Hey y’all. Welcome to More Lovin, the podcast that brings more laughter, light, and love into everyday life. I’m LeAnn Austin, and around here, love isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we practice through the More Lovin Method. Move. Connect. Love. Three simple choices that can change your day, and over time, your life. Let’s practice a little more lovin. Here we go.
Today’s episode #242: Connect ~ We Were Never Meant To Do Life Alone
Have you ever been in a room full of people and still felt lonely? Or walked into a place where someone smiled, said Hey, and suddenly you felt like you belonged? That moment right there, that’s connection.
Last week, we talked about the first step in the More Lovin Method: Move. Movement creates momentum. Momentum creates possibility, but possibility becomes so much richer when we experience it together.
One of my favorite parts of teaching fitness isn’t even the workout. It’s watching complete strangers become friends. They laugh together, encourage each other, celebrate victories, and sometimes even share tears and hugs. It’s so tender to see and be a part of the interaction that happens at the gym and everywhere in life.
We start each of my classes with something I call Move and Meet. For just 30 seconds, everyone marches over to someone they’ve never met. They learn each other’s names, they answer a fun question, they give a high five, and then we jump into class. It’s only 30 seconds, but you’d be amazed what 30 seconds of genuine connection can do. Sometimes that’s all it takes to make someone feel like they belong.
So today, we’re talking about the second step in the More Lovin Method: Connect.
Because no matter how healthy we become, no matter how successful we are, if we don’t feel connected, something still feels like it’s missing. I think connection starts in three places.
First, connect with yourself. Over the past several years as a life coach, one thing I’ve learned is that it’s hard to connect with others if we’re disconnected from ourselves. Start by becoming aware of what you’re feeling, what you need, and what brings you joy. Then ask yourself, “Can I offer myself the same compassion I’d offer someone I love?”
Second, connect with others. I think one of the greatest gifts we can give another person is helping them feel seen. Notice how you do this now with family and friends, and then practice things that create even more connection with people you don’t know yet.
Smiling more, saying hey to people passing by, looking someone in the eye, meeting new people. And if you need a place to practice this, come join us at the gym. We’ll high-five you and help you feel right at home.
Connection could look like laughing with others, asking and remembering their names, (no worries if you forget, just ask again). Putting your phone away, sending a voice text, going to a random activity where you get to move and connect with others.
I heard this recently and I love it. The deepest connections aren’t built through perfect conversations. They’re built through consistent presence. Connection doesn’t always need to be serious. Sometimes connection looks like laughing until your stomach hurts, sharing a silly moment, or simply enjoying life together.
And third, connect with God or whatever feels important to you. For me, one of the deepest sources of connection is my relationship with God. Whether it’s through prayer, scripture, worship, meditation, serving others, or simply sitting quietly, those moments remind me that I’m never walking through life alone.
So why does all of this matter? Because connection is one of our deepest human needs. We don’t just want to be surrounded by people, we want to be known. We want to be seen. I believe we were created for connection. Connection isn’t about knowing more people, it’s about knowing and being known. Maybe that’s what we’re all longing for. Who could use a little more connection from me today? Hmmm, something to think about and practice.
Here’s my challenge this week. Reach out to one person. Send a text, make a phone call, invite someone to lunch, sit beside someone who’s sitting alone, or learn one person’s name, because connection often begins with one small step toward someone else.
Remember, movement helps us show up. Connection reminds us we belong. Next week we’ll talk about the third step, Love. Because love is what gives both movement and connection their deepest purpose.
Before we go, grab one thing from today’s conversation and remember the More Lovin Method: Move. Connect. Love. Here’s to a little more connection and a whole lot more lovin. You got this.
Thanks for spending part of your day with me. If you’re ready to put the More Lovin Method into practice and create more of what matters most in your life, I’d love to help you through one-on-one coaching. You can learn more at leannaustin.com
Because around here, more lovin isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we practice. Have a good one y’all~