A few weeks ago, as I was pulling down my street, I passed my neighbors walking, something they do daily. This day, they invited me along and I gave a resounding YES! I parked the car and stepped into stride with my 70-year-old neighbors for a stroll around the loop of our street. This walk for one of my neighbors was part of his healing journey after battling some pretty significant health challenges earlier this year.
As we rounded the second loop all together, our third neighbor dropped back into her yard, and I asked, let’s call him Dee, who still had a loop left if he’d like for me to continue walking with him and he said “Sure, I’d love the company.”
While we walked on, Dee shared something that struck a chord, resonating deeply with the ethos of Buddi Brand Inc., he said, “I don’t really have a lot of friends. I mean, I have one or two, but not many. It’s just kind of who I am, but I could have never made it through my friends in the neighborhood helping me. They’ve shown up for me, helped me, supported me, walked with me. It’s really changed me. I didn’t know how much I needed the social connection.” He had no idea I’d founded a company with a mission for exactly that, or that at my deepest core, community and social connection fuel me.
US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy says in an interview with Nextdoor CEO Sarah Friar, “building a greater connection doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as people going over to introduce themselves or inviting others over to their homes for a neighborhood gathering…”
This moment of reflection brought to light the invaluable role of social connections in navigating the complexities of health and wellness. It wasn’t just the physical act of walking that propelled him forward; it was the unwavering support and the collective strength of his friends and neighbors that nurtured his spirit and body back to health.
Embracing and nurturing social connections creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond individual wellbeing. It fosters a sense of community, belonging, and collective resilience, emotional support, aids in stress management, accelerates the healing process, and contributes significantly to our overall sense of happiness. Studies have consistently highlighted the benefits of strong social ties, including reduced risks of mental health issues, lower blood pressure, and increased longevity.
By opening ourselves to the support and care of others, we not only enhance our own wellness but also contribute to the social health of our communities. This interconnectedness of social wellness, health, and connection is the foundation upon which thriving communities are built.
Call to connect:
We challenge you to take action to create neighborhood connections this week. Introduce yourself to a neighbor you haven’t met yet, reconnect with one you haven’t spoken to in a while, or invite a neighbor on a walk.
Welcome a stronger sense of community and connection right where you live.
Buddi Brand Inc. is excited to offer a portfolio of products & services that foster social connection. Check out our portfolio >