Connection and Community 

Hello friends. It’s a very difficult time for many people right now with another lock down and the impact of COVID-19 across the globe.  ​We must come together to combat coronavirus isolation. It’s the only way. By now, we hopefully all know the rules and yet, it is new and tricky territory. Self-isolate, quarantine, social distancing. Who would have thought nearly a year would pass and not a lot has changed.  

I feel blessed to live in a country that I trust is doing its best to keep us safe and informed. Having the vaccination rolled out shines some light at the end of the tunnel. And yet, the rumour mill and media are doing what they do best: creating a frenzy (whether intentional or unintentional doesn’t matter.) That is to say, the frenzy can create a panic, fear and detrimental consequences to so many.

As we continue adjusting to this different way of life and work, our sense of isolation remains and I believe connection is essential in our lives. I'd like to try to fill that gap in some way by coming together online and supporting each other with what we want to achieve.  To carry on and do our jobs and run our businesses (where that is possible). To support each other. To connect with each other.

I’ve always been fortunate to have a global community of professionals in my world. As a result, I’ve been part of the trend for online learning and meetings.

Connection is essential

With a continued need to work from home and create social distance, people are open to fostering an environment of connection by any means available. You see, connection is essential. It is a human need. Countless studies have proven it.

In 2013, distinguished social psychologist and neuroscientist Matthew Lieberman wrote his book, ‘Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect‘ to prove why relationships are a central part of a flourishing life. In short, he confirms what Aristotle asserted long ago in his Politics:  
"Man is by nature a social animal... Anyone who either cannot leads the common life or is so self-sufficient as not to need to, and therefore does not partake of society, is either  beast or a god."

In other words, the time was right to bring virtual connection to my community and I'm delighted to still share this opportunity with you - to share a wave of support and burst of productivity and plain, to spread the love.

Why bother?

So many reasons. We have already covered that connection is essential. Many of us are spending a huge amount of time online - back to back meetings, family quizzes, etc. That doesn't mean we feel any less isolated. 

People are still feel isolated right now due to fears from the new strain of the coronavirus or challenges from the global economy. Or both. Perhaps lacking motivation and focus while either working from home or in an office. Or you could just be feeling stuck.

Remember – I believe connection is essential and it'll be some time before we are gathering in person again, so we can continue to come together virtually. Through the support of an online co-working session, we can help alleviate the aloneness, amp up our individual productivity and hold each other accountable. Quite simply, it is coming together virtually for community, connection, support and accountability. 

What does online co-working look like?

In my world, we come together via the Zoom platform. If new to Zoom, you'll want to watch this short video and you’ll also want to connect a few minutes before the session start time to download the app and ensure things are working for you.

I will start us off with a quick welcome and check-in. Then we break out into focused ‘head down’ time for each of us to work on a project or task of our choice for about 20 minutes. It could be related to work or your self-care – again, your call. Here are some ideas to ignite your thought process: clean out your email inbox, map out a strategy for a big project, food prep for the week’s meals, write in your journal.

We will then do a check-in to celebrate successes, support each other, get a cup of tea, have a stretch or whatever you need. Then it's time to work on your next task. More ‘head down’ time to work on whatever you choose for a further 20  minutes.

We wrap up with a celebration of our successes. We will then do a check-in to discuss challenges and share knowledge, to celebrate successes, support each other and close with a little inspiration and a shout out of gratitude!

I recommend that you minimise distractions to give yourself the gift of focused time. Turn off your text, phone, emails if able to do so, and if you have a busy household currently, ask them to not disturb you for an hour.  

This session is FREE and is simply meant to bring everyone together to be connected, supported and productive.

When and how can I join in?

I’m hosting a weekly Online Co-working Session every Monday from 10:00 to 11.00am.

All sessions are FREE, no RSVP is necessary. Pop it in your calendar and then just click the button below a few minutes before the beginning of the session. 
​If you want to receive a reminder of the session every week, which includes the link, you can do that here:
Your can unsubscribe at any time.

Some guidelines to get the most out of it

  • We are all in this together so be brave and join us. This is a safe, casual and comfortable shared space.
  • You will have the option to be on camera so we can create a virtual office environment. Seeing our smiling faces (and those focused on tasks during the work spurts) are all part of the experience that helps us to feel less alone.
  • Although I will share some inspirational thoughts at the end, this is not a workshop or learning opportunity.  This is a co-working space.
  • For you to get the most out of this, please consider shutting down devices and email so you can power work without interruption. 
  • Please SHARE THIS with anyone that might like to join us.  It is not restricted in any way so everyone from anywhere can take part.

If you have any questions...

​Reach out to me here. 
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Let’s all do our part and come together to combat coronavirus isolation and to create connection and community to help us through it all.
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To sum up, if you want to know more about who is hosting these events you can check me out right here. I want to do my part to create connection and community during this time of communal overwhelm.

With love and gratitude to Tara Mohr for the idea (I am lucky enough to be participating in her facilitator's training for Playing Big for a second time!) and Cathy Goddard for her support and push to get this set up. Thank you ladies x

Contact Us

Please do reach out if I can support you in any way, particularly in this challenging and uncertain times. 

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