REAL TALK

LET ME KNOW WHAT DO YOU THINK...

Time…

Time is so precious, and many of us don’t realize how we spend it. I’ve had a lot happen since my last intubation in 2025. That was intubation number 19 (I think it might be more), and it’s taken me some time to get situated and back on track. I’ll be honest—I’m still not where I was, but I work every day to get back to the comfortable, routine life that I love.

What I’ve noticed is that we all live on social media, and we’ve slowly lost connection with each other.

I was on a flight, and it was amazing to connect with a gentleman. I was quite shocked to receive an email from him afterward—just saying hello and thanking me for the brief conversation we had.

Kelly is a great friend. Even though we’ve only seen each other once, our conversations always end with laughter and a smile.

Being able to engage in conversations nowadays is so refreshing, and I hope this blog is read by many who understand the importance of connecting.

Did you know your brain’s auditory cortex immediately decodes sound waves? Did you also know that familiar voices activate specific areas of the brain, increasing activity in the brain’s beta band? (Beta waves are brainwaves produced by synchronized neuron firing. The main bands are gamma, beta, alpha, theta, and delta.)

So imagine how cool it is to hear someone’s voice over the phone and have all these waves activated in your nervous and auditory system—versus a text.

I have a great cousin, Ivonne. Although we don’t speak all the time, she’s always there to listen and make you feel heard and welcomed when a suggestion is made.

Did you know that being heard when you’re crying is crucial because it validates your emotional pain? It also fosters social connection and reduces anxiety and feelings of isolation, allowing the brain to transition from a high-stress “fight or flight” state to a calmer parasympathetic state.

Another person who is always there is Jacklyn, my daughter-in-law. She gives the best advice and listens in confidence. Did you know that having diverse friends—people you associate with who have different tones of voice and listening styles—can strengthen cognitive flexibility, emotional intelligence, and brain health?

I also have my son’s girlfriend, who observes everything and gives a great, detailed written explanation of things, but isn’t one to do a lot of talking.

Thania is a friend who gives great hugs. If you didn’t know, after about 6 seconds, a hug can trigger the brain to release “feel-good” neurotransmitters that lower stress hormones. Getting a hug from her is heaven. She’s also the friend who shows love and care through acts of service, and that is amazing to have.

Then we have Mags. Mags is amazing—laughing with her activates the brain’s reward system, releasing endorphins that create social bonding and trust.

This is only a short description of a few people. There are many other important people in my life (and I know you all know who you are).

I just wanted to have a real talk about why it’s important to have the right people in your circle.

I’ve had days when I’ve felt alone, and I’ve had no issue expessing it to my assistant, to my love ones, my sister or I have just taken myself on a quiet retriet for a few days.

I told my daughter-in-law one time, “My heart feels heavy.” She gifted me the simple joy of having my grandson call me through FaceTime. That small act instantly lifted my mood. She’s also said, “Go outside and get some sun.” - That, I did not do!

There are times when it’s important to call a male friend and ask, “How are you doing? How are you feeling?” Giving them the opportunity to vent is a blessing—something engaging and gratifying—and it shows that you care.

This is what I mean when we’re able to connect. We all take time to scroll, from one TikTok to another… so why don’t we take a few minutes to rest our brain and connect with our loved ones—friends, acquaintances, business partners, etc.? - Thru a simple couple of minutes thru a phone call?

Connecting through a phone call can alleviate isolation, and isolation can create anxiety and depression. I’m not saying a call will heal those things, but it can bring joy and happiness—and that alone can change a day, and a moment;

And we live day to day, and one moment at a time.

POST DATA ( BASED ON THE PICTURE PRESENTED) Did you know that elephants exhibit empathy and intelligence?

It's been studied that they show empathy, compassion and self-awareness, including

comforting distressed to there companions. They also are playful and they bond and communicate by touching trunks and resting there trunks in another's elephants mouth; but the most amazing fact is sound and vibration - That consist in using a low frequency infrasound and seismic waves to communicate over long distances....

What do you think?