In a world where we are constantly bombarded with digital messages and virtual interactions, the power of real connections and community has never been more vital. Today, on Bell Let’s Talk Day, let’s remind ourselves of the incredible impact that genuine, human connections can have on our mental health and overall wellness.
As we navigate through the waves of life, it’s the strength of our communities and the depth of our connections that often become our lifelines. They’re not just support systems; they’re the very fabric of change, growth, and emotional well-being. In a time when isolation and disconnection are all too common, making a conscious effort to build and nurture these bonds can be a transformative step towards better mental health for all.
#BellLetsTalk #MentalHealthAwareness #CommunityConnection #RealChangeStartsWithUs
Bell Let’s Talk about the power of human connection – Erin’s Story
My name is Erin and I’m the founder of Positivist Group. For many years, I lived in a world defined by solitude. For many years my perception was turned inward, protecting myself from fear and pain.
When I was ten, my life changed when I made my first true friend. She saw me, truly saw me, when no one else did and I learned from her how to connect and that the world was expansive, beautiful and not as scary as I once thought.
When I was 14, I met another soul sister who taught me unconditional love.
When I was 18, I met my husband who taught me stability and consistency.
When I was 20, I met a mentor who gave me acceptance and a safety net and I knew if I fell, they would catch me.
When I was 30, I met another mentor who saw my hidden strengths and gave me a safe place to learn.
Every human connection was a life preserver in a hurricane.
I am not healed. Whether they realize it or not, these people give me the strength to share my talents with the world. We’re not supposed to be alone. I don’t want you to be alone either.
Bell Let’s Talk about active listening – Genevieve’s Story
Life threw me a curve. Not my first, not my last challenge, I said to myself. I have been in similar situations before. I can deal with this emerging feeling of deception and betrayal after my sister’s passing away.
I can face it head-on in a very determined way. No worries I tell myself. I will work through it with critical thinking and by talking to myself, working through scenarios, mostly real but some fabricated. I thought I had seen through the hurt and I had a narrative to move forward. Except I had not. A heaviness was still encircling me.
With life’s way of creating great timing, I had an opportunity to travel and was fortunate to meet up with a childhood friend, spontaneously. We sat down during a nice warm sunny afternoon. We talked. She listened with her heart. She played back my narrative and tuned into my energy and emotions. She paid attention to what made me as I am. This was active listening. I felt understood. She showed me a reflection of myself and that helped me get out of my own way.
Bell Let’s Talk about the power of an empathetic community – Sarah’s Story
Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, and for me, it came after welcoming my second child into the world. Postpartum anxiety knocked on my door, and even though I knew it was hormonal, logic still took a backseat to fight or flight emotions that consumed me.
Those anxiety attacks were like unwelcome guests, relentless and persistent. But thankfully, I’ve got a tribe of understanding friends who have become my rock.
In the midst of the roller-coaster panic I felt, they actively listened without judgment, creating a safe space where I could unravel my thoughts. It’s incredible how their support helped me slow down the racing thoughts and regain control.
Vulnerability is perceived as a negative; however, it is a strength, and having a supportive community makes all the difference. Here’s to breaking stigmas and building bridges!
Bell Let’s Talk about building each other up – Janet’s Story
As an Innovator, I think outside the box. I look at systems to improve or change them, aligning to the natural world, and deep listening is what I practice. I sense into the field and ask questions to create a way forward. I am participating in Bell Let’s Talk as it is aligned to my life purpose.
An experience: One boss that I worked with, a leader in my eyes, has positively marked my understanding of the connection between active listening, belonging, safety and being the best you can be.
At the Office of the Comptroller General, Treasury Board Secretariat, Government of Canada, we cultivated community engagement in Grants and Contributions management.
My boss recognized early on I was a person to be guided not managed to be the best I could be.
In my career in Corporate Finance, I have had however many more bosses who have attempted to manage me than guide me … with tension. I had noticed this boss was special – he took the time to genuinely listen – understanding his employees & the various stakeholders we worked with.
Thank you Pierre.
Bell Let’s Talk about deep listening – Kim’s Story
My name is Kim Tofin. Through my practice, BREAKOUTcx – I provide executive leadership and high-performance team coaching to all levels and types of organizations.
As a coach, “active” is a vital part of the process. Listening is not passive – it is dynamic and unifying.
I listen to build a trusted space. I genuinely try to hear between the words, the tone of voice, body language, and what I am sensing. I listen for aspirations, goals, beliefs, challenges, and triumphs in the words and in the silence.
When we focus our listening to both the internal stuff and broader dimensions of the person, it communicates that they are being heard, understood, and appreciated.
Listen without an agenda! … and only bring humility, compassion, and empathy.
I know this to be true, from a heart-felt place … my youngest daughter has dysphasia, a speech and learning disorder.
My master coach has, and continues, to teach me so much on how to listen.
Bell Let’s Talk about building real friendships – Meagan’s Story
I have always been more shy so when I started Algonquin College it was a bit nerve wracking. Since I am prone to anxiety, social situations are harder for me and during class time we had lots of group projects which involved socializing.
Luckily, I did meet one good friend named Logan who I still keep in contact with today.
We talk about anything from boys, pop culture, and classwork, but one thing I noticed that stood out about him is that he is a really good listener. He is the type of person that you can confide in (judgement free) and he always remembers what you said. I find that in this day and age people are not very active listeners because of distractions like phones, computers, and social media.
Logan and I bonded over our mental health struggles with issues such as anxiety and depression. He is the type of person who is more extroverted compared to myself so being around him helped bring me out of my shell. I know if I have something serious to talk about I can always go to Logan, and he will always be actively listening.
Every one of us has ‘mental health’, but the more honest we are, the more we can support each other to navigate some really challenging scenarios.
Thanks to our team and friends at Positivist Group for sharing their stories.
Let’s break the stigma – make real change – one small, courageous, moment at a time.
