The Importance of Belonging: Insights from Grant Wattie

Have you ever felt lonely, like you just didn’t fit in anywhere? Well, being lonely can be really bad for your health, almost like smoking a lot of cigarettes every day. It’s weird, right? We all know smoking is bad, but we don’t talk much about how being lonely can hurt us too.

Being close to others and having friends is something we all need, deep down. It’s not just about having fun or someone to talk to. It’s about feeling safe and like we’re a part of something. Even when people are married, they can still feel lonely, which shows it’s not about just having someone around, but about really connecting with them.

When I was a little kid, about 6, I felt lonely for the first time. I was excited to go to school and play with other kids, but when I tried to join in, they didn’t want me to. That hurt, and it made me scared to join groups or talk to people. I felt like I didn’t belong, and that feeling followed me around like a shadow.

Even at work, people can feel lonely. Imagine your boss telling you that you’re not doing well because you took some days off or because you have a family to take care of. That would make anyone feel pretty bad and left out.

But here’s the thing: when we feel like we belong, we do better at our jobs, we’re happier, and we don’t want to leave our jobs. It’s amazing how just feeling included can change so much.

So, what can we do about it? It’s about seeing people for who they are, not just what they can do for us or their job. We’ve got to really listen and connect with each other. It makes a huge difference.

I learned this the hard way. After traveling a lot for work, I realized I was missing out on time with my family. My daughter asking me why I was always away hit me hard. I needed to change. Making friends with my neighbor, just by sharing some cookies, taught me how important it is to connect with people right around us. That friendship made me happier and even got me a special award!

So, I want to tell you: it’s okay to feel lonely, but we can do something about it. Look around you. Someone else might be feeling the same way. Talk to them, spend time with your family, and make sure the people you care about know it.

Let’s not wait. Let’s start making everyone feel like they belong, right now. It starts with us, at home, and spreads everywhere. We can make the world a kinder, more connected place. Just remember, we all have the power to make a difference in someone’s life. Let’s use it and make sure no one feels left out.