In today's episode, Kelley and Casey wanted to talk about connection since we're so close to Valentine's Day. So we decided to talk about what every person needs in their lives, whether you're in a relationship or not – friendship!! Having a place to belong and people to connect with are crucial to our health, well-being, and growth as individuals. We can't go it alone. We explore the staggering statistics behind depression, suicide, and being "together but apart" in our technology driven society. It can be a lonely world, but it doesn't have to be. We explore a few easy ways to foster connection and grow friendships (new or old) in our lives. Having friends by our side is what makes life so meaningful and worthwhile, so let's cultivate friendships together for a more purposeful life lived together!

//Time Stamps//

00:00: Welcome

00:25: What Casey is loving

03:43: What Kelley is loving

04:55: Digging into the meat of the episode

05:38: Together but apart

07:25: Epidemic of loneliness

08:02: Belonging is a basic human need!

11:31: We know making & keeping friends can be hard

12:30: 4 easy, low energy ways to build connection & grow friendships

23:28: Closing thoughts

// Resources Mentioned in this Episode //

– Try Softer by Aundi Kolber

– The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

– Hand Lettering Worksheets from Etsy

– How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

– How to Host a Book Swap

// Connect with Us //

— Subscribe to the Cultivate What Matters Podcast: on iOS, go to our iTunes page and click subscribe. On Android, click this podcast RSS feed link and choose your podcast app. If needed, you can copy this link directly into your favorite podcast app (like Stitcher or Overcast). Or follow us on Spotify! You can also subscribe to our podcast monthly newsletter here!

— We would love it if you took a few minutes to leave us an iTunes review to help spread the word about Cultivate What Matters! We want to invite more women into our conversations!

— Visit cultivatewhatmatters.com for delightful resources to help you design a more intentional life.

— Subscribe to the Cultivate What Matters newsletter here and receive free intentional living resources in your inbox.

— Like Cultivate What Matters on Facebook.

— Follow @CultivateWhatMatters on Instagram for all things Cultivate What Matters!