I’ve been reflecting on the 10 days I spent in Denver for our Live Well Training Week for my LW and SexyFit® Coaches.

Guess what the #1 AHA / learning / favorite thing of the whole week long training was? From almost all participants, including me?

The in person connection.

It wasn’t the awesome business and lifestyle training :)  It wasn’t the health, entrepreneur or personal development training. It wasn’t even the SexyFit® Dance Classes (although that came a close second – music to my ears).

It was the connection and interaction that we all experienced during the 10 days.

So interesting and thought provoking.

Why?  6 years ago I moved my 80% in person business, to an 80% online business. This was a HUGE step in creating a life I loved, as I had always dreamed of living around the world and being able to work from anywhere…from just my laptop.

Doing this meant that my programs and trainings were now 80% online and completely scalable. It meant that all my 1×1 coaching was done over the phone or Skype.  It meant that the 20% remaining ( Create A Life You Love Retreats, teaching SexyFit® Dance and running 1-2 trainings per year ) were basically the only things I did in person.

And I’m SO glad I did it.  I’ve been able to work with many more people than was ever possible previously. I’ve been able to live in unique places, experience new things and evolve. And I love running a business online because it’s the ultimate freedom – working hard, but for myself, on my own terms.

However, it came with a cost:  A loss of connection with real people, in real time, in person.

Don’t get me wrong – I still love being an online entrepreneur and wouldn’t trade it for anything. But ironically, I’ve noticed that the more online I’ve gone and the more freedom I’ve created for myself, the less real and deep connection I’ve fostered.

This may seem very obvious to you, especially because we know Facebook, Instagram and being glued to our phones or laptops all day, isn’t the answer for a fulfilling and soulful life.

But I mean something more than that.  I mean that even when you think you’re living a life you love, creating more freedom and independence, be mindful not to create so much freedom, as to no longer have real connection.

Freedom

+

Connection

We need both.

Without freedom (one of my highest values), I feel suffocated. But without connection, I feel unfulfilled. UN-soulful.

Since I’ve been sharing things that I believe have contributed to my feeling irritable and bitchy for the past year, I suspect a lack of deeper connection with people IN PERSON has been a part of these feelings.

So, on our US trip for the past month to Laguna Beach – Denver – Miami, I’ve been making a concerted effort to connect and catch up with old friends. And damn, it’s felt good.

Thank you.

To every single one of my friends, colleagues and partners that have welcomed me back into your life. THANK YOU for reminding me how how important in person connection is and how good it feels to spend time in person, not just through Facetime and Voxer.

Freedom

+

Connection

How much do you need of both in your own life?

Action Steps:

Do you resonate with this blog?  Have you moved your business more online, only to feel less connected to others?  What are ways that can or have created both more freedom and more connection in your own life?

Share here – the best insights happen in the comments when we share our ideas and strategies. I personally read every single comment and and always respond – I love to hear.

Carmen xo

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