Do you feel connected?

Summary

The web content reflects on the importance of connections and relationships, especially during times of physical distancing, emphasizing the concept of chosen family and community, and invites readers to share their own experiences with feeling connected.

Abstract

The article titled "EndOfYearReflections" delves into the nature of human connections during a period marked by physical distancing. It poses questions about the quality of interactions with family, friends, and significant others, and whether individuals felt a sense of belonging and connectivity. The narrative explores the author's personal experience of finding a supportive online community and the comfort it provides, which serves as a chosen family for some. It acknowledges that traditional family bonds are not universal and that friendships can be as significant. The piece concludes with a call to action, encouraging readers to reflect on their own connections and to contribute to the conversation by responding to the prompt "do you feel connected?" Additionally, it promotes a forthcoming collection of writings in "The Brain is a Noodle" and provides resources for understanding the concept of chosen families.

Opinions

The author expresses gratitude towards their online community, which has become a source of connection and comfort, akin to a chosen family.
There is an understanding that not everyone has strong familial connections, and for some, friends become their primary support system.
The article challenges the notion that family ties are inherently the strongest, especially when they may be harmful or abusive, and advocates for the validity of chosen families.
It suggests that the strength of connections should be measured by the quality of relationships rather than by biological or societal definitions of family.
The piece encourages a broader discussion on the topic of connectivity and invites readers to explore and share their experiences, fostering a sense of inclusivity and belonging.

On family, friends and relationships

During a time when physical distancing really changed the way we interact with each other, what were your connections like? How were your friendships? Relationships? Familial connections?

Did you feel connected? What were the circumstances that connected you the most?

How often did those things happen, and how can you make it happen more during the upcoming year?

I spent the morning smiling at the screen surprisingly not because I was laughing at some memes.

I spent the morning connecting and reading, writing and responding, because here I found a community.

This is a community of introverts and quiet extroverts and ambiverts there’s no yelling, just the quiet self-paced of words across a screen.

To some, family is not the deepest connection finding oneself lost and awkwardly positioned when others gush about loving, soft moms.

To some, friendships are their chosen family; to you, who are my chosen family, thank you. to you, who are looking for a chosen family, I see you. You too will someday find your home, your comfort, your community.

Tagging: Suryatapa | Connie Song | Jac Gautreau | Salma Alaa | Haider Jamal Abbasi if you’re up to it and anyone else interested in today’s prompt: do you feel connected?

Lucy (The Eggcademic) [she/her] understands that a lot of people find value and love through their familial relationships. Sometimes that’s not the case, and people still urge those who have left abusive families to return because family is the strongest bond, regardless of how harmful it is. Learn more about chosen families here.

#EndOfYearReflections

Do you feel connected?

On family, friends and relationships