Bravely Connected

Have you ever been in a situation where you’re talking with someone—maybe a friend, a colleague, or a collaborator—and suddenly, they disappear? You’ve been ghosted. You message them, but they don’t get back to you. You try to reach out, but they’re nowhere to be found. It’s frustrating, right? And yet, if I’m honest, I’ve probably done the same thing myself. There are reasons why we ghost.

Why Do We Ghost?

Fear of Others’ Responses: When we ghost or lie, it’s often because we’re afraid of getting into trouble. We don’t want to make someone else uncomfortable or tell a truth that might hurt them. We fear being judged or misunderstood.

I remember a time when I was working a job as a young person. Whenever I called in sick, I was treated like I was lying. I felt judged, misunderstood, and guilty, making me hesitant to call in sick again. Experiences like these can shut us down, leading us to avoid communication to escape potential negative responses.

Misunderstanding and Self-Preservation: When I don’t feel understood, my mind feels foggy. I can’t see things clearly, including myself and others. This misunderstanding builds defenses, leading me to back off when I feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Many of us are quick to notice when others ghost or lie to us, but we often overlook our own actions.

Self-awareness is a key component of emotional intelligence. The more emotionally intelligent we are, the more authentic and honest we can be in our relationships. We all desire integrity from others, but it’s challenging to maintain our own when faced with the same triggers as everyone else.

How Can We Communicate Clearly and Kindly?

Reflect on Your Own Actions: Think about the last time you might have ghosted someone. What were the reasons? Often, it’s easier to say nothing when we feel we have no capacity to engage. However, a simple, honest message explaining your situation can prevent misunderstandings.

Understand Your Defenses: When we feel misunderstood, we often become defensive, protecting ourselves rather than seeking connection. This self-preservation mode can damage relationships, as it prioritizes our own safety over connection.

Recognize Your Motives: No one knows your intentions except you. Your actions communicate your motives. If you intend to maintain a connection but end up ghosting or lying, your actions contradict your intentions, leading to disconnection.

Embrace Vulnerability: Being vulnerable can feel like weakness, but it’s actually a strength. Clear communication builds trust, the foundation of any relationship. Trust allows people to feel safe and connected.

Practical Steps for Better Communication

1. Self-Awareness: Notice your desired response without judgment. Become curious about your reactions and understand what’s underneath them.
2. Honesty: Commit to honesty, even if it might upset or confuse the other person. Stand in your integrity, even when misunderstood.
3. Clear Communication: Practice clear and kind communication. This builds trust and maintains connections.
4. Recognize Emotional Signals: Pay attention to your body’s signals when you feel anxious or stressed about communication. These signals are indicators of deeper issues.
5. Address Emotional Triggers: Understand that behaviors and emotions are often reactions to past experiences. Address these triggers to avoid projecting them onto current relationships.

In our personal and professional relationships, valuing clear communication and trust is crucial. We need to keep connections open and honest, even when it’s difficult. When we prioritize connection and trust, we create healthier, more meaningful relationships.

Conclusion

Ghosting and miscommunication are common, but by embracing self-awareness, honesty, and vulnerability, we can navigate these challenges more effectively. Keep showing up, be honest with yourself and others, and maintain integrity in your relationships. By doing so, you’ll foster trust and connection, even in the face of misunderstandings and challenges.

It is officially RELEASED! My 45 day audio/journal experience is ready for YOU! Based off of my Bring Them Closer book series, I realized that the one person we often don’t bring close is ourselves. In order to see our relationships thrive, I need to thrive on the inside first. I’ve learned this through many hardships in our family and marriage. In this journey, I hold nothing back. I share everything I’ve learned to now be free in myself, my marriage, and my relationships 

 At the end of the 45 days you will be able to: 

• create a peaceful world inside of you, even when the world around you isn’t. 

• develop boundaries that work 

• develop the skill to not allow others moods to affect yours 

• let go of unrealistic expectations of others 

• walk away from toxic relationships 

• repair meaningful relationships when they have been damaged 
• How it works: Each day there is a 7 minute audio where I share one strategy that has helped me develop all of these skills myself personally. You can listen to these audios on a walk, a road trip, at the beach, at the gym, or on your couch sipping your coffee. I have a PDF journal I send to go along with each day. These 45 days could change your life. I’m serious. It can. It’s changed mine 

 Summer is the perfect time for this. It’s the time to take a step back, slow down, and enjoy a more restful season. It is also an incredible time to take care of your inner world. It’s a time where you can find this brave, strong YOU before the craziness of fall hits again

All you have to do is do the audio/journal experience, and book your one hour personal coaching session with me I look forward to journeying with you this summer! Here’s to your brave journey! Get your brave belonging by clicking here and I’ll send you the audios and journal.