WEBVTT 00:00:15.689 --> 00:00:18.989 Hey everyone, my name is Austin and welcome back 00:00:18.989 --> 00:00:21.530 to another episode of the unfiltered faith podcast 00:00:21.530 --> 00:00:24.649 I'm thrilled to have you here if you're joining 00:00:24.649 --> 00:00:27.050 me for the first time I want to personally welcome 00:00:27.050 --> 00:00:30.890 you for tuning in if you're if you've been here 00:00:30.890 --> 00:00:35.670 welcome back I'm so glad you're here To kick 00:00:35.670 --> 00:00:38.009 things off let's address the elephant in the 00:00:38.009 --> 00:00:41.609 room. What exactly is loneliness? It's more than 00:00:41.609 --> 00:00:45.000 just feel being alone It's that painful feeling 00:00:45.000 --> 00:00:48.780 of disconnect, of not feeling understood or valued. 00:00:49.320 --> 00:00:52.460 It's that ache when you feel disconnected from 00:00:52.460 --> 00:00:56.359 others, even when surrounded by people. It's 00:00:56.359 --> 00:00:58.659 like being in a crowded room and still feeling 00:00:58.659 --> 00:01:01.380 invisible. On the other hand, solitude is a choice. 00:01:01.539 --> 00:01:04.040 It's the intentional act of stepping away from 00:01:04.040 --> 00:01:07.140 the noise, the distractions, and the obligations 00:01:07.140 --> 00:01:10.340 of daily life. Solitude... can be a powerful 00:01:10.340 --> 00:01:13.719 tool for reflection, creativity, and self -discovery, 00:01:14.099 --> 00:01:17.060 but too much solitude and you can fall into feelings 00:01:17.060 --> 00:01:20.819 of isolation. I remember a time in my own life 00:01:20.819 --> 00:01:23.480 when I battled with loneliness. It was when I 00:01:23.480 --> 00:01:25.879 was in the hospital eight months ago. The first 00:01:25.879 --> 00:01:28.620 few days were the easiest, but in the days that 00:01:28.620 --> 00:01:31.140 followed is where I felt more and more isolated. 00:01:31.219 --> 00:01:33.700 Yes, I had friends and family visiting me almost 00:01:33.700 --> 00:01:36.299 every day, but the moment they left the room 00:01:36.299 --> 00:01:38.579 and closed the door was incredibly isolating. 00:01:38.890 --> 00:01:41.629 knowing that they were moving on with their everyday 00:01:41.629 --> 00:01:45.549 lives and responsibilities while I was left behind 00:01:45.549 --> 00:01:48.609 in that hospital room. I'm not sure if that's 00:01:48.609 --> 00:01:50.870 selfish or not, but it's depressing to think 00:01:50.870 --> 00:01:53.790 about that while your friends and family are 00:01:53.790 --> 00:01:57.010 out going about their days while I sat alone 00:01:57.010 --> 00:02:00.250 with my thoughts. It was a tough time and I felt 00:02:00.250 --> 00:02:03.750 like I was missing out on life. I never even 00:02:03.750 --> 00:02:06.549 opened the door or a window. I became depressed 00:02:06.549 --> 00:02:09.240 and I was comfortable with it. That's the scary 00:02:09.240 --> 00:02:12.620 part. Every day my nurses and techs encouraged 00:02:12.620 --> 00:02:15.479 me to get out of bed, but I felt so comfortable 00:02:15.479 --> 00:02:18.800 being alone that I didn't want to. I spent 14 00:02:18.800 --> 00:02:21.479 of the 16 days I was in the hospital in my room, 00:02:21.599 --> 00:02:24.500 and I don't think I got up once. But it was during 00:02:24.500 --> 00:02:27.139 this period of loneliness that I stumbled upon 00:02:27.139 --> 00:02:30.219 the beauty of solitude. In those last two days, 00:02:30.539 --> 00:02:34.039 I spent reflecting. I decided to get out of bed 00:02:34.039 --> 00:02:37.530 and take a stroll to the outside. I actually 00:02:37.530 --> 00:02:40.990 heard God speaking to me, a voice I had not heard 00:02:40.990 --> 00:02:44.770 in a long time. I think I was hustling with the 00:02:44.770 --> 00:02:46.969 fact that I was in a transitional period of my 00:02:46.969 --> 00:02:48.889 life and I didn't know how to cope with it. I 00:02:48.889 --> 00:02:51.909 went from this fast -paced, constantly busy life 00:02:51.909 --> 00:02:54.949 because of being a college student to sitting 00:02:54.949 --> 00:02:57.770 alone in a hospital room for most hours of the 00:02:57.770 --> 00:03:00.270 day. I believe that God was telling me to slow 00:03:00.270 --> 00:03:03.689 down. So what changed for me? How did I turn 00:03:03.689 --> 00:03:06.310 that loneliness into solitude? One of the biggest 00:03:06.310 --> 00:03:10.490 shifts was adopting practices that had embraced 00:03:10.490 --> 00:03:14.310 solitude rather than shying away from it. Like 00:03:14.310 --> 00:03:18.110 I said, I was reflecting. I was reflecting on 00:03:18.110 --> 00:03:20.590 different things. I couldn't tell you what it 00:03:20.590 --> 00:03:23.789 was I was reflecting on, but it, but it worked 00:03:23.789 --> 00:03:25.789 because I have a completely different mindset 00:03:25.789 --> 00:03:28.789 on my current situation. I also started journaling. 00:03:29.050 --> 00:03:32.099 At first it felt awkward. like talking to myself, 00:03:32.300 --> 00:03:34.819 which is often deemed a little hit or strange, 00:03:35.020 --> 00:03:38.680 right? But as I poured my thoughts into the page, 00:03:39.199 --> 00:03:42.360 I began to understand myself. I discovered my 00:03:42.360 --> 00:03:45.599 hopes, my fears, my dreams all laid out in front 00:03:45.599 --> 00:03:48.620 of me. I came up with starting a podcast. Journaling 00:03:48.620 --> 00:03:51.500 became a safe space for me. I could express my 00:03:51.500 --> 00:03:54.199 feelings without judgment. I poured out my heart 00:03:54.199 --> 00:03:57.639 about my loneliness. And in the next breath, 00:03:57.819 --> 00:04:00.780 I reflected on my aspirations. It was cathartic. 00:04:00.879 --> 00:04:03.300 I began to realize that my thoughts weren't just 00:04:03.300 --> 00:04:06.659 for random musings. They were the threads that 00:04:06.659 --> 00:04:11.180 wove together the fabric of my identity. Another 00:04:11.180 --> 00:04:13.819 technique that I found immensely helpful was 00:04:13.819 --> 00:04:16.740 meditation. Now, if you're like me, you might 00:04:16.740 --> 00:04:19.879 have a preconceived notion that meditation is 00:04:19.879 --> 00:04:23.579 simply sitting cross -legged, humming, and trying 00:04:23.579 --> 00:04:26.480 not to think. But it's so much more than that. 00:04:26.939 --> 00:04:30.379 Meditation taught me to be present and to observe 00:04:30.379 --> 00:04:33.279 my thoughts without judgment. I have a playlist 00:04:33.279 --> 00:04:37.100 and I read a book when I meditate. When I first 00:04:37.100 --> 00:04:40.439 started, I struggled to quiet my mind. But over 00:04:40.439 --> 00:04:43.600 time, I learned to embrace the noise. Instead 00:04:43.600 --> 00:04:46.139 of running from my thoughts, I welcomed them. 00:04:46.699 --> 00:04:49.339 I realized that in the stillness, I could confront 00:04:49.339 --> 00:04:51.980 my feelings of loneliness and transform them 00:04:51.980 --> 00:04:54.639 into moments of clarity. Each meditation session 00:04:54.639 --> 00:04:58.250 became a journey inward. revealing layers of 00:04:58.250 --> 00:05:01.310 my psyche I had never explored before. It's important 00:05:01.310 --> 00:05:04.329 to acknowledge that everyone experiences loneliness 00:05:04.329 --> 00:05:07.170 at some point in their lives. So if you're feeling 00:05:07.170 --> 00:05:10.189 lonely right now, you're not alone. If you're 00:05:10.189 --> 00:05:13.569 anything like me, envisioning a world without 00:05:13.569 --> 00:05:16.990 social media may seem challenging. It's a tool 00:05:16.990 --> 00:05:19.230 that keeps us connected with friends, allows 00:05:19.230 --> 00:05:22.009 us to share our lives, and opens doors to people 00:05:22.009 --> 00:05:25.170 from diverse backgrounds. The herapists have 00:05:25.170 --> 00:05:28.170 identified several evidence -based strategies 00:05:28.170 --> 00:05:30.610 to help manage those feelings of loneliness. 00:05:31.310 --> 00:05:35.769 But let's break them down into actionable steps 00:05:35.769 --> 00:05:39.509 that you can start implementing today. Step one, 00:05:39.810 --> 00:05:42.089 acknowledge your feelings. The first step in 00:05:42.089 --> 00:05:45.290 combating loneliness is to acknowledge and accept 00:05:45.290 --> 00:05:49.490 those feelings. It's okay to feel lonely. Recognizing 00:05:49.490 --> 00:05:52.110 that you're feeling this way is the first step 00:05:52.110 --> 00:05:55.250 towards healing. Consider keeping a journal where 00:05:55.250 --> 00:06:00.430 you can express these feelings. Writing can be 00:06:00.430 --> 00:06:03.490 incredibly cathartic and help you process what 00:06:03.490 --> 00:06:06.089 you're experiencing. Step number two, reach out. 00:06:06.370 --> 00:06:10.209 Let's talk about connection. It might sound simple, 00:06:10.529 --> 00:06:13.189 but reaching out to someone you trust can make 00:06:13.189 --> 00:06:15.930 a huge difference. Whether it's a phone call, 00:06:16.269 --> 00:06:19.329 a text, or a coffee date, making that connection 00:06:19.329 --> 00:06:23.360 can provide the support you need. Remember, Vulnerability 00:06:23.360 --> 00:06:26.319 is strength, and sharing your feelings with others 00:06:26.319 --> 00:06:29.860 can forge deeper connections. Step number three, 00:06:30.360 --> 00:06:33.220 engage in meaningful activities. Another evidence 00:06:33.220 --> 00:06:36.339 -based strategy is to engage in activities that 00:06:36.339 --> 00:06:39.100 bring you joy. What hobbies or interests spark 00:06:39.100 --> 00:06:41.959 your passion? Find time to indulge in those, 00:06:42.240 --> 00:06:45.319 whether it's painting, reading, or cooking. Doing 00:06:45.319 --> 00:06:48.759 things you love can help. take your mind off 00:06:48.759 --> 00:06:51.160 loneliness and foster a sense of fulfillment. 00:06:51.420 --> 00:06:54.120 Now let's transition into a beautiful remedy 00:06:54.120 --> 00:06:58.079 that can enhance these strategies. Spending time 00:06:58.079 --> 00:07:01.600 in nature. Have you ever noticed how a walk in 00:07:01.600 --> 00:07:05.439 a park or a hike in the woods can lift your spirits? 00:07:06.259 --> 00:07:09.800 Well, there's science behind that. Research shows 00:07:09.800 --> 00:07:14.120 that spending time outdoors can significantly 00:07:14.120 --> 00:07:17.709 reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Nature 00:07:17.709 --> 00:07:20.769 has this incredible ability to ground us and 00:07:20.769 --> 00:07:23.009 remind us of the beauty in life. Another way 00:07:23.009 --> 00:07:25.470 to combat loneliness is through solo hiking. 00:07:26.110 --> 00:07:29.110 While this may sound intimidating to some, it 00:07:29.110 --> 00:07:32.870 can be incredibly freeing. Hiking alone allows 00:07:32.870 --> 00:07:36.269 you to be in tune with your thoughts while enjoying 00:07:36.269 --> 00:07:39.050 the beauty around you. Not sure where to start? 00:07:39.769 --> 00:07:42.050 Look for local trails that suit your comfort 00:07:42.050 --> 00:07:45.089 level. Bring a journal or a podcast to listen 00:07:45.089 --> 00:07:48.069 to. Listen to this podcast and don't be afraid 00:07:48.069 --> 00:07:51.449 to take breaks to soak in your surroundings Lastly, 00:07:51.990 --> 00:07:55.269 let's talk about nature retreats If you're seeking 00:07:55.269 --> 00:07:57.990 the deeper experience consider going on a weekend 00:07:57.990 --> 00:08:01.850 retreat in nature These often offer structure 00:08:01.850 --> 00:08:05.949 activities that promote mindfulness Relaxation 00:08:05.949 --> 00:08:08.750 and social connection being surrounded by like 00:08:08.750 --> 00:08:12.519 -minded individuals in a serene environment can 00:08:12.519 --> 00:08:15.319 provide a unique opportunity to bond and share 00:08:15.319 --> 00:08:18.879 experiences. I recently finished reading this 00:08:18.879 --> 00:08:21.680 book called Terms of Service The Real Cost of 00:08:21.680 --> 00:08:25.100 Social Media by Chris Martin. It's a fantastic 00:08:25.100 --> 00:08:27.800 read. It goes into details about the history 00:08:27.800 --> 00:08:30.060 of all these different social media platforms 00:08:30.060 --> 00:08:33.279 and over time how the newest, latest, greatest 00:08:33.279 --> 00:08:36.980 social media platform came up and so on. But 00:08:36.980 --> 00:08:39.480 then the book goes into great detail on how it 00:08:39.480 --> 00:08:42.200 negatively affects people's lives. Here are some 00:08:42.200 --> 00:08:45.779 key takeaways. Number one, social media changes 00:08:45.779 --> 00:08:49.100 how people think and feel. Social media can cause 00:08:49.100 --> 00:08:52.460 people to believe that attention is valuable 00:08:52.460 --> 00:08:56.440 and to trade privacy for expression. Social media 00:08:56.440 --> 00:09:01.460 doesn't have any real value and the only reason 00:09:01.460 --> 00:09:04.700 it has value is because we give it to it. Number 00:09:04.700 --> 00:09:09.019 two, social media can be addictive. Social media 00:09:09.019 --> 00:09:11.919 can be addictive and spending too much time on 00:09:11.919 --> 00:09:14.840 it can lead to depression cyberbullying and social 00:09:14.840 --> 00:09:18.860 anxiety number three Social media can be toxic 00:09:18.860 --> 00:09:22.059 social media can be toxic and can use people 00:09:22.059 --> 00:09:25.960 to and Can cause people to demonize and destroy 00:09:25.960 --> 00:09:30.000 others number four social media can be used to 00:09:30.000 --> 00:09:32.659 exploit people social media platforms can be 00:09:32.659 --> 00:09:35.639 used to exploit users by engineering the platforms 00:09:35.639 --> 00:09:38.700 to keep people scrolling and engaged and if you 00:09:38.700 --> 00:09:41.179 don't know what i just said i'm talking about 00:09:41.179 --> 00:09:44.779 algorithms number five social media can be used 00:09:44.779 --> 00:09:48.879 to spread harmful content number six social media 00:09:48.879 --> 00:09:52.759 can be used to spread misinformation a lot of 00:09:52.759 --> 00:09:55.240 the time people post their side of the story 00:09:55.240 --> 00:09:58.659 they don't post other side of the story People 00:09:58.659 --> 00:10:01.179 will only post what they want you to see, not 00:10:01.179 --> 00:10:03.440 what you need to see. But then the book goes 00:10:03.440 --> 00:10:06.039 into great detail on how it positively affects 00:10:06.039 --> 00:10:08.820 people's lives. Here are some key takeaways. 00:10:09.419 --> 00:10:12.720 Number one, connecting with others. Social media 00:10:12.720 --> 00:10:14.840 enables people to stay in touch with friends 00:10:14.840 --> 00:10:17.960 and family across long distances, building new 00:10:17.960 --> 00:10:20.580 relationships and building communities based 00:10:20.580 --> 00:10:24.120 on shared interests. Number two, access to information. 00:10:24.679 --> 00:10:28.340 Social media provides immediate access to news, 00:10:29.080 --> 00:10:31.919 current events, and educational content from 00:10:31.919 --> 00:10:35.580 around the world, allowing for rapid learning 00:10:35.580 --> 00:10:39.340 and informed decision making. Number three, community 00:10:39.340 --> 00:10:42.500 building. Platforms can facilitate and create 00:10:42.500 --> 00:10:46.340 the mobilization of online communities around 00:10:46.340 --> 00:10:50.179 important causes, enabling collective action 00:10:50.179 --> 00:10:53.059 and advocacy. Number four, creative expression. 00:10:53.450 --> 00:10:57.450 Social media allows individuals to showcase their 00:10:57.450 --> 00:11:00.389 creativity through writing, photography, video, 00:11:00.889 --> 00:11:03.409 and art with a global audience. Number five, 00:11:04.090 --> 00:11:07.110 business opportunities provides businesses with 00:11:07.110 --> 00:11:10.730 a powerful tool to reach customers, market products, 00:11:11.370 --> 00:11:14.029 and build brand awareness at a relatively low 00:11:14.029 --> 00:11:17.850 cost. And number six, personal development. Access 00:11:17.850 --> 00:11:21.009 to online courses, tutorials, and learning platforms 00:11:21.009 --> 00:11:24.549 can support personal growth, and skill development. 00:11:24.950 --> 00:11:28.350 Solitude has a magical way of unlocking creativity. 00:11:28.990 --> 00:11:31.570 When we allow ourselves to be alone with our 00:11:31.570 --> 00:11:34.289 thoughts, we create space for inspiration to 00:11:34.289 --> 00:11:37.990 flow. I discovered passion for podcasting. I 00:11:37.990 --> 00:11:41.269 already loved reheating and writing, and I also 00:11:41.269 --> 00:11:43.970 wanted to challenge myself to step out of my 00:11:43.970 --> 00:11:46.529 comfort zone, to be an advocate for those that 00:11:46.529 --> 00:11:49.730 don't feel like they have a voice. I have that 00:11:49.730 --> 00:11:52.720 same voice, but just maybe a little louder. So 00:11:52.720 --> 00:11:55.360 by doing this, I'm accomplishing multiple things 00:11:55.360 --> 00:11:58.340 at once. So how can we start embracing solitude 00:11:58.340 --> 00:12:00.539 in our own lives? Here are a few techniques that 00:12:00.539 --> 00:12:04.320 might resonate with you. Number one, create a 00:12:04.320 --> 00:12:07.659 solitude space. Designate a spot in your home 00:12:07.659 --> 00:12:11.399 or a favorite outdoor area where you can retreat 00:12:11.399 --> 00:12:15.139 to reflect and recharge. Make it cozy and inviting. 00:12:15.240 --> 00:12:19.019 Number two, practice mindfulness. Set aside a 00:12:19.019 --> 00:12:21.899 few minutes each day. to practice mindfulness, 00:12:22.519 --> 00:12:25.679 whether it's through meditation or simply breathing 00:12:25.679 --> 00:12:29.179 exercises. Focus on being present in the moment. 00:12:29.360 --> 00:12:32.480 Number three, journaling. As I mentioned earlier, 00:12:32.840 --> 00:12:35.580 journaling can be a powerful tool. Don't worry 00:12:35.580 --> 00:12:38.179 about grammar or structure. Just let your thoughts 00:12:38.179 --> 00:12:41.039 flow. Write about your day, your feelings, your 00:12:41.039 --> 00:12:44.259 dreams, or even your worries. Number four, disconnect 00:12:44.259 --> 00:12:47.419 from technology. In our hyper -connected world, 00:12:47.580 --> 00:12:49.620 it's easy to get lost in the noise of social 00:12:49.620 --> 00:12:54.440 media. and endless notifications. Set boundaries 00:12:54.440 --> 00:12:57.700 for your screen time and allow yourself to be 00:12:57.700 --> 00:13:01.039 alone with your thoughts. Number five, explore 00:13:01.039 --> 00:13:03.960 nature. Nature has a unique way of grounding 00:13:03.960 --> 00:13:06.960 us. Take a walk in the woods, sit by a lake, 00:13:07.240 --> 00:13:10.240 or just gaze at the stars. Allow the beauty of 00:13:10.240 --> 00:13:13.879 the natural world to inspire and rejuvenate you. 00:13:14.240 --> 00:13:16.960 Solitude is a wonderful thing and beneficial 00:13:16.960 --> 00:13:19.750 to our well -being. There are studies out there 00:13:19.750 --> 00:13:23.450 that back this up. However, although alone time 00:13:23.450 --> 00:13:26.730 can give us a positive morale on our wellbeing, 00:13:27.529 --> 00:13:30.629 it's crucial to be mindful of when it veers into 00:13:30.629 --> 00:13:33.149 unhealthy isolation. Embracing solitude doesn't 00:13:33.149 --> 00:13:36.129 mean isolating yourself. It means taking time 00:13:36.129 --> 00:13:39.509 to nurture your inner self. It's about finding 00:13:39.509 --> 00:13:42.289 peace in the quiet moments and allowing those 00:13:42.289 --> 00:13:44.649 moments to inspire and transform you. According 00:13:44.649 --> 00:13:48.850 to a recent survey, By the Pew Research Review, 00:13:48.950 --> 00:13:53.570 about 61 % of teens report feeling lonely even 00:13:53.570 --> 00:13:55.809 while they are frequently using social media 00:13:55.809 --> 00:13:58.970 platforms. And it's not just the younger generation 00:13:58.970 --> 00:14:03.009 that's feeling this way. Loneliness is a growing 00:14:03.009 --> 00:14:06.710 epidemic across all age groups. The same study 00:14:06.710 --> 00:14:12.950 found that 40 % of adults aged 18 to 29 report 00:14:12.950 --> 00:14:17.720 feeling lonely. while the 35 % of those aged 00:14:17.720 --> 00:14:22.720 30 to 49 feel the same. These numbers are staggering 00:14:22.720 --> 00:14:26.580 and they raise important questions. Are we truly 00:14:26.580 --> 00:14:29.320 more connected or are we only connected on the 00:14:29.320 --> 00:14:33.320 surface? Are we replacing meaningful face -to 00:14:33.320 --> 00:14:36.580 -face interactions with superficial online engagements? 00:14:37.460 --> 00:14:40.320 To explore this, let's think about how social 00:14:40.320 --> 00:14:43.330 media impacts our relationships. We scroll through 00:14:43.330 --> 00:14:46.610 created snapshots of other people's lives, which 00:14:46.610 --> 00:14:49.909 often leads to comparisons. We might find ourselves 00:14:49.909 --> 00:14:52.509 thinking, why don't I have that kind of life? 00:14:52.710 --> 00:14:56.049 Or why don't I have as many friends? This comparison 00:14:56.049 --> 00:15:00.070 game can leave us feeling inadequate and isolated. 00:15:00.289 --> 00:15:02.629 What if I told you that there's a name to that? 00:15:03.009 --> 00:15:06.019 What if I told you that the same tool that keeps 00:15:06.019 --> 00:15:08.480 us connected with friends, allows us to share 00:15:08.480 --> 00:15:11.519 our lives, and opens doors to people from diverse 00:15:11.519 --> 00:15:14.580 backgrounds is the same tool that keeps us isolated, 00:15:14.940 --> 00:15:17.559 left out, and lonely. You are not gonna believe 00:15:17.559 --> 00:15:20.059 me when Hannah tell you this, but there's an 00:15:20.059 --> 00:15:23.960 acronym for that. It's called FOMO, or the fear 00:15:23.960 --> 00:15:27.700 of missing out, is the anxious feeling of being 00:15:27.700 --> 00:15:30.779 left out of events, experiences, or information 00:15:30.779 --> 00:15:35.490 that others are having. FOMO can lead to anxiety, 00:15:35.690 --> 00:15:39.330 depression, low self -esteem, sleep issues, concentration 00:15:39.330 --> 00:15:43.029 problems, and even social media addiction. I 00:15:43.029 --> 00:15:45.809 purposefully didn't go on social media until 00:15:45.809 --> 00:15:48.370 several days after I was already in the hospital 00:15:48.370 --> 00:15:50.990 because I knew myself and I knew that looking 00:15:50.990 --> 00:15:54.009 on social media would have just made my depression 00:15:54.009 --> 00:15:57.610 worse. What if I told you that you can combat 00:15:57.610 --> 00:16:01.750 feelings of FOMO with JOMO? JOMO, or the Joy 00:16:01.750 --> 00:16:05.559 of Missing Out, is the feeling of contentment 00:16:05.559 --> 00:16:10.299 with one's pursuit in activities. Jomo is living 00:16:10.299 --> 00:16:12.440 life in the slow lane. So how are we supposed 00:16:12.440 --> 00:16:15.399 to live life in the slow lane when we live in 00:16:15.399 --> 00:16:18.659 a fast lane type of world? It's simple, really. 00:16:19.000 --> 00:16:21.840 All you have to do is resist the fear, relax, 00:16:22.080 --> 00:16:24.519 and enjoy not knowing what's going on. Seriously, 00:16:24.620 --> 00:16:27.360 Austin, you're telling me that all I have to 00:16:27.360 --> 00:16:30.740 do to combat feelings of loneliness is resist 00:16:30.740 --> 00:16:33.899 my fear of missing out. relax and enjoy not knowing 00:16:33.899 --> 00:16:37.399 what's going on well it's easier said than done 00:16:37.399 --> 00:16:40.559 i realize that but you have to start somewhere 00:16:40.559 --> 00:16:44.259 there's also this phenomenon of social media 00:16:44.259 --> 00:16:48.259 fatigue we are bombarded with notifications and 00:16:48.259 --> 00:16:51.460 updates and it can be overwhelming sometimes 00:16:51.460 --> 00:16:54.080 it feels like we're never off the clock always 00:16:54.080 --> 00:16:58.259 on and expected to respond immediately the pressure 00:16:58.259 --> 00:17:02.340 to maintain an online persona can also become 00:17:02.340 --> 00:17:05.599 exhausting, leading to burnout. A lot of people 00:17:05.599 --> 00:17:08.259 have adopted the idea that staying busy will 00:17:08.259 --> 00:17:11.539 distract your mind from feeling lonely. And although 00:17:11.539 --> 00:17:14.839 that might work for a short while, eventually 00:17:14.839 --> 00:17:17.299 you're going to run out of things to keep you 00:17:17.299 --> 00:17:19.779 busy, and you'll find yourself back to square 00:17:19.779 --> 00:17:22.799 one. Now let's take a moment to reflect on how 00:17:22.799 --> 00:17:25.799 these feelings of loneliness can affect our faith. 00:17:26.180 --> 00:17:29.460 As people of faith, we often seek community and 00:17:29.460 --> 00:17:32.930 connection. And that's something social media 00:17:32.930 --> 00:17:36.089 can provide in small doses. However, when those 00:17:36.089 --> 00:17:38.869 connections are primarily online, they can lack 00:17:38.869 --> 00:17:41.829 the depth and authenticity that comes from in 00:17:41.829 --> 00:17:44.450 -person interactions. The Bible speaks about 00:17:44.450 --> 00:17:46.950 the importance of community and fellowship. In 00:17:46.950 --> 00:17:50.289 Hebrews 10, 24, we're encouraged to consider 00:17:50.289 --> 00:17:53.710 how we may spur one another on towards love and 00:17:53.710 --> 00:17:56.349 good deeds, not giving up and heating together. 00:17:56.730 --> 00:17:59.650 But how can we effectively meet together when 00:17:59.650 --> 00:18:02.849 we're lost in this world? Now let's focus on 00:18:02.849 --> 00:18:06.829 the older generations for the moment. According 00:18:06.829 --> 00:18:11.170 to a study by the AARP, nearly 50 % of adults 00:18:11.170 --> 00:18:15.190 aged from 50 and older report feeling well -meaning. 00:18:15.190 --> 00:18:18.869 This is particularly concerning considering that 00:18:18.869 --> 00:18:23.210 social media is often avoided as a way to bridge 00:18:23.210 --> 00:18:26.759 generational gaps. Yet many older adults find 00:18:26.759 --> 00:18:29.519 it challenging to navigate these platforms, leading 00:18:29.519 --> 00:18:31.900 to feelings of isolation rather than connection. 00:18:32.299 --> 00:18:36.619 So what can we do about this? How can we leverage 00:18:36.619 --> 00:18:39.799 technology to foster genuine connections rather 00:18:39.799 --> 00:18:42.440 than the superficial ones? Well, number one, 00:18:42.799 --> 00:18:46.519 let's talk about intentionality. It's essential 00:18:46.519 --> 00:18:49.859 to approach social media with purpose. Instead 00:18:49.859 --> 00:18:54.200 of mindlessly scrolling or doom scrolling, we 00:18:54.200 --> 00:18:56.920 can set aside specific times for social media 00:18:56.920 --> 00:19:00.180 use and then engage in meaningful interactions. 00:19:00.880 --> 00:19:03.559 Consider reaching out to someone you haven't 00:19:03.559 --> 00:19:06.160 spoken to in a while or joining a faith -based 00:19:06.160 --> 00:19:09.420 online group that aligns with your values. Number 00:19:09.420 --> 00:19:12.720 two, let's remember the importance of balance. 00:19:13.259 --> 00:19:15.859 While social media can be a tool for connection, 00:19:16.259 --> 00:19:18.500 it shouldn't be our only means of communication. 00:19:19.160 --> 00:19:22.160 Make an effort to meet up with friends, attend 00:19:22.160 --> 00:19:24.900 community events, or even join a local church 00:19:24.900 --> 00:19:28.740 group. These real -life connections are vital 00:19:28.740 --> 00:19:31.440 for our mental and spiritual well -being. Number 00:19:31.440 --> 00:19:34.259 three. Let's now forget the power of vulnerability. 00:19:34.940 --> 00:19:38.339 When we share our struggles, it allows others 00:19:38.339 --> 00:19:41.720 to open up as well. Social media can sometimes 00:19:41.720 --> 00:19:44.700 create an illusion that everyone else has it 00:19:44.700 --> 00:19:47.819 all together, leading to feelings of inadequacy. 00:19:48.519 --> 00:19:51.559 By being authentic and sharing our true selves, 00:19:51.680 --> 00:19:54.579 we can create a safe space for others to do the 00:19:54.579 --> 00:19:57.789 same. And number four, let's take a step back 00:19:57.789 --> 00:20:00.690 and evaluate our social media conception. Are 00:20:00.690 --> 00:20:05.049 the platforms worth using uplifting or do they 00:20:05.049 --> 00:20:10.690 leave us feeling drained? Curate your online 00:20:10.690 --> 00:20:13.789 experience by following accounts that inspire 00:20:13.789 --> 00:20:16.950 and uplift you. It's okay to unfollow or mute 00:20:16.950 --> 00:20:19.349 accounts that contribute to feelings of loneliness 00:20:19.349 --> 00:20:23.690 or negativity. Now, solitude can be increasingly 00:20:23.690 --> 00:20:27.650 enriching. It offers us a chance to reflect, 00:20:27.930 --> 00:20:31.069 recharge, and connect with our inner selves. 00:20:31.569 --> 00:20:35.690 However, it can also become unhealthy if we don't 00:20:35.690 --> 00:20:38.569 keep an eye on how we're feeling during those 00:20:38.569 --> 00:20:41.289 solo moments. Let's unpack that for a bit. First, 00:20:41.849 --> 00:20:45.190 let's talk about what signs might indicate that 00:20:45.190 --> 00:20:49.099 alone time is turning into isolation. One of 00:20:49.099 --> 00:20:53.059 the primary signs is when solitude begins to 00:20:53.059 --> 00:20:56.440 feel more like loneliness. If you find yourself 00:20:56.440 --> 00:20:59.319 frequently feeling sad, anxious, or disconnected 00:20:59.319 --> 00:21:02.619 during your alone time, it might be worth exploring 00:21:02.619 --> 00:21:06.220 those feelings. Another indicator is the frequency 00:21:06.220 --> 00:21:10.059 of your solitary moments. If you're constantly 00:21:10.059 --> 00:21:13.380 choosing to be alone over engaging with friends, 00:21:13.539 --> 00:21:16.619 family, and your community, it might be time 00:21:16.619 --> 00:21:19.859 to reassess. Balance is key. It's perfectly fine 00:21:19.859 --> 00:21:23.079 to enjoy your own company, but if it becomes 00:21:23.079 --> 00:21:26.539 a habit to decline invitations or avoid social 00:21:26.539 --> 00:21:29.660 interactions, you may be isolating yourself more 00:21:29.660 --> 00:21:32.500 than you realize. Also consider how you're spending 00:21:32.500 --> 00:21:35.480 your alone time. Are you engaging in activities 00:21:35.480 --> 00:21:38.579 that nurture your spirit and creativity? Are 00:21:38.579 --> 00:21:40.980 you finding yourself scrolling through social 00:21:40.980 --> 00:21:44.279 media, binge -watching shows, or just mindlessly 00:21:44.279 --> 00:21:47.440 passing the time. If your alone time is filled 00:21:47.440 --> 00:21:49.980 with things that don't bring you joy or fulfillment, 00:21:50.700 --> 00:21:53.640 it might be a red flag that you're slipping into 00:21:53.640 --> 00:21:56.940 unhealthy isolation. So how can we create a healthy 00:21:56.940 --> 00:22:00.119 relationship with solitude while avoiding the 00:22:00.119 --> 00:22:03.779 pitfalls of isolation? Here are a few tips to 00:22:03.779 --> 00:22:08.099 consider. Set intentions. Before you spend time 00:22:08.099 --> 00:22:11.119 alone, ask yourself what you hope to gain from 00:22:11.119 --> 00:22:14.799 that time. Do you want to relax, reflect, create, 00:22:14.960 --> 00:22:18.640 or simply recharge? Setting a clear intention 00:22:18.640 --> 00:22:22.079 can help guide your solitary moments towards 00:22:22.079 --> 00:22:25.339 something meaningful. Number two, engage in creative 00:22:25.339 --> 00:22:29.660 activities. Whether it's writing, painting, gardening, 00:22:30.700 --> 00:22:34.480 or playing music, engaging in creative endeavors 00:22:34.480 --> 00:22:38.680 can transform alone time into a productive and 00:22:38.680 --> 00:22:42.660 unique means. fulfilling experience remember 00:22:42.660 --> 00:22:46.099 creativity often flourishes in solitude number 00:22:46.099 --> 00:22:49.240 three practice mindfulness use your alone time 00:22:49.240 --> 00:22:53.019 to practice mindfulness or meditation being present 00:22:53.019 --> 00:22:55.720 in the moment can help you connect with your 00:22:55.720 --> 00:22:59.819 thoughts and emotions making solitude a more 00:22:59.819 --> 00:23:02.779 enriching experience number four stay connected 00:23:02.779 --> 00:23:05.380 just because you're spending time alone doesn't 00:23:05.380 --> 00:23:07.319 mean you have to cut off connections with others 00:23:07.319 --> 00:23:09.579 make an effort to reach out to friends or family 00:23:09.759 --> 00:23:12.339 even if it's just a quick text or a phone call. 00:23:12.380 --> 00:23:15.119 Maintaining those relationships can help prevent 00:23:15.119 --> 00:23:17.900 feelings of isolation. Number five, monitor your 00:23:17.900 --> 00:23:20.339 mood. Pay attention to how you feel during and 00:23:20.339 --> 00:23:24.519 after your alone time. If you find that it consistently 00:23:24.519 --> 00:23:29.019 leaves you feeling down or anxious, it might 00:23:29.019 --> 00:23:32.019 be time to reassess how you're spending that 00:23:32.019 --> 00:23:35.119 time or seek support. So as you navigate your 00:23:35.119 --> 00:23:37.920 relationships with solitude, remember to strike 00:23:37.920 --> 00:23:41.359 a balance. embrace the moments of quiet reflection, 00:23:41.960 --> 00:23:44.619 but also reach out and connect behind activities 00:23:44.619 --> 00:23:47.880 that inspire you and nurture your spirit. After 00:23:47.880 --> 00:23:51.579 all, we're all in this together. And while solitude 00:23:51.579 --> 00:23:53.880 can be a beautiful journey, it's important to 00:23:53.880 --> 00:23:56.380 ensure that it doesn't lead us into the shadows 00:23:56.380 --> 00:23:59.119 of isolation. Before we wrap up, I'd like to 00:23:59.119 --> 00:24:01.900 encourage you to take a small action today. It 00:24:01.900 --> 00:24:04.059 could be something as simple as taking a walk 00:24:04.059 --> 00:24:06.900 in the park, reaching out to a friend, or jotting 00:24:07.119 --> 00:24:10.039 down your thoughts in the journal. The goal is 00:24:10.039 --> 00:24:13.079 to do something that fosters a connection with 00:24:13.079 --> 00:24:16.700 yourself or someone else. Simultaneously, I want 00:24:16.700 --> 00:24:19.259 to emphasize the importance of embracing moments 00:24:19.259 --> 00:24:22.900 of solitude. It's completely normal to experience 00:24:22.900 --> 00:24:26.839 feelings of loneliness as part of the human experience. 00:24:27.579 --> 00:24:31.119 I encourage you to seek solitude as an opportunity 00:24:31.119 --> 00:24:34.660 for self -discovery, pursuing your interests 00:24:34.660 --> 00:24:37.789 and nurturing your creativity. I invite you to 00:24:37.789 --> 00:24:40.650 take a moment to reflect on how your social media 00:24:40.650 --> 00:24:44.430 usage affects your sense of connection and feelings 00:24:44.430 --> 00:24:50.430 of loneliness. Consider the steps you can take 00:24:50.430 --> 00:24:54.089 to cultivate deeper relationships, both alone, 00:24:54.430 --> 00:24:58.589 online and in person. While technology can facilitate 00:24:58.589 --> 00:25:02.049 connections, it's our genuine relationships that 00:25:02.049 --> 00:25:04.109 truly nourish our spirit. If you liked today's 00:25:04.109 --> 00:25:06.700 discussion, I would greatly appreciate it. if 00:25:06.700 --> 00:25:08.480 you could share it with your friends or leave 00:25:08.480 --> 00:25:11.859 a review. Your support truly means a lot. Until 00:25:11.859 --> 00:25:15.220 next time, stay connected, stay authentic, and 00:25:15.220 --> 00:25:17.440 always remember that you are never alone.