How to get in touch with real life … and yourself

By Monica Vest Wheeler

Have you ever felt so connected with the world — thanks to technology — but feel so isolated?

Yes, the Internet and all those cat videos are an amazing phenomenon to behold and indulge in, but do they truly connect you to "real life"?

We are sooooooooo craving social interaction — which we think is happening in our corner of the universe or coffee shop or home computer. We're seeking validation — which we think is happening when we click "like" or add a comment or agree with someone in social media.

Remember the "old" Yellow Pages slogan, "Let your fingers do the walking"? With our smartphones, tablets and computers, we're walkin' all over the world to meet and greet others electronically … while at the same time walking away from real human contact.

In the last dozen years, I've learned much about the power of touch … how it eases all kinds of pain, visible and invisible … Nearly all the folks I've encountered, especially those affected by brain-related injuries, illnesses and disease — AND their caregivers — need touch more than ever.

You can't begin to imagine the number of people in this world — no matter their ordinary or extra-ordinary challenges — who have and could emotionally heal, find physical strength, discover mental courage, be reunited with their spiritual self, and simply be comforted … all though the touch of hands.

Reach out to someone and simply rest your hand on theirs.

Don't pull back immediately or even after a few seconds.

Let your skin absorb the texture of theirs … the similarities and differences … the rough and weathered and the smooth and firm …

Be empowered by this unique bond and feel that person's life force merge with yours. It happens, it really does!

That connection WILL transform your emotional well-being … and may, in fact, give you some super "well-being" you need so much.

And you know what? You may simply cry. The tears may fall unexpectedly … or a genuine sob may erupt … because you need to release them. Stop trying to hide them. You could saturate a single-ply or overflow a bucket. There's no minimum or limit …

You just need to admit you're human, especially when it seems like the world expects you to be so much more … and true feelings are the clearest path to and the greatest validation of that glorious state …