Wellness Edition: Creating Meaningful Connection and Reigniting Curiosity

Are you running around frantically just going through the motions of one kid event to the next holiday party to the next family member's arrival without really taking a breath or enjoying any of it? You are not alone! We brought in one of our favorite entrepreneur friends, Ashley Gould, to speak to human connection and how to foster it more deeply, especially during the chaos of the holidays. Catch the full conversation ⬇️ It's only 10 minutes, and you will surely walk away with a refreshed perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you create meaningful connection during a busy holiday season?

The key is intentionality over quantity. Limit yourself to one group or one gathering per day so you can be fully present. Start with the person you feel most connected to in order to set a warm tone. Ask genuine questions, listen deeply, and resist the urge to fill every silence with your own stories.

Why do the holidays feel lonely even when surrounded by people?

Surface-level interaction—rushing from event to event, making small talk, performing holiday cheer—can actually intensify loneliness because it highlights the absence of real connection. The antidote is slowing down and choosing depth over breadth: fewer gatherings, more presence, more curiosity about the people in front of you.

What is reigniting curiosity and why does it improve relationships?

Curiosity is asking questions you genuinely don’t know the answer to and listening to learn, not just to respond. When you approach people—even family you’ve known for decades—with curiosity, you discover new dimensions of them and create the conditions for real connection. It’s one of the simplest and most powerful relational tools available.

How can I stay connected with people I love throughout the year, not just at holidays?

Build small rituals of connection into your calendar: monthly check-in calls, a regular walk with a friend, a book club, or even a simple voice memo to someone you’re thinking of. Connection doesn’t require grand gestures—it requires consistent small moments of genuine attention and care.

How does self-care enable better connection with others?

You cannot pour genuine presence, warmth, or curiosity from an empty cup. When you’re depleted, connection becomes transactional—you’re going through the motions rather than actually showing up. Building non-negotiable self-care into the holiday season—even 20 minutes of quiet—replenishes the energy and emotional bandwidth needed to truly connect.