As we continue our journey through 30 Days of Self-Care, today’s focus is on the significance of social connections. An essential part of self-care is surrounding yourself with people who bring out the best in you, those who will kindly point out when you are wrong, and offer support when needed. Recognizing that not all connections are meant to be lifelong can be a challenging yet necessary part of growth.

I consider myself fortunate to have a diverse and supportive social network. My connections range from high school friends to neighbors who live just down the street, to my “work bestie,” and friends who share my faith. Building these connections took time, patience, and a willingness to be vulnerable. Initially, it was difficult because I had someone in my life who constantly told me, “no one likes you.” Once that negative influence was gone, I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from my friends, who had always been there for me.

Dealing with constant migraines has been a significant challenge, but my social connections have provided a critical support system. They have respected my need for space to come to terms with my new reality while consistently reminding me that they are just a text or phone call away. This balance of respect and availability is crucial in maintaining a healthy social network.

While self-care is often viewed as a personal endeavor, it’s important to remember that our social networks also require care and attention. Some relationships are like trees, growing stronger year after year, weathering the cycles of life with you. Others are like perennials, blooming when they can and taking time for their own self-care. Then there are those connections that need constant nurturing, like hothouse flowers, which require a lot of love and attention.

Over the past five years, I have become more protective of my social connections, cherishing them and keeping them close to my heart. This precaution is partly due to the ongoing litigation cycle we’ve endured, which, thankfully, will soon be over. These cherished connections are the ones who would stand by us in times of need, those who know us intimately and love us despite our flaws.

It took me a long time to realize that I couldn’t rely solely on myself and that I needed social connections. For many years, my life revolved around the social networks of others. Today, I am proud to have my own group of trusted friends with whom I can share anything and everything. These connections are vital for our well-being. They remind us that we are not alone and that “this too shall pass.”

Social connections play a pivotal role in our overall self-care. By fostering relationships that nurture and support us, we create a network of love and resilience. Whether they are lifelong friends or new acquaintances, each connection contributes to our growth and well-being. As we continue our self-care journey, let us cherish and cultivate these essential bonds, knowing that they are a fundamental part of our strength and happiness.