Career Coach | Financial Services Professional | Gender Equity & Philanthropy AdvocateHeather Chavin, MA (Personal Development) Yes!! That's so true for me as well.
Ula Caroto, ACC • 3rd+
Rest Queen | Helping ambitious go-getters reclaim energy and balance through guilt-free rest | Thrive, don’t just survive—in life and business | Polyvagal-Informed CoachThank you for sharing this Liz Fosslien. When I went through a breakdown I was able to transform it into a breakthrough when I went against my usual pattern of hiding away from the world and instead reach out to a friend who made it feel safe to be and share the emotional load I had been under. That week I gained new clarity on what’s important for me personally and in my business: rest is the foundation of growth. And connecting to self, people we trust and the world around us is a form of rest.
Heather Chavin, MA (Personal Development) • 3rd+
Ditch Overwhelm for Meaningful Work (Coach 10+ Yrs) | Free Virtual Coworking Community: GoGoDone (6+ Yrs) | Productivity Newsletter with Inspiring VisualsLove this message. When I started going through my divorce and stopped reaching out - only two people noticed. And my Mom was one of them! Turns out I had created a social circle where I was the one keeping the relationships alive. I do a much better job of choosing who I allow into my inner circle now.
Jennifer van Vliet • 3rd+
COO to non-profit organisationsThis is so recognisable. When I am not feeling great, I retreat into 'my cave' and worse, I push away those that reach out.
These are excellent ways to deal with that.
These are excellent ways to deal with that.
Dr. Abeyna Bubbers-Jones • 2nd
Helping Doctors Secure High-Value Industry Careers 100% Guaranteed in Just 12 months 120000+ Doctors Impacted Globally Struggling to transition? Take the Free 5-day Course Featured Section!Starting with someone you trust makes reaching out feel way less intimidating. And the “reach-out reminder”? Love that.
Dr. Stephanie Cawthon • 2nd
Your next accessibility AHA moment is just a click away.Totally. I'm EXHAUSTED. And.. I know that reaching out to others is going to both give and receive energy.
Laura Flessner • Following
Leadership Coach for Diverse Professionals // Lead authentically at any level, using Innovation & Neuroscience // Get your free copy of "7 Steps to Authentic Leadership" --> DM me ‘Unlock’I think the 4th one is so so important. I found myself trying to distract instead of face the discomfort I was feeling. But it only made things worse.
Michael Mazour • 3rd+
Principal Engineer, Software Architect, Consultant | Start-ups to Scale-ups | Growth, FinTech, Regulated Industries | UK+US Dual Citizen | Harvard Physics, UCLA MBAAbsolutely. And even if someone's super busy and doesn't have time to really catch up, just the message that someone we're not in regular contact with thought of us an wanted to talk is usually a very welcome gift.
Dina Thiessen, CEP • 3rd+
Senior Director, EM Managed Services at InsightSoftwareSocial anxiety can be so painful and isolating. Just one small text can open a door for the sender and receiver.
Nancy Claxton • 2nd
Focused on learning, public health and behaviour change. It just works.These are dark days for so many and this is such a good nudge to remember how important this is. My best friend just checked in with me today and she let me be not okay for awhile to get back to being okay. Thanks Dawnie..
1 Comment on Nancy Claxton’s comment
Heather Chavin, MA (Personal Development) • 3rd+
Ditch Overwhelm for Meaningful Work (Coach 10+ Yrs) | Free Virtual Coworking Community: GoGoDone (6+ Yrs) | Productivity Newsletter with Inspiring VisualsNancy Claxton Glad you're on your way back.
Caryn Leach-Smith LLB. Barrister English Coach • 3rd+
I enjoy helping legal & business professionals feel confident, speak clearly and express themselves powerfully in English by developing a growth mindset & using effective communication tools. Elevate your reputation.
Anna M. McKeever • 3rd+
Navigator of Strategic Initiatives | Cultivating Leadership and GrowthLove this so much!
Gosia Talarek • 3rd+
Transforming Challenges into Solutions by Connecting People | PMP® | CSM® | Digital Summit LeadI can very much relate having the tendency to isolate myself when things get tough. The „reach-out reminder” is such a wonderful idea - thank you for sharing and I’m implementing it right away!
Jenine Camins (Pellegrino) • 3rd+
Performance & Personal Development Coach Mindfulness & Mindset Trainer Speaker Podcast Guest UQ MindfulnessThis is such a great reminder- and a perfect time to share it. There are a lot of people going through moments of uncertainty. Thank you.
Brian Bassanio Paul • 3rd+
Co-Founder and CEO of Time and Space Music (Helping Artists Shine Globally) | Co-Founder of CleverComment (Empowering LinkedIn Engagement with AI) | Director at LiveAdmins (24/7 LiveChat and Call Solutions)Liz Connecting genuinely builds resilience. I wholeheartedly agree; reaching out makes all the difference, and even briefly, makes a world of difference.
Rybo Chen, ECPC, ACC • 3rd+
I help people move from uncertainty and overwhelm to clarity and purpose, empowering them to build the dream life and career they love.Great reminder Liz Fosslien I need to get better at checking in on others and myself! Most of us are always on go go go mode and narrow focused on what we want to complete and sometimes forget to check in on others.
Howard Blackburn • 3rd+
Helping Leaders Replace Busy with Impact | Retail Leader @ ASICS | Leadership & Personal Growth AdvocateConnection doesn’t need to be grand—it just needs to be intentional. Thanks for the reminder!
Kerri Sutey • 2nd
Global Strengths-Based Coach, Consultant, and Facilitator | My passion is coaching orgs through change | Forbes Coaches Council | Ex-GoogleConnection is such a powerful thing - and it doesn't have to be hard. A quick message or check-in can truly make a world of difference—for both people. I appreciate Naomi Midanik's comment that it's not often someone regrets reaching out to another person. Reaching out is often exactly what we need to feel supported and less alone.
1 Comment on Kerri Sutey’s comment
Naomi Midanik • 2nd
Therapist for Professionals | Ex-Corporate Leader | MBA | Masters of Counselling Psychology | Founder Bright Balance PsychotherapyKerri Sutey Thank you! And for the odd time we may regret it (maybe it wasn't well received) - the risk overall is worth it when we look at the bigger picture.
Esra AKKAYA • 3rd+
Passionate Digital Strategy Assistant Specialist at TRTSimple is best; just asking 'what's going on lately?' can have a great effect.
Ahmed Marzouk • 3rd+
AssocRICS | CIPSCA | CICCM | PMP® | Contract / Commercial ManagementThe friend who seems to have it all together
Utymo Nicolè Julião de Oliveira • 2nd
Head of Strategy
Kaja Beutin • 3rd+
Impulse für Persönlichkeits- und Teamentwicklung zur Stärkung von Resilienz & Wohlbefinden // nebenberufliche Glückslehrerin // in Ausbildung zur Lehrtrainerin für das Schulfach Glück // Agile Coach // Dozentin //Thanks for the reminder - strong connections are sooo important for our well-being! ?
Kristina M. • 3rd+
Vice President Communications & MarketingVery good advice.
Kalee Williams • 3rd+
Social Media @ Atlassian | Social Creative Strategy | Social Storytelling | Influencer & Creator Partnerships | Integrated Marketing | Customer ObsessedThis is so true! Make the phone call, send the text, or respond to the email. It's good for everyone!
Annabella B. J. • 3rd+
Software Integrator | Configuration Management l Tech Attachée l Communication and Technology linkages UG to Austria l Digital Vision Uganda l [UG Vision 2040 | Agenda 2063 | UN Global Goals| SDG 4,16 & 17(edited)
I have learnt not to do that anymore! Burned to ashes! Not every connection is good when in such situations.
Meredith Mascolo • 3rd+
Strategic Communications Leader | Employee Engagement | Storyteller & Podcaster | Change Management | Community BuilderI adore this
Nicholas Simon (Nick) • 3rd+
Business Development Manager@ Verdantix // Industrial Transformation // Industrial Data & Analytics // ESG, Sustainability & Climate techLove your graphics so much.
Nicole Stuber • 3rd+
Communications Leader | Trusted Advisor | I help executives and employers build trust, engage stakeholders, and create award-winning experiencesThis all hits so close to my heart, especially your point about calling those who seem to have it all together. Thank you for sharing this, Liz Fosslien. I’m inspired and scheduling a recurring connection call in my calendar now
Sahir Maharaj • 3rd+
Senior Data Scientist | Bring me data, I will give you insights | Top 1% Power BI Super User | 500+ solutions delivered | AI EngineerReaching out, even in small ways, can make a huge difference, Liz.
Malik Muzamil • 3rd+
I Will Help You Save Time By Building Your Personal Brand Without Remembering Your Password On The Last Try! | Crispy Comments = Instant AttentionOverthinking messages ah yes, the art of writing, deleting, rewriting, then sending hey after 3 hours.
