Hanging with the Lululemon crew tonight to talk philosophy, self-development, energy and meditation.

It’s #MentalHealthWeek and I’m reminded tonight of the importance of self-care and community. These guys do it well. They’re a team and a family with shared purpose and values.

Be an individual, but be an individual within a group. It’s ok to be different. You can be YOU, have a voice and be valued for your unique contribution.

Loneliness is lethal. Research has shown that loneliness has the same impact on mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, making it even more dangerous than obesity.*

Community connects us, lifts us, supports us and reflects us. So please, do one thing for your well-being this year - spend time outside your mind. Connect with people - passively or actively. Listen if you’re afraid to talk. Sit if you’re afraid to stand. Be in the space. It’s a beginning, it’s a place.

Better yet, let that community be part of your passion, your hobby, your business. Volunteer work and exercise groups are a great entry into a community if you’re a bit nervous to make the first move.

Sometimes I find myself in a slump in my room. I literally have to remind myself who my friends are, places to go, things to do. I have to consciously get off my ass, make an effort and step out into the world. I usually drag myself to regular group fitness first thing in the morning because once I’m up and out, I’m good, I feel better and it carries into my day. I’m uplifted, connected, included, seen. I’m ‘part of something’, subconsciously.

Connect connect connect.

We need connection.

It’s not unusual to feel down and out, to have moments of sadness and loneliness. But have a plan, have a place, have a community to connect to.

P.S These big lonely houses are a fucking joke. We’ve set ourselves up for isolation... & online communities aren’t enough. Get real.

*Research: Douglas Nemecek, MD, chief medical officer for behavioral health, Cigna

OCTOBER 9, 2019