I don’t know about you, but human connection really gets me going. You know when you’re having those mundane days, where everything feels a little grey and monotonous – and then a conversation with a friend or colleague, where you connect over a point or idea, totally transforms your mood and inspires you to throw yourself into things again? That’s what I’m talking about!
As humans, we’re hardwired to make meaningful social connections and those connections make us feel good. And when we feel good, we do good. Then if we share it with the world, it can be truly powerful.
Recently, I attended a company meeting which really struck a chord. The highlight was from a multiple myeloma patient who courageously shared his story, his journey, and what advances in medicine meant to him during his lifetime. It was by far the most gripping 10 minutes I’ve had in the past 12 months.
In those 10 minutes, I felt more connected to him, to all patients, to the company’s ethos, and to my colleagues. It really made me take stock because in these socially-starved times, real connection can be scarce. What was most inspiring about this patient’s story was that he was a voice of passion, a voice of hope. He was an empowered health advocate, using his experience and perspective to inspire others and deliver his message: