Time to Invest ...!

“The true currency of social connection is not simply social proximity, but rather vulnerability, empathy, and focused attention.”     Vivek Murthy, MD (former Surgeon General)  

Recently, many colleagues have shared that they are starting to feel the psychological impact of “social distancing.”  Indeed, they are paradoxically feeling socially and physically “distanced” from their social circles and at the same time often feeling socially and physically suffocated while spending longer periods of time with the people they “thought” they knew so well!

 This challenging time provides a wonderful opportunity to invest in important relationships.  In his quote, Dr. Murthy provides 3 essential ingredients needed for that to happen; vulnerability, empathy, and focused attention.  As you connect with those around you, are you willing to lower your “psychological armor” just a bit more?  How might you be more curious as to how they are feeling while also sharing more of your own feelings, some of which may be uncomfortable or unusual?  And could you, amid many internal and external distractions, practice being more fully present for them?

 In the coming weeks, take advantage of this time to better get to know those in your life, including your PeerRx partner.  The dividends that result from your well-invested currency of social connection have the potential to be … priceless ….