Ever found yourself in a tight spot and realized you’re flying solo? This week, we dive into the importance of having a solid emergency contact list, especially when you’re living that single life. I share a wild story about a close encounter with a deer while driving home from a hike in the dark—talk about an adrenaline rush! It got me thinking about how being single can sometimes leave you feeling a bit invisible and how crucial it is to keep connections alive. So, let’s chat about building our communities, checking in on each other, and why it’s nice to let someone know where you are—even if it's just to say, “Hey, I’m still alive!” Join me as we tackle these thoughts and wrap up with this week's Glow Up Challenge to foster those connections in our lives.

The adventure begins with a hike that turns into a near-miss with a deer—cue the adrenaline! I was driving back home after a lovely day at Starved Rock, enjoying the serene Illinois countryside when BAM! Suddenly I’m slamming on the brakes, and it got me thinking about a little something we often overlook: our emergency contacts. Being single has its perks, but it can also mean that if something happens, there might not be anyone checking in on us. I realized that while I love doing life solo, it’s crucial to build our community and keep those connections alive. It’s not just about avoiding deer collisions; it’s also about making sure someone knows where we are and what we’re doing. So let’s chat about strategies for staying connected, whether it’s a quick text or a spontaneous plan to hang out with a friend. Because at the end of the day, it’s all about finding the right balance between independence and connection, and I’ll give you some tips on how to do just that!

Takeaways:

• It's crucial to let someone know your whereabouts when you're out and about, especially if you're single.
• Driving home late at night can be dangerous, especially in rural areas with little light.
• Independence is great, but connection with friends and family is equally important for safety.
• A close call with a deer made me realize the importance of having an emergency contact list.
• Building a community is vital; it helps ensure someone knows if you're missing or in trouble.
• Checking in on friends can strengthen relationships and prevent feelings of isolation or invisibility.