🌸 Rebuilding Connection: When You Feel Disconnected from Everyone (Including Yourself)

By Sarah Bishop
Mental Strength and Resilience Coach
Founder of Toil and Remedies

💫 The Silent Drift That Steals Your Spark

Ever felt like you’re surrounded by people but still feel lonely?
Like you’re doing all the things—school runs, work, carer duties, NDIS meetings—but inside you’re running on empty?

You’re not alone.

Disconnection doesn’t always come with warning bells. Sometimes it sneaks in quietly, disguised as busyness, overwhelm, or just plain survival mode.

And for those of us juggling caring roles, NDIS responsibilities, and our own health?

👉 Connection—real connection—can feel like a luxury we can’t afford.

But here’s the truth: connection is not a luxury. It’s a lifeline. One we need to prioritise if we want to keep showing up for others and ourselves.

🌿 Step 1: Start With Yourself (Yes, You Matter Too)

Before you reconnect with others, you have to check in with you.

When was the last time you felt heard—by yourself?

✨ Whether it’s five minutes of journaling, a quiet cuppa outside, or just noticing how you’re really feeling—this is step one.

💡 Your relationship with yourself sets the tone for every other connection.

👭 Step 2: Pick One Person to Reconnect With

Instead of trying to rebuild every friendship at once (hello overwhelm), choose one person. Someone you feel safe with.

Send a message, plan a coffee catch-up, or even just voice-note:
“Hey, I miss you.”

Genuine connection isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality.
And one solid connection can light up your entire week.

🕊 Step 3: Build Micro-Moments Into Your Routine

Connection doesn’t need to be a big event.

• A 10-minute chat with your teen

• A laugh with your partner while cooking

• A check-in with a participant or team member in your NDIS work

🌷 These micro-moments add up and fill your cup. Look for them. Make space for them.

🌸 Step 4: Create Shared Joy

Do something fun together.

Whether it’s:

• Crocheting on the couch with your daughter

• Starting a Conqueror Challenge with a mate

• Walking the dog with a neighbour

Shared activities create shared memories. These moments nurture connection even when words don’t come easily.

💖 Gentle Reminders

“Connection is why we’re here. It’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.” – Brené Brown

“Sometimes, reaching out and taking someone’s hand is the beginning of a journey.” – Vera Nazarian

🌼 You Deserve to Feel Held, Too

If you’ve been feeling disconnected lately, you’re not broken. You’re just running low.

Life as a carer, an NDIS worker, or someone navigating your own disability is no small feat. But you deserve connection too.

So, what’s one small thing you can do today to plug back in—to yourself and someone else?

✨ Connection doesn’t have to be grand. It just needs to be true.
✨ Start small. Start now.
✨ You are worth it.

🌷 In a world where you can be anything, be someone who listens.

By Sarah Bishop
Mental Strength and Resilience Coach at Toil and Remedies
Empowering women to navigate disability, caregiving, and personal growth through resilience coaching and personalised healing programmes with NDIS support.