We’re All Just Walking Each Other Home
In a world that feels like too much, showing up for each other matters more than ever.
People are struggling. I’ve been hearing about more and more people going through it - friends, friends of friends, people in my community. Burnout. Illness. Deep mental health spirals. Overdoses. It feels like things are getting harder, not easier. And sadly, the world isn’t exactly handing out safety nets right now. With the political climate rewriting the rules on empathy, and marginalized groups carrying an even heavier load, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or helpless. If you’re like me, you probably often feel powerless.
But here’s the thing: we are not helpless. We’ve got each other. And that means more than it ever has before.
Psychologists, spiritual teachers, and even the Surgeon General agree on one thing: real connection can literally save lives. Johann Hari reminds us that “the opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety, it’s connection.” Dr. Vivek Murthy has called loneliness a public health crisis, noting that just one meaningful interaction a day can lower stress and boost your immune system. Simon Sinek swears by the power of simply spending eight undistracted minutes with someone. And Thich Nhat Hanh says “the most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention.” But I think Ram Dass said it best:
“We’re all just walking each other home.”
You don’t have to fix anyone’s life. You don’t need to have the answers. Just show up with presence and love.
The Science of Connection
Let’s take a quick detour into the science of it all, because as much as I love a good spiritual quote, it’s also helpful to know that scientists back this up.
Humans are wired for connection…literally. Our nervous systems are built to regulate in relationship with others. This is a concept known as co-regulation. When you sit with a friend who makes you feel safe, your body responds. Your heart rate slows, your stress hormones drop, and your whole system says, “Okay, maybe I’m not being chased by a lion right now.”
Just being in someone’s kind, grounded presence can help shift your body out of fight-or-flight and into something closer to peace.
Connection doesn’t just feel good, it keeps us alive. Studies show that regular social interaction is linked to stronger immunity, better sleep, reduced anxiety and depression, and even a longer lifespan.
And here’s the best part: it doesn’t take much. You don’t need to be a therapist or a healer or Oprah. You just need to show up imperfectly, casually, and consistently.
Why it Feels Hard to Reach Out
Reaching out sounds simple, but it’s not always easy.
Sometimes we worry we’ll say the wrong thing, or that we’ll interrupt someone’s day, or that we’ll make things weird. It can feel awkward to suddenly say, “Hey, I don’t know what to say, but I just wanted to check on you.” Vulnerability is hard. But it matters more than you think.
A 2022 study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people consistently underestimate how much their small gestures (like a quick text or call) actually mean to others. You might feel like you’re being annoying or awkward, but the person on the receiving end often feels seen, remembered, and cared for.
Even if you fumble your words.
Even if you’re late to the check-in party.
Even if it’s just a “Hey, I thought of you today. Hope you’re okay.”
It counts. It will land.
So if it feels hard, you’re not doing it wrong. You’re just being human. And being human is kind of the whole point.
Easy Ways to Check In
If you're wondering how to reach out without making it a whole thing, I got you. It may be obvious, but sometimes we just need a little reminder. Here are a few simple ways to check in:
The 10-Second Text: “Hey, I’ve been thinking about you. No need to reply.”
Voice Note: Send a short audio message saying you love them — maybe toss in something silly. People just want to hear your voice.
Pick up the phone: I know we don’t do this anymore, but sometimes it’s what we need.
The Simon Sinek 8-Minute Hang: Put your phone down and give someone eight full minutes of presence — on a walk, a call, FaceTime, whatever.
Send a Meme: Sometimes a perfectly timed meme says what your heart can’t.
Set a Reminder: Put two people on your calendar each week to check in with. Keep it simple.
Old-School Mail: Send a letter, a postcard, or a silly sticker. Physical mail can be so unexpected and sweet.
A Loving Nudge
So here is your gentle nudge from me to you:
Reach out to someone today. Not because you have the right words. Not because you’ve solved their problems. Not because it’s a grand gesture. Just because you care and they might need to hear it more than you know.
A text. A voice note. A meme. A minute of eye contact. Eight minutes of real presence. Whatever you’ve got, give it. Let it be messy, casual, imperfect, real. Let it be human.
We’re not here to fix each other. We’re here to walk each other home. And maybe laugh a little along the way.
So check in on your people. Be the friend who shows up.
And if you’re the one who needs that check-in?
This is it.
I see you.
I’m glad you’re here.
Keep going.
We’ve got each other.
You put this so plain and simple. I love it. And I love the solutions you offer :)
"We’re not here to fix each other. We’re here to walk each other home." Yes! That's it and that is all. I love the simplicity of this reminder. It's connection that will get us through the ups and downs of our unpredictable lives. And connecting with you earlier this week meant the world to me! Keep reminding us about the goodness in the world!