Connecting to Your Connections

Lately I’ve been reflecting on how joy and meaning in work, in relationships, in every aspect of who we are rarely happens in isolation. The spark that makes life meaningful truly ignites when people come together, share their passion, and lift one another.

There have been seasons when I’ve felt discouraged and stretched thin, and yet in those same seasons I’ve also felt deeply inspired, by colleagues who believe big, by partners who hold steady, by friends who simply show up. That connection, that spark of mutual encouragement, has made all the difference.

We humans are, at our core, social beings. We evolved to live and thrive in groups, relying on one another for survival, learning, problem-solving. From early hunter-gatherer communities to modern networks of care, collaboration has enabled us to share knowledge, tackle challenges together, and build systems that no one person could carry alone. This impulse to work together extends well beyond immediate teams.

This is one reason inter-agency partnerships and community networks have such transformative potential. When individuals and organizations collaborate across systems, we can coordinate care, share resources, and amplify support for people in ways that truly change lives.

Our social connection matters deeply. Research in positive psychology tells us that when teams and communities cultivate trust, shared purpose, and openness to learning, they not only generate more innovation and resilience, they also enhance well-being. Feeling part of something larger strengthens our mental health and boosts our collective capacity to solve problems and create meaningful change.

At the same time, we live in a era of paradox. We’re more “connected” than ever, through technology, networks, global reach, and yet many people report feeling more isolated or lonely than ever before. Loneliness isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a public health concern, linked to lower life satisfaction, diminished well-being and reduced capacity to thrive. The answer is not more screens or more access to everything: it’s real connection, the kind that involves showing up, trusting, collaborating, risking vulnerability, and being present.

This month, I am especially grateful for connection, the timely conversations, the shared dreams, the people who don’t simply walk beside me but lift me up. I’m thankful for the partners who imagine what could be, and the community that says, “We’ll go together.”

What connections or collaborations are you grateful for right now? How has community helped you move through a challenge, sparked new ideas, or made you feel more alive? And maybe most importantly, how could you show up to make a connection today?

This post is part of a monthly series on gratitude practice and appreciation of simple things in life. Click the "Gratitude" tab above to read other entries or here to learn more about Leah and Sage Behavioral Health.