No Wo(man) Is an Island—Why Social Connection Is Good for Wellness AND Business
By Neema Black, “The Non-Judgmental Vegan™,” Holistic Health and Wellness Coach at harmonicsoulwellness.com
Did you know that July is Social Wellness Month? The term “Social Wellness” refers to the quality of our relationships and the ways we interact with others. It turns out that human connection is as vital as food and water—it regulates stress, boosts immunity, and enhances joy. This month is a beautiful invitation to strengthen your relationships and community ties. It’s also a great time to do a relationship inventory.
Every year, at least once a year, I go through my closets and dresser drawers, seeing what still resonates, and pulling out the things that I want to donate. It is such a freeing process, and I always feel better afterwards. Inevitably, I’ll come across something that I’m not quite ready to part with yet—you know the ones: “this is too cute and one day this will fit,” or the “I might have an occasion to wear this one day,” items that take up space, but aren’t benefiting me currently.
The same analogy can be used for outdated relationships that may have occupied your life at one time but are no longer enriching. It is not harsh or callous to suggest that it’s the quality of relationships that matter, more than the quantity. (I’m not recommending that you donate people to charity!) We need healthy relationships to bring about the benefits described above and sometimes there’s a strong reluctance to let go of people, especially those we’ve known for a long time, even if we no longer have things in common, or we may have grown in different directions.
One thing that happens when you’re building a business is that you realize you need LOTS of encouragement. And I have found that unless you are surrounded by other women who are building businesses, the conversations can make you question yourself or challenge your belief in what you’re doing. It can feel lonely and isolating. I can recall a time when I had a falling out with a friend because she wanted me to keep pursuing a venture that she had “approved of,” rather than pivoting to something that felt more aligned to me in that season of my life. I learned that even people who seemingly supported you in the past might shift that support when it no longer fits with their vision for you.
That’s where The Prosper Network comes in. There’s nothing like being connected with women who want to see you win, who enhance your feelings of belonging, and who respect your perspectives and identify with your struggles—women who can be mirrors, reflecting the entrepreneurial journey with clarity and understanding.
So, if you don’t currently have a social circle AND a business circle that makes you feel supported, seen, and accepted—in all of your iterations, I encourage you to come join me and other heart-centered businesswomen inside The Prosper Network.
Neema Black is a multi-passionate creative and Holistic Health & Wellness Coach on a mission to guide women to transform their lives into a harmonious, vibrant, joyride through plant-based eating and empowerment.
Learn more at harmonicsoulwellness.com
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