Brief summary of episode: In this episode, Courtney Settle joins the conversation to discuss The Season of Loneliness and Finding Ways to Work Through the Loneliness of The Wintertime Blues. Some people have difficulty acknowledging loneliness because they think they are perceived as weak or unable to get their needs met. We are human and therefore wired for connection with others. After living through a period of social distancing recently, many people found themselves feeling more alone than ever. Loneliness effects on health: Loneliness kills. It cultivates depression and can lead to health issues and premature death. Studies suggest there is an association between loneliness and cardiovascular disease and mortality. About Guest Courtney Settle Barber for 14 years and Owner of The Experience Barbershop Pastor of One Worship for 10 Years https://www.facebook.com/1WorshipNow Topic #1 Loneliness is an emotion we feel when we feel disconnected. Topic #2 Loneliness can represent a desire to be attached to something or someone. Topic #3 Ways to Work Through Loneliness Be proactive and Intentional About Your Connections, Avoid Desperation Energy, Make Plan to Make Plans Take a Chance: Create a Routine for Yourself, Create an Anchor in Connection, Learn to be in the, Present Moment Guard Your Peace CONCLUSION It’s important that we figure out what our love language is, and what our companion’s love language is, or we risk becoming two lonely parties in a relationship. Having the courage to let people know we need to feel seen, heard and be valued is what makes us feel connected. Where the name Stopping the Chase comes from: We chase people, places, and things that we think will make us happy, but the things that make us happy must be cultivated from the inside out. Stopping the Chase helps people sort through complex emotions and figure out what they’ve been chasing and equips them with useful tools to work through them. List of resources, suggested materials, affiliate links, and social media: Stopping the Chase Website: www.stoppingthechase.com Facebook: Stopping the Chase Instagram: @stoppingthechase Podcast: Bougie Black Therapist Youtube: Bougie Black Therapist Call to action Newsletter sign-up E-course registration Shareable link to episode ORIGINAL WAYS TO WORK THROUGH LONLINESS BEFORE I STRIPPED THEM DOWN: Be proactive and intentional about your connections Make it a point to check in with friends. Loneliness happens over a period and can creep up on us, especially with the holidays approaching. Avoid Desperation Energy: It's ok to desire a relationship, just don't allow a Season or to dictate decisions you make. Make Plan to Make Plans: Make plans and invite people out. Initiate contact sometimes. Take a Chance: Everybody wants to be chased, but nobody wants to be the chaser. Have the courage to reach out and let someone know you are available and/or interested in them. Create a routine for yourself: Consider joining a gym, church or other meet up groups that meet or involve regular activities. Create an anchor in connection: Create a connection where you talk to someone every on a certain day of the week. Learn how to be in the present moment: Allow yourself to be in a funk when you realize you're in a funk. The feelings should be able to move through you.