Episode 135: How to Avoid the Loneliness Epidemic with Small Packages’ Julie Schechter

The Surgeon General has pointed to a loneliness epidemic. Losing your support group is the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. We have to invest in our relationships. ~ Julie Schechter How many Facebook friends do you have? How about Instagram followers? What's your count of LinkedIn connections? Isn't it amazing to have so many friends? If you're on social media, odds are you have thousands of "friends." But how many of those are people whom you really know, and who know you? Even with so many connections, we can still feel isolated and alone. Our real relationships often get lost in the shuffle as we forget birthdays, anniversaries, or even making a phone call (???!!!) to let someone know we're thinking of them. Julie Schechter reminds us that our relationships are the most important parts of our lives, impacting both our mental and physical health. The former ballet dancer and lawyer wants to help us reconnect with those we care about through her company Small Packages. Julie began her values-based business after realizing that she herself was missing out on her relationships, and admitting that she needed a way to let those she cared about know she was thinking of them. By building a business with intention (97% of Julie's products come from small suppliers), Julie encourages people to send small gift packages (pre-packaged or personally chosen) to loved ones as a tangible reminder that we care–especially appreciated in our electronic world. Here at Brilliantly Resilient, we know the value of a tribe. Be sure to nurture your relationships, both personal and professional, and show appreciation for the "real" people in your life. Tune in to learn more about Julie here, and be sure to learn more on this week's podcast! Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together! XO, KS & MFB